This page provides a video archive of presentations at the annual SSEP National Conference by student researchers whose experiments were part of the SSEP Mission 19 to ISS Endeavour experiments payload. Mission 19 to ISS was the twenty-first SSEP flight opportunity.
The Endeavour experiment payload is currently scheduled to launch on SpaceX-34, in April 2026, from NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
For details on the flight profile for Endeavour, see the SSEP Mission 19 to the International Space Station (ISS) page.
Some student flight teams present at more than one annual conference, reporting out status at various stages of the life cycle of a flight experiment. It is also true that not all student flight teams attend a conference. For details on all Endeavour flight experiments, see the Selected Experiments on SSEP Mission 13 to ISS page.
São Paulo, Brazil / Lisbon and Porto, Portugal Team 1
Title: Jambu (Acamella oleracea) Germination from the Future Space Exploration Perspective
Oral Presentation, 11th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2025
Escola SESI Ananindeua – Brazil
Grade levels: 11-12
Type of Experiment: Semi-Finalist Proposal, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: LGabriel Renato Nascimento Santos, Pedro Lucas Calandrini Fernandes de Carvalho, Maria Clara Sousa Medeiros, Mario de Sousa Ramos Neto
Teacher Facilitators: Thiago Almeida Machado, José Wilker Lima da Cunha
Abstract: The study explores the germination of jambu (Acmella oleracea), a plant native to northern Brazil known for its nutritional, medicinal, and culinary value, under microgravity conditions. Due to its high vitamin content and spilanthol-rich composition, jambu can be a candidate for space agriculture. Germination experiment using test tubes and boxes were monitored with a Labdisc Biochem device, which recorded environmental data. Findings support a proposed FME mini-lab experiment for potential applications in future space missions.
São Paulo, Brazil / Lisbon and Porto, Portugal Team 2
Title: Adsorption of Bioactive Factors on Hydroxyapatite
Oral Presentation, 11th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2025
Instituto Alpha Lumen, São José dos Campos, SP – Brazil
Grade level: 10
Type of Experiment: Finalist Proposal, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Cauã Henrique de Souza Santos, Pedro Franklin Andrade de Toledo
Investigators: Camila Julia Cardoso Mendes de Campos, Pedro Daniel Zanin Cecilio
Collaborator: Anna Sophia Alves Fernandes
Teacher Facilitator: Juliana Alves Pires Biscuola
Abstract:
São Paulo, Brazil / Lisbon and Porto, Portugal Team 3
Title: The Effect of Microgravity on the Osteogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Secretome
Oral Presentation, 11th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2025
Escola Básica e Secundária Carolina Michaëlis, Porto, Portugal
Grade level: 11-12
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Ana Beatriz Oliveira Gomes, João Paulo Machado Ribeiro, Laura Coimbra Cesário, Maria Rita Valongo Pinto, Mariana De Almeida Pinheiro, Rafael Silva
Teacher Facilitator: Elsa Alves
Abstract: Prolonged microgravity exposure leads to muscle atrophy and bone density loss, increasing fracture and osteoporosis risk, endangering long-duration missions and astronauts’ mobility upon return to Earth. The secretome, a set of molecules secreted by cells, facilitates precursors’ cell differentiation into osteoblasts, directly impacting bone formation. This experiment examines whether microgravity affects the palate periosteum mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived secretome osteogenic potential. MSCs will be exposed to microgravity and control secretomes, and later characterized for alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red stainings.
Colusa, California
Title: Bioremediation in Microgravity: Harnessing Oil-Eating Bacteria for Environmental Restoration
Oral Presentation, 11th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2025
Colusa High School, Colusa Unified School District
Grade level: 12
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 18 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Alaina Torres, Caeden Agnew, Madison Burtleson, Sophia Thompson
Teacher Facilitator: Benjamin Haney
Abstract: This investigation explores the effect of gravity on bacteria’s (Bacillus subtilis) ability to breakdown petroleum compounds. Mineral oil was used as a safe compound to model oil spill compounds. By analyzing gas chromatography data, we can determine the extent of the oil’s breakdown. Baseline, control, and flight experimental data will be collected with the help of UC Davis professor, Dr. Donald Land.
Hillsborough County, Florida
Title: Production of Mung Beans i.e., Vigna radiata in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 11th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2025
Randall Middle School, Hillsborough County Public Schools
Grade levels: 6-7
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Platon Drozdov, Grayson Jones, Shravan Karthick
Teacher Facilitator: Dr. Lori Bradner
Abstract: This investigation explores how microgravity affects mung bean germination and growth and evaluates their potential as a nutritious space crop. By comparing results from space and Earth, we’ll assess germination rates, plant development, and nutritional value. Mung beans are ideal for space due to their fast growth, high nutrient content, and health benefits. A mini lab with spring water, mung beans, and a fixative will be used to conduct the experiment aboard the ISS.
Athens, Ohio
Title: Effect of Microgravity on Growth of Watercress: a Promising Space Food
Oral Presentation, 11th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2025
Ohio University
Grade levels: 15-16
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Lara Fogwell, Cat Gavin
Collaborator: Jake Magula
Teacher Facilitator: Remington Burwell
Abstract: Duckweeds belong to a family of floating aquatic plants. One of the Duckweeds, Lemna minor, has been a target of recent research as a bioenergy crop for its potential to accumulate starch, fight radiation damage, and purify water, as well as its potential as a crop in spaceflight. This experiment will investigate the effects of spaceflight on Lemna minor’s germination, and how this species can grow and adapt in microgravity in a limited, enclosed space.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – CCAC
Title: The Effects of Microgravity on the Quantitative Measurements of Calcite Crystals
Oral Presentation, 11th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2025
Community College of Allegheny County
Grade level: 13
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Arianna Swearman, Ashley Pfeffercorn
Teacher Facilitator: John Float
Abstract: By analyzing the impact of reduced gravitational forces on calcite, this experiment will provide insight into how otoconia changes in structure, development, and remodeling in space environments. Additionally, understanding these changes is crucial for applications treating the otoconia-related conditions of astronauts such as dizziness and vertigo from prolonged space travel. Measurements of crystal length, width, height, and volume will be carefully documented to compare the characteristics of crystals formed in microgravity against those grown under standard Earth conditions.
San Antonio, Texas
Title: Microgravity Effect on the Corrosion Rates of Iron and Aluminum
Oral Presentation, 11th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2025
Space and Engineering Technologies Academy, North East Independent School District
Grade level: 8
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Principal Investigator: Hazelrose Fullylove
Investigators: Isabelle Mora, Kinley Mosley, Luna Yamaguchi
Teacher Facilitator: Austin Hardy
Abstract: This project tests the corrosion rates of iron and aluminum in microgravity. The results will guide metal selection for future space structures by showing how quickly these metals corrode in space environments. Understanding corrosion in microgravity can help prevent structural failures in space settlements. With this knowledge, better decisions can be made when designing buildings, tools, and infrastructure for space. The hypothesis is that corrosion will accelerate in microgravity, highlighting the need for informed material choices in space construction.
Waxahachie, Texas
Title: Growing Strawberries in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 11th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2025
Eddie Finley Junior High School, Waxahachie Independent School District
Grade level: 6
Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 19 to ISS
Co-Principal Investigators: Lucas Brooks, Kellan Johnston, Raegan Trice, Dakota Weir
Teacher Facilitator: Ashley Dawson
Abstract: This investigation will explore strawberry seed growth in microgravity. Strawberries have vitamins, like vitamin C, which can help you recover from sickness. Growing strawberries can also help the air quality. We will use an FME 3 tube with strawberry seeds in volume 2. Volume 1, Tru organic fertilizer and water with organic cotton. In volume 3, formalin to fix the experiment. We think if we test strawberry growth in microgravity, then it can help provide food on the ISS.