Scientific Return and Reporting – Mission 6 to ISS

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 6 to ISS Orion experiments payload. Mission 6 to ISS was the eighth SSEP flight opportunity.

Yankee Clipper launched on SpaceX-5, 4:30 am ET, January 10, 2015, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Yankee Clipper also returned to Earth on SpaceX-5, splashing down in the Pacific off the California coast, on February 10, 2015.

Historical note: After a number of delays, Yankee Clipper was set to launch October 28, 2014, aboard Orb-3, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), Wallops Island, Virginia. Over 130 SSEP delegates were on site to see the launch, only 1.7 miles away from Pad-0A. All 18 experiments were lost on launch failure and subsequent detonation of the rocket by Range Safety. Many delegates were knocked over by the pressure wave from the detonation, which reached the viewing site less than 2 seconds after the fireball was observed. Through a herculean effort put forth by the student flight teams, 17 of 18 experiments were reconstituted as the Yankee Clipper II payload, and delivered to NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston for payload integration by November 21, 2014 – just 3 weeks after the loss. Yankee Clipper II launched on January 10, 2015, aboard SpaceX-5.

For the remarkable story involving loss and recovery, see the following blog posts:
The Loss of Orb-3 and SSEP Yankee Clipper: Failure Happens. What we do in the face of failure is what defines us.
NASA Press Release on Yankee Clipper Re-flight, w NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden
LIFTOFF of SpaceX-5 and SSEP Yankee Clipper II

For details on the flight profile for Yankee Clipper, see the SSEP Mission 6 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 Yankee Clipper flight experiments, see the Selected Experiments on SSEP Mission 6 to ISS page.

 

Kamloops/Thompson, British Columbia, Canada

Title: Creating Crystals in Space
Oral Presentation, 5th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2015
McGowan Park Elementary
Grade level: 7

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6

Co-Principal Investigators: Jordan Brown, Hunter Galbraith, Kieren O’Neil, Ryan Watson
Co-Investigators: Justin Baker, Kennedy Coates, Daniel Funnell, Kieran Gundel, Dylan Hanson, Grace Heise, Allison Inovas, Jesse Kotani, Kessa Kwiatkowski, Jayden Lajeunesse, Daphne Legault, Blair McLeod, Alysha Muzio, Ellie Parker, Jacob Patton, Daniel Poirier, Jonathan Rinaldi, Kennedy Robidoux, Isaac Sieracki, Jessie Simons, Sylvaine Soth, Tessa Tangas, Tristan Wyers
Teacher Facilitator: Sharmane Baerg

Abstract: The purpose of the experiment was to observe the effect of microgravity on crystal growth. The crystals grown were barium thiosulfate formed by a precipitation reaction. This reaction was selected because of differences observed in the crystals formed when the solutions were mixed at different rates. By studying formation of different types of crystals in microgravity, a better understanding of crystal forming processes can improve the quality of materials manufactured on Earth.

 

Oakland, California

Title: Composting in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
Oakland Unified School District
Grade level: 6

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Cithlali Hernandez, Jose Morga, and Kevin Cruz
Teacher Facilitator: Julia Lehman

Abstract: Our question is can Eisenia Fetida compost in microgravity? We will send Eisenia Fetida to the ISS with water, soil and egg shell. We will use a soil tester to test the soil composition before and after the space flight. We will compare this to a control experiment on the ground. If it works it would the ISS could save space by composting food waste, and possibly use the food waste as rich soil for new plants.

 

San Marino, California

Title: Envelope Glycoprotein 120 Structure in the Presence of Micro-Gravity
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
San Marino High School/San Marino Unified School District
Grade level: 11

Type of Experiment: Semi-Finalist Proposal, Mission 6 to ISS

Principal Investigator: Dannie Zhabilov
Co-Investigator: Bradley Pelham
Collaborator: Samantha Yee
Teacher Facilitator: Wyeth Collo

Abstract: The objective of this experiment is to determine whether or not there is change in the structure of envelope glycoprotein 120 in the presence of micro-gravity. This protein, found on the surface of HIV-1, is crucial to the process of binding HIV-1 to T-cells. With a change in structure, the protein might not have the same binding capabilities as it would normally.

 

Title: Cycloastragenol in Microgravity: Its Effects on Telomerase Activation and Telomere Longevity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (the “Instant” Strain of Baker’s Yeast)
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
San Marino High School/San Marino Unified School District
Grade level: 11

Type of Experiment: Finalist Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Sarah Higdon, Sharmayne Siu, Lauren Takeyama, and Kyra Yamamoto
Collaborators: Misako Benso, Katherine Cheng, Monica De Jesu, Gillian Ferguson, Charmayne Floyd, and Avishan Nikoui-Smith
Teacher Facilitator: Wyeth Collo

Abstract: The purpose of our experiment is to test the effects of the Cycloastragenol drug on telomerase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (“instant” strain of baker’s yeast) and to qualify whether the telomerase works more rapidly in microgravity. We predict the absence of gravity will enable the telomerase to lengthen the telomeres at a faster speed because there will be less force acting against the Cycloastragenol to activate the telomerase and less force acting upon the telomerase as it rebuilds the yeasts’ telomeres.

 

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Title: Microgravity’s Effects on Branchinecta Anostraca
Oral Presentation, 5th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2015
St. Monica Catholic School, Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo
Grade level: 10

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6

Co-Principal Investigators: Natalie Moyer, Mackenzie Ortlieb, Delaney Hewitt, and Grace Brennan
Teacher Facilitator: Becky Reits

Abstract: The purpose of the experiment was to see if Branchinecta Anostraca could hatch and develop muscle in an environment with microgravity. Since, astronauts lose muscle in microgravity, it is hypothesized that the shrimp will be underdeveloped or not hatch at all.

 

Title: The Effects of Microgravity on Branchinecta Anostraca
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
St. Monica Catholic School/ Diocese of Kalamazoo
Grade level: 8

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Mackenzie Ortlieb, Delaney Hewitt, and Natalie Moyer
Co-Investigator: Grace Brennan
Teacher Facilitator: Diane Page

Abstract: The purpose of our experiment is to see if Dry Lake Fairy Shrimp, Branchinecta Anostraca, can hatch and develop in microgravity. Specifically, we want to observe how their muscles develop. Using the data we gather, we will try to see if there are any connections between the shrimps’ muscle development (if there is any at all) and the astronauts’ muscle loss in an environment with microgravity.

 

Kansas City, Missouri

Title: Biocides and Bacteria
Oral Presentation, 5th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2015
St. Peter’s School, Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph
Grade level: 7

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6

Co-Principal Investigators: Eamon Shaw, Nicole Ficklin, Holden O’Keefe
Teacher Facilitator: Robert J. Jacobsen

Abstract: The investigation determined the effects of the biocide iodine on Escherichia coli in microgravity as compared to its effects in the gravity of Earth. After testing, the researchers found that antibacterial agents in microgravity are shown to be less effective, as a result of the microgravity inhibiting antibacterial power and/or the greater resilience of bacteria in a microgravity environment. This was determined from the results of one test; more tests are needed to be conducted to substantiate these findings.

 

Title: Biocides and Bacteria
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
St. Peter’s School (Kansas City – St. Joseph Diocese)
Grade level: 7

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Nicole Ficklin, Holden O’Keefe, and Eamon Shaw
Teacher Facilitator: Robert Jacobsen

Abstract: Microbes are present on the ISS; if there were to be an outbreak of a harmful strain of bacteria on the ISS, it would be imperative to eliminate the strain as completely as possible. For this reason, the co-investigators would like to determine the amount of E. coli (K-12 strain) bacteria eliminated by the antibacterial cleaning agent, liquid iodine, over a period of three days of growth in the two environments, the microgravity of the ISS versus Earth’s gravity.

 

Berkeley Heights, New Jersey

Title: Baby Bloodsuckers in Outer Space
Oral Presentation, 5th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2015
Columbia Middle School
Grade level: 8

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6

Co-Principal Investigators: Julia Ellis, Kasia Kapustka, Gia LaSalle, Lilyana Walsh
Collaborator: Bianca Urbina
Teacher Facilitator: Pamela Wilczynski

Abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to observe how microgravity affects mosquitoes on Earth compared to space. If the mosquitoes were to survive into the pupa stage, then we could potentially feed the pupae to crayfish and tilapia, which humans can then feed on in space. The mosquitoes chosen were the Aedes Albopictus because they could survive in the temperatures in the space station and the eggs were viable for just the right amount of time.

 

Title: Baby Bloodsuckers in Outer Space
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
Columbia Middle School, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey
Grade level: 7

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Julia Ellis, Kasia Kapustka, Gia LaSalle, Bianca Urbina, and Lilyana Walsh
Teacher Facilitator: Pamela Wilczynski

Abstract: Our experiment will compare the development of mosquito eggs in microgravity with development on Earth. Astronauts will commence fertilization in outer space by releasing water on dry eggs, then fix and preserve the mosquitoes nine days later. Without gravity we believe the larvae will lack a mechanism to rise to the surface of the water to breathe and therefore will fail to mature into pupae. We will observe the differences between both specimens from Earth and space.

 

Long Branch, New Jersey

Title: Hydroponics vs. Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 5th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2015
Gregory School, Long Branch, New Jersey
Grade level: 5

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6

Co-Principal Investigators: Zachary FitzGerald, Ronnie Gibson, Jonathan Rocha, Michael Zapcic
Teacher Facilitators: Laura Lazzati, Elizabeth Muscillo

Abstract: This experiment explores using hydroponics in microgravity and the difference from plants grown on Earth using the same method. A seed will be grown using miracle grow on the ISS to assess the effect of microgravity on the growth of the seed. If the seeds grow more efficiently in microgravity that could help grow plants on Earth under the same protocols. The results from the hydroponic experiment on the ISS will be presented to show the comparison to the ground truth experiment.

 

Title: Hydroponics vs. Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
Gregory School, Long Branch, New Jersey
Grade level: 5

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Zachary FitzGerald, Ronnie Gibson, Jonathan Rocha, and Michael Zapcic
Teacher Facilitator: Laura Lazzati and Elizabeth Muscillo

Abstract: This experiment explores the effect of farming in microgravity using hydroponics, and how is it different from plants grown on Earth using the same method. In this experiment a lettuce seed will be grown from seed using a solution of miracle grow on the international space station to assess the effect of microgravity on the growth of a lettuce seed. If the seeds grow more efficiently in microgravity that could help grow plants on earth under the same protocols.

 

Colleton County, South Carolina

Title: Milk in Microgravity
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
Colleton County Middle School
Grade level: 6

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS

Co-Principal Investigators: Amber Avant, Bailey Crosby, Morgan Dandridge, Megan Dewitt, and Casey Powell
Teacher Facilitator: Ann Rice Henson, Carolyn Dalton

Abstract: The purpose of the experiment is to observe the effect of microgravity on milk spoilage to see whether the lack of gravity will have any more, less or the same amount of spoilage in milk. Milk spoilage is a fact of life here in Earth’s gravity. The milk chosen for the experiment is Horizon, ultra-pasteurized, for its 99.9% bacteria free which provides for a longer shelf life.

 

North Charleston, South Carolina

Title: How Does Spaceflight Affect the Formation of Tin Whiskers on Lead-Free Solder?
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
Palmetto Scholars Academy, South Carolina Public Charter School District
Grade level: 10 and 12

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6

Co-Principal Investigators: Joseph Garvey and Rachel Lindbergh
Co-Investigator: Gabriel Voigt
Teacher Facilitator: Kellye Voigt

Abstract: Tin whiskers are crystalline structures that originate from metals and are a modern problem that can occur with lead-free solder, potentially leading to short circuits on satellites, planes, and other spacecraft. In this experiment a tin solder test bed and a soldered circuit board will be sent to the International Space Station to determine the effect of spaceflight on lead-free solder. The mass, length, structure, and density of whisker formations will be analyzed after the experiment’s return.

 

Somerville, Tennessee

Title: Reishi Mushroom vs. E. coli
Oral Presentation, 5th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2015
Fayette Academy
Grade level: 10

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6

Principal Investigator: Mark Montague
Co-Investigators: Averi Davis, Harley Wade, Tucker Whittington
Teacher Facilitator: Donna Burrus

Abstract: This study was conducted to find out what effect microgravity has on the Reishi mushroom’s (Ganoderma lucid) ability to weaken, damage or destroy E. coli bacteria. The Reishi mushroom has a history of destroying and damaging various forms of cancers and pathogens. E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the digestive system of humans and animals. Microgravity’s lack of force due to the “free fall” environment could enhance the antimicrobial destroying properties of the mushroom.

 

Title: The Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) VS E. Coli and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Oral Presentation, 4th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2014
Fayette Academy
Grade level: 9 and 10

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6 to ISS

Principal Investigator: Mark Montague
Co-Investigators: Averi Davis, Harley Wade, and Tucker Whittington
Teacher Facilitator: Donna Burrus

Abstract: Research questions: “What effect will microgravity have on the Reishi mushroom’s (Ganoderma lucidum) ability to weaken, damage, or destroy cells? Will the E. coli cell reaction in microgravity match the reaction of the leukemia cell to the Reishi mushroom on Earth?” We believe the Reishi mushroom will induce cell arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells and pathogens. Microgravity’s lack of force could enhance the antimicrobial and cancer destroying properties of the mushroom.

 

Rockwall, Texas

Title: The Effect of Microgravity on the Morphology and Reproduction of Cancer Cells
Oral Presentation, 5th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2015
Rockwall ISD
Grade levels: 8-9

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6

Co-Principal Investigators: Will Brown, Ryan Figert, Brooks Helmer, Chase Howerton, James Matthews, Harrison Smith
Teacher Facilitator: Jeff Chandler

Abstract: The purpose of the experiment is to observe the effect of microgravity on the morphology and reproduction rate of cancer cells. There are currently more then 100 different types of cancer causing numerous health problems including death. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was substituted for cancer cells due to similarties in morphology and reproduction. The experiment yielded no usable results due to cells lysing before analysis.

 

San Antonio, Texas

Title: Crystal Tetras
Oral Presentation, 5th Annual SSEP National Conference, July 2015
Hobby Middle School/Howsman Elementary School from Northside ISD
Grade levels: 5-6

Type of Experiment: Flight Experiment, Mission 6

Co-Principal Investigators: Anthony Holmes, Kalista Ybarra, Madelyn Hickman, Jacob Rubi
Teacher Facilitators: Serena Connally, Ronica Korn, Michael Dawson

Abstract: In a collaboration between fifth graders of Howsman Elementary and sixth graders of Hobby Middle School, we designed an experiment to be performed on the ISS. We created Crystal Tetras: designed to test the growth and quality of Sodium Tetraborate crystals produced in a microgravity setting. Upon its return we were able to compare the crystals grown in space with crystals grown on Earth using microscopic analysis and x-ray crystallography.

 

The Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) is a program of the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) in the U.S., and the Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Space Education internationally. It is enabled through a strategic partnership with DreamUp PBC and NanoRacks LLC, which are working with NASA under a Space Act Agreement as part of the utilization of the International Space Station as a National Laboratory. SSEP is the first pre-college STEM education program that is both a U.S. national initiative and implemented as an on-orbit commercial space venture.