Columbia, South Carolina: MTC’s Groundbreaking Experiment Set for Launch into Space
On the evening of November 11, 2024, at precisely 9:29 p.m. ET, a team from Midlands Technical College (MTC) will witness an exciting moment as their scientific project blasts off into space. This notable event will take place from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking a significant achievement not just for the team but for the entire community of Columbia.
The Mission at Hand
Midlands Technical College was chosen as one of only 37 communities participating in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 18. One of only two colleges selected from South Carolina, MTC’s project aims to explore the impact of microgravity on the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in edible greens. This research is vital as it assesses potential nutritional sources that can be cultivated during long-duration space missions.
Why This Research Matters
Calcium oxalate is commonly produced in plants, including spinach. This compound can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, which pose an increased risk in microgravity environments. Understanding how microgravity influences this phenomenon could help mitigate health risks for astronauts during extended space voyages.
The Team Behind the Experiment
The MTC team consists of talented individuals, including:
- Craig Elliot – Associate in Arts in Psychology
- Robert Ferguson – Associate in Science in Biology
- Emmi Rosario – Bioengineering 2+2
- Will Turner – Associate in Arts in Psychology
- Kayioko Jenkins-Fisher – Science Lab Technician, Team Technical Support
- Jordi Fernandez – Faculty Advisor, Biology
These students and their faculty advisor have spent countless hours conducting research and preparing for this launch. They will be able to observe the experiment’s launch in person and look forward to analyzing the results upon its return to Earth.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
Once the project safely reaches the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts will operate the experiment over a period of approximately six weeks. After completion, the experiment will make its way back to Earth, where the MTC team will analyze the data and compare it with control experiments conducted under normal gravity conditions. This analysis will offer insight into the effects of microgravity, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of space nutrition.
The MTC team will also have the opportunity to showcase their findings at a significant conference set to take place at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., in a few months. This exposure could pave the way for future opportunities and inspire other students to engage in scientific research.
Join the Excitement
Residents of the Midlands area interested in the launch can participate in the excitement by watching the event via a livestream from the Kennedy Space Center. This project not only symbolizes a scientific endeavor but also exemplifies the spirit of education and ambition that MTC fosters within its community.
Weather Conditions for the Launch
As MTC prepares for this historic moment, the weather forecast suggests a cloudy start with potential sunshine peeking through late. The high temperature is anticipated to reach 78°F, accompanied by gentle winds from the west at 5 to 10 mph. While there is a slight chance of rain showers earlier in the day, the evening is expected to clear up, providing a fitting backdrop for the launch.
This momentous occasion is not just a testament to the hard work of students and faculty but also marks an important stride in understanding how our food production systems may adapt over the vastness of space. MTC’s involvement in this experiment emphasizes the role education plays in advancing knowledge and innovation in the realm of space exploration.
