Richland County Students Selected for Groundbreaking Space Research Project

Richland County Students Launch Research to Space

Richland County, S.C. — Four students from Midlands Technical College (MTC) are set to make a significant mark in the field of space research. They have been selected to participate in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) Mission 18, joining 36 other communities in this prestigious opportunity.

What is the Research About?

The focus of the research is on understanding how microgravity affects the production of calcium oxalate crystals in edible greens. The outcome of this experiment is essential for future long space missions, particularly concerning which plants can be grown effectively in space. Spinach is a key plant in this study due to its tendency to produce calcium oxalate, which can lead to kidney stones. The concern arises from the fact that the likelihood of developing these stones increases in microgravity environments.

When and Where Will the Launch Occur?

The MTC research team’s experiment is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday at 9:29 p.m.. The experiment will be transported aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch marks a significant milestone for the college as it is the first and only institution in South Carolina to participate in this unique program.

Who is Involved in the Project?

The team from MTC consists of four dedicated students, a lab technician, and a faculty advisor. Their hard work has narrowed down to two winning entries among 42 students and 13 teams competing for this opportunity. Together, they have conducted thorough research on the effects of microgravity.

How Will the Results be Analyzed?

Once the experiment reaches the ISS, it will be conducted over a period of approximately six weeks. After the completion of the experiment, results will be transported back to Earth. The MTC team will then analyze these results and compare them to a similar control experiment that occurred on the ground. This process will yield valuable data that could inform future agricultural practices in space.

What’s Next for the MTC Team?

A few months after the experiment concludes, the MTC research team is scheduled to present their findings at a conference typically held at The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. This opportunity to present their work not only underscores their achievements but also highlights the work being done in space research at the community college level.

Why is This Research Important?

This research holds significant importance as it addresses critical aspects of sustaining human life during extended space travel. As astronauts embark on long-duration missions, understanding the implications of growing plants in microgravity becomes increasingly necessary. The findings from this MTC experiment could potentially change how we approach plant growth in space, providing essential insights into food production for future missions to Mars and beyond.

The entire community is proud of the students and faculty involved in this project, marking a significant achievement for Midlands Technical College. As the clock ticks down to launch, excitement builds for what this new frontier in space research will reveal.