Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31522: Crystal Clear Science: Women in STEM Lead Alum Growth Experiment in Space

The NanoRacks-Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering-Alum Crystal Growth project brought together young women scientists to investigate how crystals grow in space. Sponsored by the Better Education For Women in Science and the San Diego Science Alliance (SDSA), the experiment focused on alum—a common substance used in water purification and medicine.

In microgravity, the forces that influence crystal formation on Earth—like sedimentation and convection—are absent or altered. This provides a unique setting to grow larger, purer, and more symmetrical crystals. The students involved in this project observed how alum crystals developed differently in space, recording data on size, clarity, and growth patterns.

The experiment was more than a science lesson. It served as an empowering opportunity for young women to take the lead in STEM research. They developed hypotheses, designed the experimental apparatus, and interpreted results once the samples returned from orbit. The data not only expanded scientific knowledge of crystal behavior in space but also proved that student-driven research can make meaningful contributions to science.

This initiative highlights the role of inclusive education and the power of mentorship in building the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

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