Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31554: Fungal Growth in Microgravity: A Hands-On Educational Space Experiment

Continuing their commitment to student-led space science, the Espoo Christian School initiated another experiment aboard the ISS to study fungal growth under microgravity conditions. This project, associated with Expeditions 43/44 and 45/46, is part of an ongoing effort to understand how living organisms behave in the unique environment of space.

Fungi are resilient and adaptable, making them ideal candidates for space experiments. For students, examining how fungi grow without the influence of gravity offers a powerful lesson in biological processes, cellular organization, and adaptation. Using the NanoRacks platform, which facilitates educational and commercial research aboard the ISS, students designed, prepared, and analyzed fungal cultures launched into space.

Once aboard the ISS, the fungal samples were stored in controlled environments and monitored for growth over time. Parameters such as colony size, color changes, and spore development were recorded. Comparisons were made with control samples grown under identical conditions on Earth.

Through this experiment, students explored questions such as: Does the lack of gravity alter the speed or direction of fungal growth? How do cellular structures adapt when sedimentation and fluid movement differ from Earth?

This study contributed to our understanding of how microorganisms survive and proliferate in extraterrestrial habitats. It also reinforced educational values by allowing students to be involved in all stages of a real-world scientific investigation.

Such experiments underscore the importance of STEM education and demonstrate how space can serve as a vast classroom for inquisitive young minds.

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