Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31625: Apollo Mission: Student Innovation Soars on SSEP Mission 14

SSEP Mission 14, named Apollo, honors the legacy of lunar exploration while cultivating the next generation of scientists. Spearheaded by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) and Dr. Jeff Goldstein, Apollo brought student-designed experiments to the International Space Station (ISS) under Expedition 64.

This mission gave students across America the opportunity to explore critical scientific questions in space. Schools implemented rigorous curricula that guided students through the process of creating genuine scientific proposals. Finalists' experiments were transported via NanoRacks, integrated into specialized hardware for ISS deployment.

Apollo’s student teams tackled ambitious inquiries: how do microgravity conditions affect yeast fermentation? Can certain bacteria maintain antibiotic resistance in space? Will plant growth differ without gravitational cues? These projects were not only educational but scientifically relevant.

The entire program emphasized comprehensive engagement. Students conducted literature reviews, formed hypotheses, collaborated in teams, and engaged with local science mentors. After the ISS mission, students analyzed results, shared findings in research forums, and many continued STEM pursuits as a result of their participation.

Apollo demonstrates the immense power of student research to advance both education and space science. It fostered a sense of ownership, curiosity, and scientific rigor that will echo in future missions.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.