Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31627: Casper Mission: Exploring Space Science with SSEP Mission 10

SSEP Mission 10, dubbed Casper, brought scientific curiosity and youth innovation together in a compelling series of microgravity experiments. Organized by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE), with leadership from Dr. Jeff Goldstein, the mission featured student-designed investigations launched during Expeditions 49/50 and 51/52 to the ISS.

Casper inspired students across multiple communities to explore how life and materials behave differently in space. With guidance from educators and researchers, students developed hypotheses, conducted background research, and crafted experiment protocols for peer-reviewed selection. Finalists saw their experiments fly to the ISS via NanoRacks.

Research topics in Casper included enzyme activity in space, fermentation processes, material mixing, and effects of microgravity on cellular function. Each project was chosen based on scientific merit, feasibility, and educational impact.

Post-mission, students analyzed results, presented findings to local audiences, and in some cases published in student science journals. Beyond technical skills, Casper emphasized teamwork, perseverance, and a hands-on understanding of what it means to be a scientist.

Casper served as a powerful tool in science education, connecting abstract classroom lessons with the tangible experience of space exploration.

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