Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31639: Mission 18: Surveyor Inspires the Next Wave of Space Scientists

Surveyor—SSEP Mission 18—embodies the thrilling journey of student-designed experiments reaching the stars aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Developed by the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) and supported by Nanoracks and NASA, this initiative opens a doorway for students to become space researchers before they even graduate high school.

Part of Expedition 72, Mission 18 challenged students to address real-world scientific questions under the unique conditions of microgravity. The hands-on experience includes proposal writing, experimental design, and rigorous reviews by professional scientists. Those selected see their ideas launched to the ISS, where astronauts or automated systems carry out their procedures.

From plant biology to microbiology and materials science, Surveyor’s experiments were as diverse as they were inventive. One team investigated how yeast fermentation differs in space, potentially revealing critical information for closed-loop life support systems in future missions. Another student group explored the behavior of metal corrosion without gravity’s influence—a crucial issue for spacecraft integrity.

Surveyor is not just an experiment—it’s a learning revolution. Students gain practical experience in scientific methodology, teamwork, and innovation. The experiment provides them with a taste of the scientific process from idea conception to space deployment and post-mission analysis.

The mission also fosters a sense of global citizenship and responsibility. Young minds recognize that their work may contribute to humanity’s progress in space travel and sustainability. With the increasing push toward lunar and Martian missions, understanding microgravity’s effects on biological and physical systems is more relevant than ever.

SSEP Mission 18 leaves a lasting legacy by transforming classrooms into launchpads of discovery. It nurtures the future leaders of space science and engineering, giving them a platform to impact our shared future beyond Earth.

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.