Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31703: How Polyvinyl Alcohol Thin Films Behave in Space: A High School Experiment with Big Impact

The NanoRacks-Valley Christian High School of Dublin-Polyvinyl Alcohol Thin Film Experiment is a stellar example of how students are reaching new heights—literally. Conducted aboard Expeditions 47/48 of the International Space Station (ISS), this project investigated how polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) thin films behave in microgravity. PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer widely used in various applications, from packaging to medicine. But what happens when it's exposed to the unique environment of space?

The students from Valley Christian High School of Dublin, in collaboration with the Lowell Center for Space Science and Technology, developed this experiment to understand the mechanical properties, dissolution rates, and structural integrity of PVA films in orbit. The goal was to determine whether these films degrade faster, hold together better, or exhibit entirely unexpected behaviors compared to Earth.

Understanding how materials like PVA react to space conditions can lead to better design and manufacturing of components used in long-duration missions. For example, packaging materials, biodegradable systems, or even drug delivery systems may one day depend on polymers optimized for zero gravity.

This experiment wasn't just about polymers—it was about giving students hands-on experience in space science, engineering, and data interpretation. The students followed the scientific method from hypothesis to result analysis, learning firsthand how rigorous and rewarding research can be.

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