Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32541: High Schoolers in Space: Testing Radio Waves from Orbit

Imagine being a high school student and having your science experiment launched into space. That dream came true for students at Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Their project, called the Research and Education Vehicle for the Evaluation of Radio Broadcasts, was flown on Expedition 68 to the International Space Station (ISS) and explored how radio waves behave in space.

Led by Principal Investigator Kristen Kucko, this educational experiment had a twofold purpose: teach students the fundamentals of space science and contribute meaningful data to the scientific community. Partnering with Maru Space Technology, the team designed a payload capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Radio broadcasts from the ISS face different challenges than those on Earth. Signals can bounce off the ionosphere, be disrupted by cosmic radiation, or shift frequencies due to the Doppler effect. By studying these effects, the students learned about wave propagation, signal distortion, and orbital mechanics—all while collecting real-world data.

The students not only built the equipment but also operated ground stations to receive transmissions, analyze signal quality, and adjust frequencies in real time. This hands-on experience gave them a front-row seat to the rigors and rewards of space science.

The project inspired more than just academic interest. It showed that young minds, with the right guidance and opportunity, can contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge research. It also reinforced the value of integrating STEM education with real-world applications, especially in emerging fields like space communication.

By turning a high school science class into a mission control center, the Thomas Jefferson High School experiment highlights how education and exploration go hand in hand. It’s a story of curiosity, innovation, and the belief that the next generation of scientists is already among us—just waiting for lift-off.

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