ISS Mission Information In October, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Dragon cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station. It will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seeds will be placed in three test tubes within the 4 cube unit ExoLab and about two days later, it will be powered up by an astronaut on the ISS. Through the Magnitude Classroom, you will have near real-time imagery of the growing seedlings and can observe how microgravity impedes or improves plant growth, and if the nodulation that occurs on Earth through the symbiotic legume-rhizobium relationship can be replicated in space. Each week, you will have access to pre-recorded and/or live videos with mission updates. The ExoLab-10 mission will investigate how the stress of spaceflight affects the symbiotic relationship of alfalfa and nitrogen-fixing Rhizobia bacteria as well as carbon capture. With a goal of achieving root nodulation during spaceflight, you have a rare opportunity to be part of this authentic research mission. As a mission participant, you will grow red clover plants in the 1G environment of Earth as part of the ground control experiment. Then, you will compare results to the flight experiment in the microgravity environment of the ISS.
ExoLab-10 Learning Experience Student Topic: Capturing Carbon Dioxide for Survival on Earth and in Space Learning objective: Based on grade level, students will use scientific inquiry to learn about the importance of the carbon cycle on Earth and in space. Student investigation: – How can you capture the most carbon by growing alfalfa? Carbon sequestration of Medicago sativa and/or Medicago truncatula while under the stress of spaceflight for consideration in biofuel production, bioregenerative life support systems, and edible biomass. In this inquiry-based investigation, students will design an experiment to capture the most carbon by growing the largest alfalfa plants, a versatile forage and legume crop known for high edible biomass production, carbon sequestration, soil rejuvenation, and potential for biofuel. Driving a mission for change, students will become climate change solutionaries experimenting with alfalfa on a small scale in a classroom experiment and then can plan for a larger impact with a school garden of alfalfa. Concurrently, they will learn about space life support systems and food crop production. Plus, students can opt to get their hands dirty by using local soils to evaluate soil health and productivity. Let’s compare soils globally and determine the resilience of alfalfa to grow under varying nutrient conditions. Student Data: ExoLab Participants: Measure CO2 levels and plant growth (roots, stems, leaves biomass) Student Kit and Non-ExoLab Participants: Measure the plants (roots, stems, leaves biomass) Data and observations will influence the flight experiment set-up for ExoLab-10, which launches on SpX-26 in late October 2022 and returns to Earth in early December 2022 after about 45 days in orbit.
About the Exolab Hardware The dimensions of the ExoLab device both terrestrially and in-orbit are based on the common CubeSat specification, which standardizes satellite payloads in an approximate 10 cm cuboid format. ExoLab is in a 2U format, which means that its dimensions are 10 x 10 x 22 cm. Within this compact frame are a series of sensors to capture, record, and report data, including images, as well as a system to keep the test organisms alive. All of these operate autonomously and continuously. Luminosity Temperature CO2 Humidity Camera WiFi Options on how you can participate 1. Ground Trial DIY Ground Trials in March Recommendations on how to upcycle the experiments supplies¹ from your kitchen or classroom Limited access to some ground trial lessons Magnitude LIVE(s) with special guests Cost is free You can purchase the complete ExoLab-10 experience at any time. ¹A supplies list will be provided. Register below on the Magnitude platform to be notified 2.Complete ExoLab-10 Experience ExoLab growth chamber (pre-order for mid-year 2022 delivery) Ground Trials in March GT Experiment Classroom Supplies Kit¹ Full access to all custom ground trial lessons and online tools Magnitude LIVE(s) with special guests (timezones are US-based and subject to changes on guest availability) Professional development sessions ExoLab-10 ISS Flight Mission Flight Mission Classroom Supplies Kit¹ LMS license with full access to flight mission lessons and online tools Access to the post-flight analysis session, data, and reports Submission to global poster session Certificate of ExoLab-10 completion ¹The Classroom Kit contains… 1 Teacher Kit Supplies for 30 students
Requirements You will need internet access to join the LMS, the learning community as well as to upload what has been happening in your library. Cost Get the ExoLab for everything you need to run experiments on the ISS. (Perfect for in-classroom, distance, citizen science, and homeschool). Includes weekly mission updates via Zoom or YouTubeLive (or via recordings) plus access to live sessions with scientists & astronauts when scheduled. Option A for 30 students 1 Exolab + 30 student kits & LMS Licences 6 x Mission updates via webinar Support $1245 inc GST Option B Flexible student numbers 1 Exolab 6x Mission updates via webinar Support $1000 inc. GST + $20 inc. GST x number of students you have for student kits & LMS Licences Additional options Additional Exolab units cost $1000 inc. GST Extra Student Kits cost $20 each – students do their own experiment Webinar option – ExoLab series We can offer an additional a 60-minute web conference at cost of $220. Content covers the ExoLab project as well as either astronomy & space exploration or botany Call 1300 856 828, or click below to make a booking for your library Trustpilot
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