From Classroom to Cosmos: Launch Our Experiment to Space

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Hello! I am leading a team of students at St. Francis High School in La Cañada Flintridge who have worked tirelessly to turn our science dreams into reality.

We were recently named winners of the Knight Skies Space Competition and an experiment we designed has been selected for launch to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX 31 on October 30, 2024.

That's right, our experiment will be sent to the ISS and conducted by a team of astronauts before being returned from space for further research!

Our Journey:

When the Knight Skies competition was announced, we saw a chance to contribute to space science in a meaningful way. After extensive research and consultations with scientists from prestigious institutions, we designed a feasible and impactful experiment. Our faculty advisors and partners at a Harvard Lab have provided invaluable support, and with their guidance, we are ready to take the next steps.

Our journey began with a shared passion for science and a desire to contribute to humanity’s understanding of life beyond Earth. Each step has been a learning experience, and we are incredibly grateful for the support and guidance from our mentors at St. Francis and Harvard University.

Our Knight Skies project is not just an experiment; it’s a testament to what young minds can achieve with determination and support. We believe in the potential of our research to make a difference and hope that our story inspires others to pursue their passions.

Our Experiment:

Humanity relies on bacteria for essential functions, including producing life-saving medications like insulin and penicillin. Our experiment aims to understand how microgravity affects protein synthesis in bacteria. By genetically modifying E. coli bacteria to carry green fluorescent protein (GFP) and comparing their behavior in space to a control group on Earth, we hope to gain insights that could revolutionize biomedical research, bioengineering, and space exploration.

Why It Matters:

Understanding how space conditions impact bacterial protein production could have profound implications for developing new medical treatments, creating innovative drug delivery systems, and ensuring the health and safety of astronauts on long-term space missions. This research is a crucial step towards humanity's goal of becoming a multi-planetary species.

How You Can Help:

To bring our experiment to the ISS, I am aiming to raise $1,500. St. Francis High School is generously covering half the cost, but me and my team need to raise $7,500. Your contribution will not only help fund our current project, but any extra we raise will help ensure that future Golden Knights can benefit from amazing opportunities like this one.

Join Us:

By supporting my campaign, you are not just funding an experiment; you are investing in the future of science and inspiring the next generation of researchers. Every donation brings us closer to making history and advancing our understanding of life in space.