We at NanoRacks are so excited to be participating in the Xtronaut Space Station Kickstarter, funding experiment kits to connect Earth-based experiments to science conducted by astronauts on the International Space Station. Xtronaut, DreamUp, and NanoRacks have come together for an out-of-this-world experience for students everywhere, and I wanted to tell you a little bit more about this opportunity.
For the first time, we are launching two experiments to the International Space Station (ISS) that will be accessible via affordable on the ground kits. Both of the kits are planned to be on-orbit before the end of the year.
Now, launching something to space, no matter how simple the experiment, is still expensive by everyday standards, and requires a lot of time and engineering support. While NanoRacks has driven the cost down significantly, it doesn’t quite compare to a $25 kit. That’s right – for just $25, a science experiment kit that parallels research being conducted by astronauts in space can be yours. Even better? You log online and compare your data to the data coming down from the Space Station. You are conducting real research – and determining how science in microgravity reacts differently than science on Earth. How cool is that!
Also, on a personal note, I’ve struggled for several years to find the best way to reach out to the home school community. Parents can purchase the educational kit and introduce their kids to a STEM, space station based learned experience.
I’m thrilled that with this kit, we’ll be able to engage the home school market, and so many students and classrooms that haven’t yet had the opportunity to conduct research in space with us.
A little over a year ago, NanoRacks spun our educational program “DreamUp” into an independent company. DreamUp, with the mission to bring space to the classroom and the classroom to space, has taken our vision of “space for everyone” and is making it come true today. These Space Station Kits are just one example.
Not to mention, we’re working with the space-game experts, Xtronaut. Our friends at Xtronaut successfully fundraised for their flagship board game, Xtronaut: The Game of Solar System Exploration. They are here to make sure these kits truly are, out of this world.
A little bit about these experiments:
The Crystals in Space involves growing rock candy on the ISS and on Earth, but using an approach on Earth similar to the experiment in space where in a low gravity environment water floats when not contained.
Microbes in Space involves having the astronauts collect several samples from around the ISS, and seeing what will grow in on-board petri dishes. The Earth kits, distributed through the Kickstarter, will allow students to collect samples from around their homes or classrooms, and grow these samples in the same type of perti dishes. Students can compare the results.
I hope that you come along on this journey with us and consider contributing to this incredible Kickstarter effort. To contribute, please follow this link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/xtronautiss/xtronaut-iss-experiments-in-space-and-earth-connec?ref=351357&token=87092bc3
I encourage you to share this link on with your networks. Let’s bring the magic of space to new students all over the country, and all over the world.
Jeffrey Manber
CEO, NanoRacks
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