Orion’s Quest newest study, Mission VI “Silicate Gardens Revisited” is currently onboard the International Space Station having been delivered in March by Space Shuttle Endeavour STS 123.  As a follow-up to OQ Mission V this second phase of a two part study is a chemistry-based investigation which supports the research of crystallographers Dr. Julyan Cartwright and Dr. C. Ignacio Sainz Diaz in Spain. 

Mission VI utilizes new sodium silicate concentrations and various metal salts to continue study of the basic structures of silicate gardens while in a microgravity environment.  Curriculum and classroom investigation materials provided by OQ allow students to gain an understanding of Silicate Gardens before doing actual observations and measurements of silicate tube growth.  Students evaluate one of several variables as they analyze and compare photographic records from the International Space Station with an earth based control study.  Student data is submitted online and forwarded to Dr. Cartwright and Dr. Diaz for possible inclusion in their databases.