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Orions Quest Missions.

Orion’s Quest missions are designed to engage students in supporting the work of scientists conducting space-based research.  Studies shown as “active” indicate the investigation is currently in space and available during the current school year.  Student data collected during “active” missions is forwarded to the Principle Investigator (PI) for possible inclusion in appropriate data bases.

Those studies listed as “virtual” are based on missions previously in space.  These missions use all of the curriculum materials, downlinked photos and other data used in the original study.  Students engage in the same activities and submit their data to scientists at Orion’s Quest.

To find out more about Orion’s Quest active, virtual or active missions click on the link provided. 

 
 
STS 116
STS 116 Space Shuttle Discovery carried OQ Mission III and IV to the International Space Station in Aug. 2006
   
STS 118
STS 118 Space Shuttle Endeavour carried OQ Mission V to the International Space Station in Dec. 2007
   
STS 123
STS 123 Space Shuttle Endeavour carried OQ Mission VI to the International Space Station in May 2008
STS 129
STS 129 Space Shuttle Atlantis carries OQ Mission VII to the International Space Station, November 2009.

 

Worms In Space
Worms In Space Virtual Mission

This biology based mission, focuses on the nematode C. elegans and uses actual photographs and data downlinked from the International Space Station. This mission is designed to have students support the work of NASA scientist, Dr. Katharine Conley as she studies the effectiveness of a growth media in microgravity on life processes of the nematode C. elegans.

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Silicate Gardens
Silicate Gardens Virtual Mission

This chemistry-based research mission uses actual photographs and data downlinked from the International Space Station. This mission is designed to have students support the work of scientists studying the effects of microgravity on the formation and growth of hallow tubes and spheres which are the basic structures of chemical gardens.

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Butterfiles In Space
Orion's Quest Mission VII

OQ Mission VII, "Butterflies in Space" is our newest research study. Scheduled for launch to the International Space Station in November 2009, this study is designed to increase knowledge of the role gravity plays in life processes of the Painted Lady butterflies through long duration exposure to microgravity.

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