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The OQ Program. For Teachers & Students.
Orion's Quest (OQ) is an Internet based, subscription-accessed education program aimed at middle and high school students.  OQ employs current NASA research to reach and inspire “the next generation of explorers.”  Each OQ Mission has been manifested on a NASA Space Shuttle mission and all research is or has been conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Utilizing the processes and tools of world-class scientists, students are actively engaged in, and are in support of, ongoing NASA research.

Academic emphasis is on the integration of science, math, and technology combined with the teamwork skills that are a necessary part of everyday life for NASA scientists and researchers.

Working closely with the sponsoring Principle Investigator (PI), Orion’s Quest educators identify appropriate research and focus on requested areas of support.  Photo downlink of the orbiting research is provided to Orion's Quest and placed on the OQ Web Site.  Under the teacher’s supervision, students access photos to be analyzed and evaluated with final data submitted to the PI for review and inclusion in databases where appropriate.  In addition, a student experiment is developed to meet the needs of the sponsoring PI while addressing required educational goals and objectives of the classroom. 

 
 
 
 
On July 23, 1999, the Space Shuttle Columbia carried Ladybugs in Space into orbit thus beginning the final phase of the educational program that would lead to the formation of Orion’s Quest.
 
For Teachers
Orion’s Quest has been designed “by teachers, for teachers” with an understanding of student needs, curriculum requirements and the many demands on teachers today. Every aspect of the program has been developed with this in mind.
 
 
For Students
Put your knowledge and skills to work through “on the job training” in “Space-Based Research.” This is real science and real learning. You will be assigned to an actual NASA research project currently being conducted by a NASA scientist and the data that you supply will be forwarded to the scientist for review and, if appropriate, inclusion into NASA research databases.