Young scientists are on the process of growing seeds that were sent to space for several months. The aim of the experiment is to determine the effects of microgravity on plant survival.
British astronaut Tim Peake asked school kids to grow seeds that stayed in the International Space Station (ISS) for six months. The kids are tasked to grow the seeds and compare them to other seeds that were not sent to space.
The 43-year-old astronaut, who is on board the ISS, urged school children to participate in the newest experiment. He is backing a UK Space Agency and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) project, dubbed Rocket Science.
Schools: apply for my special #RocketScience mission to grow these seeds with @RHSSchools https://t.co/CWZrk33V2f pic.twitter.com/zD1vZTe3tl
— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) January 29, 2016
About 4.4 pounds of rocket seeds stayed in the ISS after it was flown by Soyuz 44S. Scientists aimed to let the seeds stay in space for several months in microgravity before returning to Earth on March. The children who will receive packets of seeds are not aware what type of seeds they are planting until all results have been collected. Professional biostatisticians are tasked to analyze the results of the experiment.
In the program, schools across the United Kingdom applied to become part of the experiment. The program is designed for pupils 4 to 18 years old and who are part of a school or institution. Each participant of each institution will receive 100 seeds and are required to begin the experiment in April 2016.
The program encompasses 35 days wherein the students will measure and observe the seedlings regularly. After over one month of looking after the plants, the students are required to enter their measurements and data in an online database.
The nationwide experiment will enhance children's understanding of human life preservation on another planet in the future. It also provides an insight on ways on how astronauts can survive long-term space missions by growing fresh food in challenging climates.
"It's a huge privilege to be the first British ESA astronaut flying to the International Space Station. During my six-month tour, I'll be conducting a number of experiments on the International Space Station," Tim Peake said.
"I hope that Rocket Science will inspire the next generation to think scientifically, and to consider the fulfilling careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)," he added.
