A team of students and faculty from Western Kentucky University (WKU) is launching a research payload into space as part of the National STEM Scholars program. The payload, designed by NSS students, will be among 40 other experiments on Blue Origin’s next New Shepard flight, NS-35.
This uncrewed mission aims to provide over three minutes of clean microgravity and is part of WKU’s partnership with the Gatton Academy. Funded by the National Stem Cell Foundation, the NSS program inspires middle school science teachers to foster innovative ideas and teaching methods.
The payload includes objects and mechanisms that detect changes in gravity throughout the flight. Middle school students can watch flight video footage, make observations, and draw conclusions about the craft’s path.
This is the fourth payload sent by the NSS program to space. The launch window opens on August 23 at 7:30 AM CDT from Launch Site One in West Texas. The webcast will be available on Blue Origin’s website or YouTube channel starting 15 minutes prior to liftoff.
Source: https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=article&articleid=12654