Suite of science projects lost when space station resupply ship exploded
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.028384
Science : The Tuesday evening launch of an unmanned Antares rocket from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia ended abruptly with an explosion six seconds after liftoff. The rocket, built by Orbital Sciences Corp, was headed to the International Space Station with 748 kg of supplies and 727 kg of scientific experiments. Many of the projects lost were designed by students. One, from the Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart—an all-girl college preparatory school in Houston, Texas—was to investigate how well fast-growing plants, such as pea shoots, do in microgravity and when exposed to red and blue wavelengths of light. Despite the sad outcome, school administrators emphasized the importance of the experience gained in participating in the program and creating the experiments.
