USAFA cadets’ research on plant growth heading to space

Ashley Eberhardt
·2 min read

(U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.) — Research efforts from three members of the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) Class of 2024 are heading to space this summer with the launch of Polaris Dawn.

According to USAFA, Polaris Dawn will carry experiments that will expand scientific knowledge of plant growth in space, with a follow-up experiment planned for August to the International Space Station.

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The experiments, both within an Academy-designed chamber called the Space Optimized Plant Habitat In Array (SOPHIA), allow researchers to focus on growth responses in microgravity conditions. Protected within the SOPHIA will be the Arabidopsis thaliana plant, commonly known as Thale cress, a member of the mustard family.

  • Space Optimized Plant Habitat In Array (SOPHIA)
    Space Optimized Plant Habitat In Array (SOPHIA). Courtesy: United States Air Force Academy
  • Space Optimized Plant Habitat In Array (SOPHIA)
    Space Optimized Plant Habitat In Array (SOPHIA). Courtesy: United States Air Force Academy
  • USAFA research team completes research to go to space
    Courtesy: United States Air Force Academy

USAFA said the study aims to deepen the understanding of plant physiology in different orbital environments, potentially enhancing crop production for long space missions.

“These experiments are a great example of the high-impact experiential learning that is a hallmark of the Academy’s curriculum,” said Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre, Dean of Faculty. “Faculty, staff, and cadets from multiple academic disciplines came together to tackle a real-world challenge, and they didn’t stop until they reached the stars. I am proud of the team that made this happen and excited to see where the future takes them.”

Cadet 1st Class Jacqueline Kelly
Cadet 1st Class Jacqueline Kelly. Courtesy: U.S. Air Force Academy
Cadet 1st Class Abigail Ryan
Cadet 1st Class Abigail Ryan. Courtesy: U.S. Air Force Academy
Cadet 1st Class Jordyn Wagner
Cadet 1st Class Jordyn Wagner. Courtesy: U.S. Air Force Academy

Leading the research effort from the Class of 2024 were Cadets First Class: Jacqueline Kelly, Abigail Ryan, and Jordyn Wagner. USAFA said they are supported in their research by Cadet Second Class Jordan Moore from the Class of 2025. These cadets are preceded in their research efforts with contributions from Second Lieutenants Caroline Harshbarger and Madison Martin from the Class of 2023.

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