The Skylab Student Project

The Space Congress® Proceedings 1973 (10th) Technology Today and Tomorrow

Apr 1st, 8:00 AM

The Skylab Student Project

Henry B. Floyd Skylab Student Project Manager, Marshall Space Flight Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Huntsville, Alabama

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Scholarly Commons Citation Floyd, Henry B., "The Skylab Student Project" (1973). The Space Congress® Proceedings. 3. https://commons.erau.edu/space-congress-proceedings/proceedings-1973-10th/session-1/3

This Event is brought to you for free and open access by the Conferences at Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Space Congress® Proceedings by an authorized administrator of Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE SKYLAB STUDENT PROJECT

Henry B. Floyd Skylab Student Project Manager Marshall Space Flight Center National Aeronautics and Space Administration Huntsville, Alabama

ABSTRACT periods in weightlessness on the crews' The National Aeronautics and Space Administra­ extensive required unprecedented hardware for tion (NASA) and the National Science Teachers' physiology assessments and sampling in orbit. Association (NSTA) undertook in 1971 a coopera­ biomedical tive effort which brought high school students of become monumental in its technology the Nation into the mainstream of Skylab research Skylab has is built on the solid foundations of the through the Skylab Student Project. This paper which Program and its forerunners, Gemini and presents the background, objectives and scope of Apollo The Saturn family of launch vehicles the project, experiment selection procedures, as Mercury. not only the capacity for launching up to well as experiment descriptions and status. The provide 000 pounds in earth orbit but also provides paper includes observations on student caliber 200, the basic architecture for the Skylab workshop. and inclinations and implications of some develop­ ments for the benefit of future researchers. The excellence of the technology which Skylab represents is well known and is treated exten­ sively elsewhere. It is mentioned here to high­ INTRODUCTION light its sophistication and magnitude, and to introduce the thought that technology obviously is Extensive peripheral involvement of youth in not an end in itself no matter how sophisticated. space exploration has long been undertaken in a Technology is a bridge between knowledge and wide variety of forms. Science Fairs, Explorer useful products; it is not a destination but a route; Scouts, clubs, classroom projects and similar technology is the collective system by which needs activities have provided means for young people satisfied and fulfillment achieved. to observe activities and study the emerging are sciences and new technologies. Inasmuch as product of Skylab's technology, in fact the severe limitations on launch weight, volume and The of virtually all space technology, is operational environments of previous programs product The extensive new industries, were eased by the scope and capacity of Skylab's knowledge. and useful by-products which have systems, the Program was in a position to processes are coincidental. We apply knowledge consider more direct involvement by the Nation's emerged technology to gain greater knowledge. As youth. through our first satellites led to Mercury's suborbital flight, to Gemini's orbital flight, to To the launch, navigation, control, communica­ manned moon explorations, so Skylab's solar, tions, life support and recovery capabilities of Apollo's and earth observations will lead to its predecessors, Skylab has added a new genera­ stellar, knowledge of our planet, solar tion of facilities. Comfortable and relatively unprecedented system and universe. The studies of man's spacious quarters, essential to the work of physiology and of other bio-systems will lead to Skylab experiments, replace the Spartan greater understanding of the fundamentals of life austerity of earlier programs. Attitude control processes. Basic insights into physical phe­ for target acquisition and experiment and opera­ nomena and materials technologies will come tional data management required new generations from that group of experiments. The knowledge of on-board computers and data sensors, condi­ we gain from Skylab will contribute immeasura­ tioners, recorders, transmitters and so on. bly to the demise of one of man's oldest and most Habitability for periods of up to 56 days imposed illusive'enemies, the unknown; by providing new demands on food, waste and atmospheric insight into his origin and by allowing him to management, on sleep, bathing and recreation predict some of the hitherto unknown, Skylab will accommodations. The potential effects of such

1-13 enhance man's well being and under standing of the A regional evaluation system was set up by the world around him. NSTA whereby the Continental U.S. and overseas areas were divided into twelve approximately Since the product of space technology is know­ equal population segments. A chairman for each ledge, a close contact is essential with the region was appointed and committees of prominent consumers of this knowledge if a market is to be scientists, engineers and educators were maintained. In the past we have relied upon organized to review the proposals submitted. The higher institutions, teacher orientation, visiting review was carried out on the basis of creative lecturers, publishers and news releases to ability, clarity of presentation, organization and distribute our new-found information. The appropriateness to the Skylab Program as defined results are highly commendable, as attested by in the entry instructions. The ability to define a great world-wide awareness. well thought out experiment from conception of an idea to actual implementation and performance Asa complement to the established distributors, together with the appropriateness to the perform­ the Skylab Student Project envisioned a demand ance in the space environment were important. and market stimulator for even greater consump­ tion of our increasing supply of knowledge. The The regional evaluation resulted in the designa­ simple premise developed that by directly tion of 301 proposals (approximately 10 percent) involving students in secondary schools through­ as regional winners and candidates for further out the Nation in Skylab research, these most consideration in the Skylab Program. A national imaginative, uninhibited, enthusiastic, and judging committee was organized by the NSTA and promising of all users of knowledge could an intensive evaluation of the 301 regional become intimately aware and personally involved winners was carried out. A group of NASA in gaining and applying the new knowledge. engineers and scientists advised the judges on program compatibility. From this group of regional winners, 25 finalists, were selected by ANNOUNCEMENT OF COMPETITION AND the NSTA judges as candidate experiments for SELECTION OF NATIONAL WINNERS performance on Skylab. Formal announcement of the 25 finalists was made on March 1, 1972. NASA had no direct line of communication with the science schools and teachers of the Nation. A brief summary of statistics follows: Assistance was sought from the NSTA and, upon determination that NSTA represented the quick­ National Winners - 25 est, most direct route to the largest number of Age Range - 14-18 science teachers, and students, an agreement Mean Age - 15.8 years (Female 15.4, was entered into by which NSTA would accomplish Male 15. 9) announcement and selection activities with Median and Modal Age - 16 years technical advisory assistance from NASA and its Males - 80% contractors. Females - 20%

In October 1971, over 100, 000 announcements of Breakdown by scientific disciplines: the project were mailed to secondary school science teachers in the United States (U.S. ) and Earth Observations - 2 U.S. sponsored schools overseas. High school Astronomy - 6 students in grades 9-12 of the school year 1971- Biology: 1972 were eligible if enrolled in the Continental Microbiology - 2 U.S. or in U.S. schools abroad. The response Zoology - 2 to this announcement far exceeded expectations Botany - 3 and requests for more than 8, 700 entry kits were Human Physiology - 2 received. The number of actual proposals sub­ Physics - 8 mitted was 3,401, representing the individual and joint efforts of over 4, 000 students. The Winners represent 17 states. Their geographic enthusiasm of the student community was dispersion is shown in the map in Figure 1. illustrated by the fact that some students submitted their entries on hand-typed forms rather than the formal, printed ones. A single school in Pennsylvania submitted more than 80 proposals.

1-14 ROMAN NUMERALS - NSTA REGIONS ^REGIONAL CENTERS DSKYLAB STUDENT PROJECT NATIONAL WINNERS DISTRIBUTION * VI - PLUS PUERTO RICO, CANAL ZONE & VIRGIN ISLANDS ** XI - PLUS ALASKA *** XII - PLUS GUAM & HAWAII

HAWAII Q

FIC.URE 1: DISTRIBUTION OF REGIONS, PROPOSALS RECEIVED AND NATIONAL WINNERS

and feasibility analyses FEASIBILITY ANALYSES AND CATEGORIZA- . Detailed design studies impact of TIQN OF WINNERS indicated a wide range of potential winners upon the Skylab Program from mere student's purposes, to After the selection of the national winners, it was duplication of data for the hardware, to new necessary for NASA to determine which experi­ expanded use of existing cost and schedule impacts. ments could be accommodated on Skylab. hardware, to extensive were categorized in Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Thus, student proposals impact, as follows: Huntsville, Alabama, was assigned development ascending order of Program and coordinating responsibility, assisted by Available From Other teams of scientists and engineers at the Johnson Category I - Data Space Center (JSC), Houston, Texas, and : Skylab Experiments: Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Cape Kennedy, Heat Absorption Florida. These groups analyzed each experi­ ED 11 - Atmospheric Study ment to determine the feasibility of performing ED 12 - Volcanic of Libration it in Skylab. Preliminary designs of those ED 21 - Photography requiring new equipment were prepared; the Clouds Within Mercury's .amount of crew time required to perform the ED 22 - Objects experiments was estimated; and, in the case of Orbit Stellar Classes the experiments involving earth or astronomical ED 24 - X-Ray From Jupiter observations, they analyzed the viewing oppor­ ED 25 - X-Rays tunities to determine if the information required - Students' Data Obtained With by students' experiments was obtainable from Category II Usage of Existing Equipment previously planned activities or if it was within Additional the capabilities of existing hardware. Fitting - UV From Quasars the necessary hardware into the stowage provi­ ED 23 - UV From Pulsars sions available was another important factor, as ED 26 was the evaluation of the effect the experiment - Experiments Requiring New might, have on the integrity of the Skylab missions Category III and on crew safety. The necessity to keep any Hardware new equipment simple and basically self- - Bacteria and Spores contained was a paramount consideration, in view ED 31 ED 32 - In Vitro Iniinun.ol.ogy of the fact that virtually all other Skylab flight 41. - Motor Sensory Performance equipment had been manufactured and was already ED - Web .Formation undergoing testing with the major Skylab flight ED 52 Plant Growth modules. ED 61 - ED 62 - Plant Phototropism

1-15 ED 63 - Cytoplasmic Streaming ED 72 - Capillary Study ED 74 - Mass Measurement ED 76 - Neutron Analysis ED 78 - Liquid Motion in Zero "G"

Category IV - Experiments Requiring Other Affiliation

ED 33 - Micro Organisms in Varying Gravity ED 51 - Chick Embryology ED 71 - Colloidal State ED 73 - Powder Flow ED 75 - Brownian Motion ED 77 - Universal Gravity Constant Figure 2: ED 11 - Atmospheric Heat Category V - Honorable Mention Absorption

as available, to monitor heat changes in volcanic EXPERIMENT DESCRIPTIONS areas. These data will be correlated to establish a relationship between volcanic activity and the The following text and photographs and/or draw­ thermal contours and patterns of volcanic sites. ings include brief verbal information and graphic concepts, which are arranged by category as listed above:

Category I - Data Available From Other Experiments

ED 11 - Atmospheric Heat Absorption Student Investigator: Joe B. Zmolek Lourdes High School Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Joe's objective is to determine the attenuation, due to the Earth's atmosphere, of radiant energy in the visible and near infrared (IB) regions over both densely populated and sparsely populated sections of the Earth. High resolution photographs of the actual target areas will enable identification of the portions of Earth Figure 3: ED 12 - Volcanic Study surveyed by two, on-board, spectrometer systems which measure the energy radiated ED 21 - Photography of Libration from the Earth. Clouds Student Investigator: ED 12 - Volcanic Study Alison Hopfield Student Investigator: Princeton Day School Troy A. Crites Princeton, New Jersey Kent Junior High School Kent, Washington Experiment will utilize the data obtained by the Apollo Telescope Mount (ATM) e-xperiment, Living on the rim of the Pacific ring of S052, White Light Coronagraph, to study the fire, Troy's interest was directed to the study of particle clouds that collect at two of the Earth- volcanoes. His proposal was to investigate the Moon libration points. Dr. Robert MacQueen, feasibility of predicting volcanic activity utilizing High Altitude Observatory, will assist Alison in remotely sensed thermal infrared data. Data analyzing and interpreting her data. from the Earth Resources Experiment Package (EREP) will be used, with ground observations

v 1-16 ED 24 - X-Ray Stellar Classes Student Investigator: Joe W. Reihs Tara High School Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The primary aim of this experiment is to make observations of celestial regions in X-ray wavelengths in an attempt to relate X-ray emissions to other spectral characteristics of observed stars. Due to the fact that the Skylab X-ray telescopes were designed primarily for .ACRANGIAN POINTS solar observation, it is predicted that resolution of the stellar X-ray data will be marginal. If the stellar X-ray data is inadequate, Joe will be supplied X-ray data from other targets for analysis in affiliation with Dr. Giacconi, S054, Figure 4: ED 21 - Photography of Libration X-ray Spectrographic Telescope, P.I. Clouds

ED 22 - Objects Within Mercury's Orbit Student Investigator: Daniel C. Bochsler Silverton Union High School Silverton, Oregon

Dan proposed an examination of the space between the Sun and Mercury's orbit in an effort to determine whether or not any of the reported sightings of objects lying between Mercury and the Sun are valid. Since Dr. Robert MacQueen, High Altitude Observatory, Boulder, Colorado, Principal Investigator (P.I.) of S052, White Light Coronagraph, already plans to examine the space edge of the sun, he will make avail­ at the outer Figure 6: ED 24 - X-ray Stellar Classes able to Dan the data which might meet his objec­ data analysis involves close tives. The actual ED 25 - X-ray From Jupiter 30, 000 photographs and Dan examination of some Student Investigator: Dr. MacQueen and his will necessarily work with Jeanne L. Leventhal staff in analyzing his data. Berkeley High School Berkeley, California

Jeanne's experiment will attempt to and REGIONS WHERE OBSERV. detect X-rays from the planet Jupiter OF BODY WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH SOS2 WHITE LIGHT CORONAGRAPH POSTULATED ORBIT OF INTRA- X-ray emission with MERCURY BODY (0.1 AU RADIUS! establish the correlation of r solar activity and Jovian decametric radio emission. Since the Skylab X-ray telescopes were designed primarily for solar observation, their threshold sensitivity is deemed too low to detect normal Jovian X-ray emission. However, (1 AU APPROX. 150 x 10< KM) in the event of a solar flare, the X-ray emission from Jupiter is expected to increase to such an extent that the S054, X-ray Spectrographic Telescope, will be able to detect them. In the event no solar flares occur during the Skylab ORBIT OF EARTH (1 AU RADIUS) mission, Jeanne will share in the analysis of other stellar X-ray data in affiliation with Dr. Giacconi, S054 P.I. Figure 5: ED 22 - Objects Within Mercury's Orbit

1-17 ED 26 - UV From Pulsars Student Investigator: Neal W. Shannon Fernbank Science Center Atlanta, Georgia

Neal's experiment will attempt to measure the radiation from known pulsars in the ultraviolet (UV) spectral region to determine whether or not the UV data correlates with known existing pulsar spectral data.

Photographs of selected celestial regions, including the crab nebula, will be made using the Skylab SOI 9, Ultraviolet Stellar Astronomy, equipment in affiliation with Dr. Karl Henize, S019 P.I. Figure 7: ED 25 - X-rays From Jupiter

Category II - Students 1 Data Obtained With Additional Usage of Existing Equipment

ED 23 - UV From Quasars Student Investigator: John C. Hamilton Aiea High School Aiea, Hawaii

Quasars are very distant celestial bodies many times as luminous, in certain spectral ranges, as the brightest of the larger nearby galaxies. John's proposal is to extend the know­ ledge of the spectra of quasars to the ultraviolet region in order to augment existing data in the radio and visible ranges. Since Dr. Karl Henize, From Pulsars University of Texas, the P.I. ofS019, Ultra­ Figure 9: ED 26 - UV violet Stellar Astronomy, is also interested in this area, John has been affiliated with him. Category III - Experiments Requiring New Hardware

ED 31 - Bacteria and Spores Student Investigator: Robert L. Staehle Harley High School Rochester, New York

Colonies of selected, non-pathogenic bacteria will be incubated at a specified tempera­ ture in the Skylab weightless environment. The resulting colonies will be photographed periodi­ cally during their development cycle to assess the differences in survival, growth and mutations when compared with a similar group of earth environment spores. Both the photographs and the bacterial colonies (inhibited from further growth) will be returned to earth for further study. Figure 8: ED 23 - UV From Quasars

1-18 (A) Hardware

ANTIGEN AGAR IMPREGNATED WELL__. WITH ANTIBODIES

(B) Inoculation Petri (C) Simulation: Dish Detail Removal of One Inoculating Disc

Figure 10: ED 31 - Bacteria and Spores

ED 32 - In Vitro Immunology Student Investigator: Plate - Typical Todd A. Meister (B) Detail of Immuno-Diffusion Bronx High School of Science Jackson Heights, New York

Todd presented a proposal on the study of immunological processes in the Skylab environ­ ment. Developmental problems precluded performing all aspects of his experiment. That portion which will be performed involves the in vitro demonstration of the human immune response mechanism. Radial immuno-diffusion is the phenomenon Todd will study. Various concentrations of human antigen (blood serum) will be reacted against an agar suspension of specific human antibodies (G, M and A) to form precipitin rings. The characteristics of the resulting rings are a measure of the immune response. (C) Simulation Sensory Performance ED 41 - Motor Figure 11: ED 32 - In Vitro Immunology Student Investigator: Kathy L. Jackson Kathy proposes to use a standardized Clear Creek High School eye-hand coordination test board to assess the Houston, Texas changes in fine, manipulative capabilities of a crew member due to extended exposure to the

1-19 Skylab environment. She will also correlate this data not only with ground based data on the specific crew member but also with data acquired using her classmates. Data analysis will be closely coordinated by NASA's Life Sciences personnel.

(A) Hardware Details

(A) Hardware

(B) Actual Hardware

Figure 13: ED 52 - Web Formation

ED 61 - Plant Growth Student Investigator: Joel G. Wordekemper (B) Simulation Central Catholic High School Figure 12: ED 41 - Motor Sensory Perform- West Point, Nebraska

Determine the differences in root and ED 52 - Web Formation stem growth and orientation of rice seeds in Student Investigator: specimens growth in zero gravity and on earth Judith S. Miles under similar environmental conditions. Lexington High School Lexington, Massachusetts ED 62 - Plant Phototropism Student Investigator: This experiment will observe the web Donald W. Schlack building process and the detailed structure of the Downey High School common cross spider (araneus diadematus) in a Downey, California normal environment and in the Skylab environ­ as ment. It is expected that this experiment may Determine whether light can be used provide some neurological response data similar a substitute for gravity in causing the roots and to that obtained at the Research Division, North stems of rice seeds to grow in the appropriate the Carolina Department of Mental Health, Raleigh, direction in zero gravity, and determine North Carolina. minimum light level required.

1-20 Due to the commonality of hardware combined concepts, ED 61 and ED 62 have been to achieve the objectives of both experiments with a single set of hardware.

(A) Hardware

^^ (A) Hardware

(B) Hardware Details (C) Simulation

/Plant Figure 14: ED 61/62 - Plant Growth Phototropism (B) Hardware Details

ED 63 - Cytoplasmic Streaming Student Investigator: Cheryl A. Peltz Arapahoe High School Littleton, Colorado

Cheryl will investigate a fundamental plant life process through the microscopic The examination of cytoplasmic streaming. or not interest here is in determining whether gravity the intracellular cytoplasm motion is dependent.

ED 72 - Capillary Study Student Investigator: Roger G. Johnston School Slide Ramsey High (C) Simulation: Preparation of Wet St. Paul, Minnesota Figure 15: ED 63 - Cytoplasmic Streaming flow caused Roger's interest in fluid Concepts of Hardware him to propose an experiment for investigation environ­ the capillary phenomenon in the Skylab capillary ment. His experiment will examine capillary action as a function of fluid visocity and

1-21 tube diameter. In addition, he will examine ED 74 - Mass Measurement capillary wicking as a function of wick mesh Student Investigator: characteristics. Vincent W. Converse Harlem High School Rockford, Illinois

Vincent proposed five alternate methods of determining the mass of small objects in a zero gravity environment. He detailed the actual hardware to accomplish each method. Since Skylab already has two mass measurement devices on board, the decision was made to utilize the one method that Vincent proposed to demonstrate the principal used. Weight, volume and development time made it impossible to include the other four methods.

The selected method utilizes the natural oscillations of a cantilever ed beam (spring) loaded by the unknown mass. (A) Hardware

(A) Hardware Showing Beam Launch Restraint (B) Capillary Tube System With Valve Detail

(B) Simulation (C) Simulation Figure 17: ED 74 - Mass Measurement Hardware Concepts Figure 16: ED 72 - Capillary Study

1-22 ED 76 - Neutron Analysis Student Investigator: Terry C. Quist Thomas Jefferson High School San Antonio, Texas

In this experiment, detectors inside Skylab record impacts of low energy neutrons. of The detectors, mounted on the inboard surfaces neutrons water tanks, will discriminate between which in four energy spectra. The neutrons, the have been moderated by their passage through and water in the tanks, impact the detectors disrupt produce fission particles which in turn record­ the polymer chains in the solid dielectric ing medium. Chemical treatment, on the ground, regions) and etches out the track (disrupted (C) Simulation tracks. permits microscopic identification of the tracks provide Fission products and resulting Figure 18: ED 76 - Neutron Analysis clues to the neutron origin. ED 78 - Liquid Motion in Zero !I G H Student Investigator: W. Brian Dunlap Austintown Fitch High School Youngs town, Ohio

Brian's proposal involved the study of the liquid-gas interface in a zero gravity environment. wave He devised a sophisticated space borne not be machine concept which unfortunately could with the operated in the Skylab. Working closely MSFC scientists, he developed an extremely Actual simple method of observing this reaction. of tests from a drop tower verified the feasibility simply enclosing, in a cylinder, a gas-liquid in combination. The liquid is actually packaged trapped a 15 psi, normal earth atmosphere, with air constituting the gas. A quick release (A) Hardware against mechanism will allow the gas to expand Skylab resulting in SPACE FOR the 5 psi environment of the METAL DEACTIVATE the gas-liquid interface. BARRIER—w an impulsive force at ALUMINUM \ SE "\ \

(B) Neutron Detector Details

(A) Hardware

1-23 orbit and observing the development of the embryo. The concept developed would select fertile eggs, hold them at a safe, low tempera­ ture until they could be placed in an incubator in orbit. Incubation periods would be varied so that returned eggs would reflect changes in 5 LIQUID- maturity and development as a result of exposure to weightlessness. At least one egg would be allowed to hatch very near the end of one of the Skylab missions. Since a newly hatched chicken STOPPER-'' requires little or no care for the first several IEZZZB hours of life, it was expected that the problems associated with its return to earth would be minimal.

In order to assure that fertile eggs would be available in orbit, and that "normal" develop­ (B) Hardware Details and Experiment Concept ment of the embryos would be probable, a sophisticated cooler/incubator/storage container Figure 19: ED 78 - Liquid Motion in Zero "G" was required. The time cycle was such that a command module launch was required. Unfor­ Category IV - Experiments Requiring Other tunately, the weight, volume and crew involve­ Affiliation ment exceed the program capabilities and time was not available to develop the hardware with its ED 33 - Micro Organisms in Varying stringent temperature and humidity requirements. Gravity Student Investigator: Kent indicated an interest in biorhythms Keith Stein and he was associated with the circadian rhythm- W. Trespar Clarke High School pocket mice experiment S071, Circadian Rhythm, N.Y. Westbury, Pocket Mice, under the direction of Dr. John Lindberg, P.I. The objective of this experiment was to subject numerous different species of bacteria, ED 71 - Colloidal State ciliated cells and other micro organisms to a Student Investigator: complex regime of varying levels of gravitational Keith McGee forces. The varying "G" levels were to be South Garland High School achieved by mounting the specimens at different Garland, Texas radii on a centrifuge. The proposed concepts for this experi­ The large amounts of crew time devoted ment involved the mixing of a series of colloidal to removing, examining and returning samples suspensions, solutions and gels as well as to the centrifuge together with the development electrophoretic processes. All but the electro- time required to design, build and qualify a phoresis portions of this experiment depended on suitable centrifuge precluded performing this Brownian motion for the mixing, diffusion experiment on Skylab. Since the previously processes to take place. Since Skylab is not a planned microbiology Detailed Test Objectives stable platform in the sense required to observe includes some of the data Keith is interested in these phenomena this experiment was assigned he will be associated with Dr. Ferguson, JSC, to Category IV. the Principal Coordinating Scientist for this investigation. Keith has been associated with Dr. Robert Snyder, MSFC, who was involved in the ED 51 - Chick Embryology Apollo 14 and 17 electrophoresis demonstrations Student Investigator: and who is currently continuing his investigations Kent M. Brandt in this area. Grand Blanc Senior High School Grand Blanc, Michigan ED 73 - Powder Flow Student Investigator: Kent proposed what potentially was one Kirk M. Sherhart of the most exciting of all the student experi­ Berkley High School ments. He proposed launching a number of Berkley, Michigan fertile chicken eggs, incubating the eggs in

1-24 SM 11 - Archeological Studies Via The objective of this experiment was to Infrared Photography study the parameters involved in achieving the Student Investigator: flow of powdered or granulated materials as John W. Olsen opposed to liquids. Tall aha see, Florida Detailed studies revealed that significant SM 21 - Spectroscopy of Lunar Libra- development problems existed that precluded time. tion Clouds production of hardware within the allowable Student Investigator: Bridging of particles, inhibiting flow, was found Daniel V. Willens to be a severe obstacle. Skokie, Illinois Kirk has been affiliated with the NASA SM 31 - Effects of Bioisolatioh on on liquids flow in a zero gravity researchers Intestinal Micro-Flora environment. Student Investigator: Jeffrey D. Sargent ED 75 - Brownian Motion Richlands, Virginia Student Investigator: Gregory A. Merkel SM 32 - Mold Development in Zero G Wilbraham and Monson Academy Student Investigator: Springfield, Massachusetts Jonathan A. Aldous Harbor City, California The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of zero gravity on the SM 33 - Escherichin Coli in Zero G Brownian progression of a solute through its Student Investigator: solvent. This experiment requires a highly Jeffrey V. Fox stable platform for time periods of up to a month. Grand Blanc, Michigan Skylab is not capable of providing the required degree of stability. SM 34 - Cancer Cells in Zero G Student Investigator: Greg indicated a strong interest in Julian H. Morgan, III astronomy and was therefore associated with for Spartanburg, South Carolina Dr. Karl Henize, University of Texas, P.I. 9, UV Stellar Astronomy. SOI SM 35 - White Blood Cells in Zero G Student Investigator: ED 77 - Universal Gravity Constant Robert E. Downey Student Investigator: Alexandria, Indiana James E. Healy St. Anthony's High School SM 41 - Crew Efficiency Deterioration Bayport, N. Y. Student Investigator: Randall L. Grimm Jim proposed to fly a modified the Youngstown, Ohio Cavendish balance in an attempt to measure gravitational constant. Unfortunately, universal SM 42 - Zero G Electroencephalography random forces induced on the masses of the the Student Investigator: by Skylab disturbances exceeded the balance Robert M. Hersh forces of the Cavendish balance. mass attraction Coraopolis, Pennsylvania Jim indicated an interest in the T013, Crew Disturbances, experiment. He and the Vehicle SM 42 - Zero G Electroencephalography , Mr. Bruce Conway, of NASA's Langley P.I. Student Investigator: Center have developed a meaningful Research Mark W. Rattan association. Wilbraham, Massachusetts

Category V - Honorable Mention SM 44 - Motor Coordination Student Investigator: These experiment proposals were of Jeff L. Gray quality that NSTA and NASA such exceptional River Falls, Wisconsin gave special acknowledgement to the students, They are listed as follows, although Skylab could not accommodate them in any manner:

1-25 OF THE STUDENT SM 45 - Human Circadian Rhythms in CONTINUING INVOLVEMENT Skylab INVESTIGATOR Student Investigator: at MSFC Scott A. Rubin Advisers from the research laboratories national San Diego, California were assigned to each of the twenty-five winners. For those experiments which required these advisers, SM 46 - Zero G Reaction Time the development of hardware, the student involved and Student Investigator: working closely with both systems, and Thomas W. Trent a team of hardware designers, a conceptual Jamestown, North Dakota operations specialists, evolved experiment design. Each student presented this his adviser, to a SM 47 - Zero Gravity Tennis design, with the support of Review Board in Student Investigator: Skylab Preliminary Design were some of Vince K. Crow May 1972. Among the participants their Oklahoma City, Oklahoma the P.I. 's for mainline Skylab experiments; advice and offers of continuing participation with most helpful. SM 48 - Frustrations in Zero Gravity the Student Project were Student Investigators: specifications, and Joanna I. Smith and By August 1972 these designs, the point where Charlene L. Bowman mission operations details reached of the Farmington, New Mexico development, including actual manufacture, flight qualified hardware was practicable. At Review Board was SM 51 - Effects of Weightlessness on that time, a Critical Design by the students Internal Organs - Mice convened and after presentations final design concept was Student Investigator: and their advisers, a units, test Richard S. From accepted. Production of development was authorized. Fowler, California units, trainer and flight hardware At this review, each student discussed his own, furthering of the actual SM 71 - Immiscible Liquids in Zero G individual, efforts in the procedural concepts, or Student Investigator: design of the hardware, (ED 31) initiated Jerry B. Franklin ground studios. Rob Staehle spores from Spencer, Indiana life tests on a series of bacterial which five species were chosen for flight. Todd techniques for evalua­ SM 72 - Density/Surface Tension in Meister (ED 32) developed Kathy Zero G ting the antigen-antibody reaction. her classmates to Student Investigator: Jackson (ED 41) utilized performance Anthony N. Lewis establish her own motor sensory 52) not only Worthington, Ohio data bank. Judith Miles (ED appeared on the I've Got a Secret TV show, but qualities of SM 73 - Gaseous Diffusion in Zero G experimented with the adaptive environment. Donald Student Investigator: spiders to a slowly rotating with both radish Richard B. Boyd, Jr. Schlack (ED 62) experimented the use of rice seeds Pasadena, Texas and rice seeds and evolved as the only practical seed for the space flight (ED 63) spent many SM 74 - Slow Particle Flux in Zero "G 1 experiment. Cheryl Peltz to develop a growth medium Student Investigator: hours in attempting only insure that her Mark A. Barteau for plants that would not viable after subsisting Creve Coeur, Missouri elodea plants would remain in the dark for up to a week's time but also crew's satisfaction, that the SM 75 - Crystal Growth in Zero "G" demonstrated, to the slide was simpler than Student Investigator: preparation of a wet These are but a few exam­ William D. Snow previously believed. made to insure the Rolla, Missouri ples of the efforts the students highest probability of success of their experi­ have worked closely, on an SM 76 - Laser Communications ments. All students with their advisers, Student Investigator: almost daily basis, planners in working out Richard E. Hoye designers and mission hardware designs, Potomac, Maryland final refinements to the packaging for flight, deployment and actual per­ formance by the flight crew.

1-26 and are eager to do not require values of the space program Those students whose experiments con­ equally adapt their ideas to new and unfamiliar development of new hardware contribute They straints imposed by the Skylab Program. to the success of their experiments. advisers, consult correspond with their science Project The participants in the Skylab Student directly with P.I. ! s and the Skylab Program It represent a broad spectrum of the American Offices in defining a meaningful experiment. class Secondary School System. Valedictorians, should be especially noted that these students, athletes, community leaders, budding awed somewhat by the prominent scientists officers, though all well represented in the group working, do not hesitate to scientists are with whom they are The broad coverage their portion of of over 4, 000 participants. express their own ideas on how but highly of their proposals ranged from simple the baseline experiment should be conducted. sophisticated medical technology to parapyschology; cooperate fully in defining data most useful They demonstrations of known (in the earth's objectives. They are quite from basic in meeting their phenomena to investiga­ adjust their ideas environment) physical willing, where necessary, to physics. world of tions of high sophistication in particle to the practicalities imposed by the real to be observed, ground Skylab in defining targets produced some activities. The Student Project has also control requirements and support concept practical results for general use. The experiments had long been of these students will convene at of "suitcase" All twenty-five but generally neglected in application. of Skylab flights 1 and 2. considered KSC for the launch took advantage of this educational seminar The Student Project They will participate in an weight and be given further concept out of necessity-space, at this time where they will were extremely regard to systems support availability opportunity to express themselves with limited. Each student experiment is completely NASA may conduct similar student participa­ how very compact, virtually self-contained, programs. They will meet with portable, tion on future of high potential in scientific in space programs as well and several are some of the old timers low cost. Thus, astronauts. value despite their relatively as exchange ideas with the Skylab found to potential scientific value has not been of direct funds of their necessarily require high outlays During the actual orbital performance in nor systems support. experiment, each student will be involved control to the extent that their other mission the Student Project demonstrated that will permit. It is hoped that they Moreover, commitments hardware concepts could be participating in original research will actually be on the scene, design, fabrica­ with carried from inception through consulations, as required, that take place tion, testing and verification in a comparatively orbiting crew, the flight controller and the time (less than one year). These concepts teams. They will not only be short mission evaluation in the use of abbreviated at the time of perform­ were also reflected asked to make decisions, development and write documentation, accelerated ance of their experiment,but will also manner minimum review cycles. definitive reports of their findings in a P.I. 's. similar to those required of all Skylab has There are many indications that the project aware­ made a. substantial contribution to public ness of Skylab as major international resource. by CONCLUSIONS This observation is probably best supported of the comments of Congressman Larry Winn Adminis­ Kansas to Mr. Myers, NASA Associate HAS BEEN LEARNED FROM THE during WHAT trator, Office of Manned Space Flight, to the STUDENTS congressional hearings in February 1973, effect that his contacts with teachers and association with all of the students involved that they The students had lead him to the conclusion the Student Project has proven most reward­ and NASA in are particularly well informed of space particularly in these times when our youth ing, experiments as a result of Skylab activities. are sometimes maligned in too-sweeping The exceptional intellect, of generalizations. Perhaps, in addition to stimulating a group of interests, grooming and personal involve­ range budding scientists and enhancing public of these students have been most its discipline ment, the Skylab Student Project, through to those who have had an opportunity gratifying and new approaches, will stimulate evening rap sessions ideas to work with them. Late and effectiveness of future feet improved efficiency revealed that these young people had their well space programs. solidly on the ground, were remarkably aware of the research potential and practical

1-27 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author acknowledges with many thanks the generous contributions and assistance received from:

Dr. Charles H. Murrish, Martin Marietta Aerospace, Denver, Colorado

Mr. James E. Powers, Manager of Educa­ tion, Skylab Program, NASA Head­ quarters, Washington, D.C.

Mr. John B. MacLeod, Mission Operations Office, Skylab Program, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

Mr. Robert S. Newlander, Experiment & GFE Project Engineering Office, Skylab Program, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

Mr. Ronald B. Paulus, Experiments Branch, Apollo-Skylab Program, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Mrs. Janice M. Young, Secretary of Experi­ ment Development & Payload Evalua­ tion Project, Skylab Program, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

Mr. Joseph T. Tucker, Program Control Branch, Skylab Program, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

Mr. Samuel L. Walls, Experiment Develop­ ment & Payload Evaluation Project, Skylab Program, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

Mr. Harry J. Coons, Experiment Develop­ ment & Payload Evaluation Project, Skylab Program, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

The personnel of MSFC's Science & Engineering Directorate who carried the major burden of technical imple­ mentation

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