Bees in Space: Creating a buzz about space science

Paper number

IAC-06-E1.3.01

Author

Ms. Naomi Mathers, Victorian Space Science Education Centre, Australia

Coauthor

Prof. Lachlan Thompson, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia

Coauthor

Ms. Anne Brumfitt, Space Qualified Ltd, Australia

Coauthor

Mr. Patrick Honan, Australia

Year

2006

Abstract

The first person to step on Mars is still in school, so it is important to engage students worldwide in this great adventure. “Bees in Space” is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the space program and make a real contribution to the exploration of this new frontier. Students work with scientists and engineers to investigate an effective pollinator for a micro gravity greenhouse and develop an ecosystem capable of producing food to sustain a human presence on Mars. This includes the selection of an appropriate pollinator, plant, environmental control, and engineering systems.

Students are able to access bee habitat greenhouses in their school and compare these to control greenhouses in Zoos throughout the world. The installation of control greenhouses at Zoos helps to examine the impact of various climates on the ecosystem and gives the general public access to the project. Control greenhouses to be also situated at the Arkaroola Mars analogue site in Australia and the ESA Antarctica base, Concordia. These controls will simulate the harsh environment of Mars and help to refine the engineering systems needed to maintain a remote autonomous system.

As students develop an understanding of the means to sustain life beyond Earth their understanding of how to sustain and enhance life on our planet is increased. New technologies and skills which are developed as part of the program have applications in a range of industries. In this way students have a positive impact on their own community and how we manage our fragile ecosystem as well as our ability to successfully move beyond our own planet. 

Students present their results from all investigations at a professional science reviewed annual “Bees” conference. With the support of ESA and the other international partners, the project will culminate in an experiment on the ISS to demonstrate the feasibility of a biological pollinator in a micro-gravity greenhouse. This experiment is a combination of the contributions made by schools and researchers worldwide.

”Bees in Space” builds on the experience gained with the successful space flown “Spiders in Space” experiment on STS-107. This paper discusses the proven successful innovative architecture that has been employed to enable “Bees in Space” to engage schools around the globe. Feedback from the students and teachers involved clearly indicated that they were unanimously excited and motivated by the challenge of new discovery.  

Abstract document

IAC-06-E1.3.01.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-E1.3.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.