An Australian student studying Aerospace Engineering at The Australian National University, Shingo Nishimoto, had his experiment conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) this week after entering the Asian Try Zero-G competition. Students were asked to propose an experiment or exercise that could be selected and conducted by JAXA astronauts in the Kibo module of the ISS.
Asian Try Zero-G (ATZG) was created by JAXA: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to promote crewed space experiment activities aboard the ISS. The competition is delivered in Australia by One Giant Leap Australia Foundation with sponsorship from the Australian Space Agency. It is free and open to youth and young scientists and engineers.
Students were asked to design and submit proposals for simple microgravity experiments or exercises that could easily be performed onboard the ISS. Submitted proposals were reviewed by a distinguished panel of space professionals.
Shingo was selected to represent Australia and this week his experiment took place over 400 km above the Earth.
“Words can’t describe how excited I am!” said Shingo, the morning of ATZ-G finals. His experiment set out to observe the movement and motion of rotating of objects for a long duration within the microgravity environment. In this case, the objects selected were multicoloured acrylic sticks attached perpendicular to each other at their centres.
“The experiment showed that in space, motion lasts longer than that on the ground”, said Mr Nishimoto. “The experiment was not easy [to conduct] due to the translational force of items moving around the KIBO module [in microgravity]. Thanks to all who were involved in this wonderful opportunity. I am especially grateful to JAXA Astronaut Furukawa for his many trials!”
Kyoichi Arakane, from Jaxa said the experiments went smoothly! “Many students were surprised by the results of their experiments – we are so happy to provide this amazing experience for them”, he said.
Jenna McCarthy, Education Outreach Manager for One Giant Leap Australia Foundation said “[t]his is an incredible opportunity for a student to have their own experiment carried out in space. It was fantastic being at JAXA, every time the astronaut performed one of the experiments, the entire room gasped in awe. Students, teachers, and parents were so proud and excited about what they had accomplished.” One Giant Leap Australia Foundation was created to provide life changing programs in space STEM education.
