The Winston-Salem State University Astrobotany Lab will expand its space science research program with former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe ( Black PR Wire ). Aisha Bowe, a renowned rocket scientist, businessman, and international STEM leader, is working with WSSU, one of the top HBCUs, and Odyssey, WSSU’s space technology and operations company, to build a ground-breaking suborbital space experiment aboard Blue Origin’s All-Female Mission, NS-31. This groundbreaking trial, led by WSSU Astrobotany students and researchers, will explore how produce plants respond to gravity at the molecular level, helping to advance green place agriculture and food protection on Earth. This is the first suborbital flying study in the history of WSSU’s world-leading Astrobotany study program, which is housed within its Department of Biological Sciences. The Astrobotany test is the only HBCU facility with a Space Act Agreement with the Crop Generation Group at the NASA Kennedy Space Center. It is also the only HBCU facility with a Space Plant Biology test. A pioneering study will examine the first molecular stress response of crop plants to microgravity exposure and focus on six important genes related to the stress response, nutritional transport, and metabolism. Students will investigate how gravity affects plant growth by examining changes in gene activity. After the flight, they will use molecular tools to compare gene expression in plants that have been ground controls in microgravity. Dr. Rafael Loureiro, associate professor of botany and plant physiology and founder of the Astrobotany Lab at WSSU, said,” This mission not only advances scientific discovery but also provides an unparalleled opportunity for our students to engage in real-world space research.” Our students gain practical experience that will influence the development of astrobotany, space exploration, and sustainable food production beyond Earth by participating in this suborbital flight experiment with Aisha. This collaboration makes sure that HBCU students are not just space science participants but also space science experts, according to WSSU Chancellor Bonita J. The first woman to hold a female presidency in the history of WSSU. The mission of Winston-Salem State University is to break barriers, which is a testament to the crucial role that HBCUs play in developing space research and preparing our students to lead the way forward in the future of exploration. One of the few HBCU-led teams conducting space-based plant research, WSSU students are collaborating to advance knowledge and have direct application to the development of future lunar and Martian habitats. Bowe, who will be conducting the experiment onboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 flight, stated,” This experiment is about world-class research that benefits both space and life on Earth.” I’m proud to support the groundbreaking work of WSSU’s Astrobotany Lab, which is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture on a global scale. Future Research Implications & the FutureThe results of this study will help scientists study spaceflight longer periods and develop our knowledge of how plants adapt to harsh environments, which will be crucial for the development of lunar and Marsinian habitation. For HBCUs, space-based agriculture, and the broader science community, the Blue Origin NS-31 launch is a significant milestone. Contact Kimberly Harrington at wssu.edu ( 704 ) 294-9431 for media inquiries
Contact Chanelle [email protected] for media inquiries pertaining to Ms. Aisha Bowe
( 44 ) 77532-42117Bradford Bridgers [email protected]
( 301 ) 538-6667
Winston-Salem State University’s Astrobotany Lab collaborates with ex-NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe to enhance space science research at HBCUs.
