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Space Experiment Module (SEM)
06.26.08

Overview | Description | Applications | Operations | Results | Publications | Images

Experiment/Payload Overview

Brief Summary

The Space Experiment Module (SEM) introduces students to the concept of performing space based research on ISS. SEM provides students with the opportunity to conduct their own research on the effects of microgravity, radiation and space flight on various materials.

Principal Investigator

  • Ruthan Lewis, Ph.D., Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

    • Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

    No Information Available

    Payload Developer

    Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

    Sponsoring Agency

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

    Expeditions Assigned

    |10|11|13|14|

    Previous ISS Missions

    SEM has a long history of space flight. It has flown on 11 Space Shuttles, including STS-107 (Columbia), which was lost in 2003 and ISS Expeditions 10-11 and 13.

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    Experiment/Payload Description

    Research Summary

    • Provide student opportunities to conduct research on the effects of microgravity, radiation, and space flight on various materials.


    • Research objectives for each experiment are determined by the students, but generally include hypothesis on changes in the selected materials due to the space environment.


    • Students are provided "Space Capsules" to contain passive test articles for flight. The capsules are then packed in satchels (10 per satchel) which contain special formed foam layers for flight.

  • Description

    The Space Experiment Module (SEM) provides high school students with an opportunity to conduct research on the effects of microgravity, radiation, and space flight on various materials. Research objectives for each experiment are determined by students but generally include hypotheses on changes in selected materials due to the space environment. This is achieved by providing students space capsules that contain passive test articles for flight. These capsules are clear, sealable polycarbonate vials, 1 inch in diameter and 3 inches in depth. The vials are packed in satchels (20 per satchel) that contain special formed foam layers for flight.

    Students select the items that will be contained inside the vials. Some of the items include seeds, such as corn, watermelon, cucumber, beans, peas, and several other vegetables. Additional items include materials, such as wool, Kevlar, silk, ultraviolet beads, chicken bones, copper, plastic, dextrose, yeast, over-the-counter medications, human hair, mineral samples, light bulbs, and brine shrimp eggs. Many students will test for seed growth after microgravity exposure; other students will test how materials protect against radiation exposure and survival rates of microscopic life forms.

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    Applications

    Space Applications

    SEM introduces the concept of space-based scientific experiments to the next generation.

    Earth Applications

    Eleven schools are running experiments on the first Space Experiment Module (SEM) satchel flight. The experiments are contained in clear polycarbonate vials. These vials are also flown in passive (no power required) SEM experiment modules. Students create their own experiments, and consider such variables as space radiation, microgravity and launch environment. SEM is educating and inspiring the next generation to take the journey.

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    Operations

    Operational Requirements

    On orbit the satchels are placed in passive stowage on the ISS for one stage. At some point during the stage, a crew member will remove the satchels and - using a video camera - will take videos of the experiment capsules and describe their contents and student interests. These videos will be down-linked to the ground for use by the students in their analysis.

    Operational Protocols

    SEM will not require any crew interaction.

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    Results/More Information

    Eleven schools and 300 students developed experiments for SEM Satchel 001. The satchel was launched during ISS Expedition 10 in December 2004 and returned to Earth on space shuttle Discovery (STS-114) in August 2005. The sample vials will be returned to the students for analysis.

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    Related Web Sites

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    Publications

    Results Publications

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      Related Publications

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        Images

        imageNASA Image: ISS010E12594 - This image shows an integrated SEM Satchel on ISS during Increment 10 taken by ISS commander Leroy Chiao.
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        imageNASA Image: ISS010E12597 - This image shows a close up of vials 11-15 of the SEM Satchel on ISS during Increment 10.
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        imageNASA Image: ISS011E05374 - Wide angle image of the SEM satchel taken by ISS Expedition 11 Science Officer, John Phillips.
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        imageNASA Image: ISS011E05380 - Close up image of SEM samples 16-20 taken by ISS Expedition 11 Science Officer, John Phillips.
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        imageNASA Image: ISS013E54207 - Image of SEM satchel floating in the U.S. Lab during ISS Expedition 13 by Science Officer, Jeff Williams.
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        imageNASA Image: ISS013E54212 - This image shows integrated SEM Satchels on ISS during Increment 13 taken by the NASA ISS Science Officer, Jeff Williams.
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        Information Provided and Updated by the ISS Program Scientist's Office
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