SpaceX Launches Science Project by Ukrainian Students to the International Space Station

A scientific experiment developed by students from the Lviv region of Ukraine has been successfully launched into space aboard a SpaceX rocket.

The project, created by a team from Skole, a town in western Ukraine, is focused on the production of biomedical hydrogels in microgravity conditions. The launch took place on November 4, 2024, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The experiment, which won the All-Ukrainian School Space Experiment (SSEP) competition, was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for further research. The students from Skole Secondary School No. 2, named after Stefania Vitryk, have developed a unique method for creating hydrogels, a material with potential biomedical applications.

This project marks the third time that a Ukrainian student-led scientific initiative has been sent to space. The SSEP program provides an opportunity for young scientists to send their experiments to the ISS aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

According to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the experiment will contribute to the understanding of material properties in microgravity. The students’ participation in this mission was supported by the School to Go initiative and the Nova Ukraine charity.

SSEP, a comprehensive program aimed at fostering scientific and STEAM education, continues to promote the development of future generations of scientists and innovators.

The mission is part of the 18th SSEP flight and was made possible through collaboration with various Ukrainian institutions and international support.