King: SpaceX Dragon Launches Young Iowans' Futures

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Washington, DC- Congressman Steve King released the following statement today prior to the SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft's return to Earth later tonight. Before the SpaceX Dragon took off, student groups from across the country competed to submit scientific experiments aboard the spacecraft while in space. There were 779 national student proposals submitted in the competition. Only 15 of those were selected for flight, and one of them came from Ida County, Iowa. This student team from OA-BCIG experimented with sending dormant Killifish eggs into space to study the bone and muscle mass against the micro-gravity's pulling force. It will aid in the study of human health, specifically looking into kidney stone research.

The students from the OA-BCIG and Ridge View school districts will both be travelling to Washington, DC in July to present the findings from their experiments at the National Air & Space Museum. Ridge View was selected to participate in this same program last year with the lastspace shuttle launch of Atlantis.  Ida County Economic Development and Northwest AEA led the collaboration of the stakeholders and students through this process.

"I am so proud of the many Iowa students who worked hard to be a part of this prestigious student spaceflight experiments program," said King. "What an honor it is for our state to be involved. It is such a great testament to the bright students, the dedicated teachers, and the supportive communities we have in these school districts.  It is important that we make investment in the education of our young people a top priority. I have no doubt that this experience has helped many students understand the importance of math and science, and today as the SpaceX Dragon returns, young Iowans' futures are launched."