After a ditched idea by last year’s Space Lab, growing Piezoelectric crystals in microgravity became our final consensus. Piezoelectric crystals are a small scale energy source which produces small voltage with mechanical pressure. The experiment definitely seemed feasible while keeping our learning interesting. According to our mentors in Valley Christian High School, Mr. Howell Ivy and Mr. Dan Saldana, our experiment would be the first of its kind to reach the International Space Station. Piezoelectric crystals can be grown from Rochelle salt and a supersaturated solution of Rochelle salt. 

In a small chamber, we will have our solid Rochelle salt resting and slowly over time, we will pump in our supersaturated solution by 0.5ml every 12 hours. The supersaturated solution will be made by boiling distilled water to the highest possible point before evaporation. We will then add enough Rochelle salt for the distilled water to be saturated. Once the distilled water returns to room temperature, it will then be supersaturated. After growing one set of crystals onboard the ISS and another set here on earth, we will measure the difference in voltage that is produced by the crystals when it has been applied to mechanical force.

As of now, our experiment write-up and safety document has been given the “thumbs up” from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and we are good to go. We are currently conducting miniature experiments in Mr. Page’s room to develop a greater understanding of Piezoelectric crystals as well as educating ourselves on coding and 3D printing to prepare ourselves for the actual building of the experiment in the near future.

Continue to watch this space for updates as we take you along with us on our journey to space!