Teaching science "spiders in space experiment" on Columbia STS -107

The tragic loss of Columbia and her crew on 1st February 2003 stunned the world as debris was scattered over the Southern United States. This event was in stark contrast to the well wishers and clear blue sky that engulfed Space Shuttle Columbia STS107 as she took off on the 16th of January with eight Australian spiders on a sixteen-day mission into space. Students of the Glen Waverley Secondary College with RMIT University and the Royal Melbourne Zoo designed the experiment. This process has led the students into direct contact and collaboration with established space entities NASA, Bioserve and Spacehab as well as international researchers. The class activities include the design of the experiment and investigations into issues such as life-support, flight clearance and mission simulation. The hypothesis tested whether spiders can build orb-webs in Microgravity conditions, and how Microgravity affects the web structure, method of production and quality of silk. Despite the tragic loss of Columbia and her crew during the STS107 mission, the STARS experiment has yielded some insight that has assisted biological researchers in investigating the effect of micro gravity on the health and behavious of spiders for the development of a space Greenhouse. The development of habitat and automated feedings for spiders and similar life forms also provide valuable experience and insights into supporting life in space. The project demonstrates that being part of real-life space science and exploration is now a possibility for all young Australians.