NEWS

On October 8, 2023, a space experiment event was held for 40 high school students at National Central University in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Group photo of participants

 
The Kirara Science Program in Taiwan, an extracurricular activity program for high school students, is being hosted by National Central University in Taoyuan City, Taiwan in cooperation with the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center and sponsored by the Taoyuan City Department of Education. Funding was also provided by grants from the Taiwan Ministry of Education to the NCU Center for Astronautical Physics and Engineering and the Support for University STEM and Female Researcher Development Project. JAMSS is supporting this initiative by providing space experiment opportunities, technical support, and the Kirara Science Program, a package of educational materials utilizing Kirara, a high-quality protein crystal production service. This will be JAMSS' first overseas expansion of this program.
 
What is the Kirara Science Program?
The Kirara Science Program is an extracurricular activity program that allows middle to high school students to challenge protein crystal production experiments conducted on the International Space Station(ISS) under the theme of space x drug discovery research. Four events will be held over a period of about six months. This year's participants, the first in Taiwan, are eight teams of 40 high school students living in Taoyuan City, Taipei City, and other nearby areas
 
About events
The first and second events were held in September to conduct preliminary experiments (condition studies) for space experiments, and on October 8, the third event, each team presented the results of their preliminary experiments and prepared samples for space experiments. In addition, a special session was held to introduce JAMSS space jobs (Kibo Flight Controller and Astronaut Training Instructor).
 
Voice of Participants
The high school students who participated in the program said, "I wonder if astronauts on the ISS feel lonely. What do they do to avoid loneliness?” “To become a training instructor, do I have to first become an astronaut?" “Do I need to get support from public organizations such as the government or companies in order to become an astronaut?” “What kind of commercial stations are planned for the future?” “I'm nervous about whether crystals will form properly in space.” “I am looking forward to observing the differences in crystal formation in microgravity and on the ground.” “I am looking forward to the launch of the rocket!”
We received many questions and comments from the participants, and we could see their high level of interest in space development and space experiments.

　　
*Explanation of photos
(Left) Preparing a sample for a space experiment
(Middle) Samples prepared by high school students
(Right) The sample is installed in the Kirara device, and a group photo of the participants is put on the side of the device to launch it.
 
The sample prepared by the high school students will be loaded onto the Kirara, which will be launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, U.S.A., to the ISS by Falcon9 rocket(SpX-29) on November 4.
 
Message from JAMSS Staff
I am delighted that we were able to create an opportunity for international exchange between Japan and Taiwan, above all through the keyword "space experiment”. Regardless of nationality or culture, I was impressed by the lively eyes of the space-loving children, who honestly expressed their desire and feelings to learn more about space.
Finally, the space experiment will start in November. Let's give a cheer to the children for their big challenge!
 
▼Kirara service
 
▼Reference - Case Study of Kirara Science Program in Japan
Space Experiments as an After-School Curriculum - Unforgettable Active Learning for Middle and High School Students｜Kirara Edu | ASMILLA