Omaha Students Sent Experiment to Space Station

Three students from Metropolitan Community College launched a radiation study to the International Space Station.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Space

A close-up metallic radiation-sensing box with copper wiring sitting on a white laboratory table, prepared for space research. — Three Metropolitan Community College students successfully launched a radiation experiment to the International Space Station to measure neutron levels during solar activity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Three Metropolitan Community College students successfully launched a science experiment to the International Space Station. The project aims to measure neutron radiation during the current period of high solar activity.

Why it matters

By comparing radiation data collected in orbit to measurements taken on Earth, these students hope to better understand the impact of high solar activity. This real-world application provides a rare opportunity for local students to contribute to active orbital research.

The student-designed experiment utilizes sensors to track neutron radiation levels while the rocket travels to and remains aboard the International Space Station. This process provides a controlled environment for analyzing particles during a period of high solar activity.

The players

Metropolitan Community College

This Omaha-based institution provides educational opportunities and technical training to students across the region.

NASA

The United States government agency responsible for the civil space program and aeronautics research.

The details

The students traveled to the Kennedy Space Center to tour NASA facilities and witness the rocket launch in person. Their experiment is designed to function autonomously while in orbit for several weeks before the hardware eventually returns to Earth.

The rocket launched on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Central time.
The rocket is expected to arrive at the International Space Station on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The Big Picture

This project represents a growing shift toward democratization in space research through initiatives like the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. By moving beyond traditional aerospace industry experiments, these programs enable undergraduate researchers to test hypotheses in microgravity environments.

This experiment provides a practical look at how neutron radiation behaves during high solar activity cycles. The findings could influence future understanding of radiation shielding requirements for both astronauts and satellite hardware.

The takeaway

Students interested in aerospace research can look for upcoming opportunities through academic programs that partner with NASA. This mission demonstrates that complex scientific data collection is increasingly accessible to local college communities.