Note: This post was originally published on April Fool’s Day.
Alternative Breaks (AB) is known for the strong connections students develop during their AB service trips. Redbirds taking part in the Alternative Winter Break (AWB) trip in late 2022 are sure to develop even closer bonds given their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
These students are going into space.
Ten students and one faculty/staff member will volunteer aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during the upcoming AWB trip, assisting Planet with basic satellite maintenance and repair while also working closely with NASA astronauts on several experiments analyzing the impact of microgravity on the growth of different lettuce hybrids.
The Redbirds will be gone December 11–21. They will initially travel to Cape Canaveral, Florida, where they’ll be transported to the ISS by a crew from Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX).
The trip is possible because of newly formed partnerships between Illinois State’s Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) and both SpaceX and Planet.
“We’re thrilled that our new partnership with SpaceX is allowing for drastically reduced transportation costs for the trip,” said CCE Director Dr. Katy Strzepek. “This unbelievable experience would not be possible without the support from SpaceX.”
While the actual cost of the group’s travel is not publicly available, SpaceX’s Rideshare program lists space flights starting at $1.1 million per traveler.
Planet is also helping to fund the space flight in return for the maintenance and repair that Illinois State students will do on Planet’s large network of satellites.
“Planet has over 130 satellites currently in orbit,” said Strzepek, “and the imagery they provide is being used for countless global projects such as monitoring deforestation and drought. This is important work, and we’re excited about this new partnership.”
The AWB trip is open to all students in good academic standing. Applications will open August 22 and students will be notified of their selection status no later than September 6. The trip will cost each student no more than $2,400 (fees are based on the student’s FAFSA Estimated Family Contribution). Partial fee discounts are also available.
Students selected for the trip will be required to attend pre-trip meetings twice a week from early September to the end of November.
“Pre-trip meetings will be key to preparing the students for both the service and the space flight itself,” said Dr. Annie Weaver, assistant director of co-curricular programs at CCE. “We’ll be doing some extensive training with all of the participants to make sure they’re prepared for the experience.”
The pre-trip meetings will cover topics such as what to expect during lift-off and landing, the types of food available in space (i.e., astronaut ice cream), as well as the training needed to work on Planet’s satellites.
CCE’s Director of Flock Engagement Bruce the Goose, hired last year on April Fool’s Day, has been instrumental in gathering student input about the opportunity.
“Honk, honk, honk,” said Bruce, as he scurried across the roof of the CCE building. “Honk…honk…honk.”
According to Strzepek, “we should also make sure we mention that none of this is true and we are in no way actually affiliated with either Planet or SpaceX. Emily Nafziger, our assistant director of marketing and communication, just made this all up.”
“Bruce really did say that the other day, though,” Strzepek concluded.
Happy April Fool’s Day, Redbirds!
