L.A. elementary school photo carried on space shuttle to return to Earth

A photograph of Grape Street Elementary School students that has been on a ride with the space shuttle Atlantis will return Friday along with the crew that's carrying it.

The crew took off Nov. 16 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a mission to conduct experiments on the effects of space on the spread of microorganisms. Lesson plans for students of all levels will be developed based on the results.

The photo was carried aboard the shuttle by NASA astronaut Leland Melvin, who is a part of the National Technical Assn., the group that invited the school to be involved with the mission. The NTA is a professional organization of scientists and engineers who aim to encourage minorities, women and youths to study science and math and gain skills for technological careers.

The mission is the 31st trip to the International Space Station and included three spacewalks. Only six flights remain before the end of the space shuttle program.

-- Baxter Holmes

Photo: LAUSD

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Comments

[Trisha]

This is really great for those kids.