Not only was the unmanned SpaceX rocket that exploded after launch carrying cargo for the International Space Station, it was also carrier to the carefully built science experiments designed by high school students across the country.

"Students from Damien High School in La Verne designed an experiment to send to the International Space Station with the SpaceX Falcon rocket, which was carrying 23 other student experiments and supplies for astronauts at the station," according to NBC Los Angeles.

Teams of students from high schools across the nation have spent the past year designing science experiments to travel with SpaceX to the International Space Station and many of those teams traveled to Cape Canaveral to watch the rocket take them into space.

The rocket's ultimate demise was disappointing to the participating students, but many students told various news outlets they were excited to be a part of the experience nonetheless and several students expressed their dedication to trying again.

Students Joe Garvey, Gabe Voigt and Rachel Lindbergh from North Charleston, South Carolina spoke to the Orlando Sentinel about their experience and their desire to see the experiment through. This is the second time their experiment has failed to launch, yet the students remain optimistic.

"Next time, they'll do even better, the three students vowed. Joe said all he wants to do is get this done before he graduates in two years — he and Gabe will be juniors in the fall," according to the Sentinel. 

The three students will continue on to a space conference in Boston to discuss their experiment and will continue to spend their time in high school working on another experiment, a true tale of perseverance.

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Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

06/29/2015