Mission 1200

To Mars and back again! The Columbia Aeronautic and Space Association has completed its twelfth annual aerospace simulation, and what has been considered the best CASA mission to date. With some one-hundred thirty students from around the Columbia school district participating, plus the guidance from mentors, CASA Mission 1200: "Mars Millennium," was not only a technological success, but it was also successful in its attempt to bring students of all ages and backgrounds together for an incredible week in space!

Lift-off occurred on Monday morning as the pilots navigated the shuttle to dock with Space Station Freedom. The focus of the 2000 mission was a study of the planet Mars. Throughout the week of the simulation students completed scientific experiments involving Brassica rapa plants, Alfalfa plants, and corn plants. The effect of lunar simulant soil, as well as the importance of light color on plant growth was also studied. As is the case with each CASA simulation, students worked as a team on board the CASA space station, as well as in CASA Mission Control, to resolve simulated on board emergencies. These SOBE's , as they are called, are designed to challenge the students` problem solving skills, as well as their ability to utilize their knowledge of the core curricular areas (math, science, English, and social studies) to develop solutions to simulated emergencies. The entire mission was broadcast live on AT&T 16, as well as via Real Video on the CASA web site.

CASA Mission 1200 began on Monday, February 21, 2000 by welcoming some 140 community members to a mission kick-off breakfast. On Wednesday, February 23, 2000 Lieutenant Governor Roger Wilson and Governor Mel Carnahan visited the students, and even worked with a few mission control personnel and CASA astronauts to resolve a simulated on-board emergency. During his time with CASA on Wednesday afternoon, the Governor also participated in a conference call with Mr. Art Stephenson, director of NASA`s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Both Governor Carnahan and CASA students were able to pose questions to Mr. Stephenson regarding the value of technology in education. On Thursday afternoon, the CASA program welcomed United States Congressman Kenny Hulshof to the program. In addition, CASA hosted Representatives Harlan and Wilson, as well as Senator Ken Jacob on Friday afternoon. Friday was the host of a large political SOBE that tapped into the talents of the alumns. The week finished with a visit from former NASA astronaut Robert "Hoot" Gibson, and John Ellis, president and CEO of Ozark airlines. Hoot Gibson aided Zac Prewitt in the final landing of the shuttle. Mission 1200 brought together students, parents, state and local leaders, scientists, and numerous business people in a great celebration of community and the value of technology as a means of bringing people together. In looking toward the future, CASA hopes to expand its reach to include students outside of the city of Columbia, and possibly beyond the state of Missouri. With the power of Internet technology and a few creative minds, we hope to achieve new heights and attain our goal of a true "community simulation."

Mission 1200 was a great success. Mr. Kyd and Mr. Peyton, as well as all of the CASA students and parents would like to extend their deepest thanks and appreciation to the teachers of Hickman High School as well as the citizens of Columbia for their continued support and encouragement. We look forward to next February, when we will again journey "where no man has gone before." --adopted from an article by Ryan Rippel in the downlink March 2000.

Click here to get more in depth information of the mission.