Laser Research
Mills Lawn studies lasers returned from space!

A group of Mills Lawn students and their mentors have begun the first phase of research on lasers returned from space aboard the Space Shuttle. This research continues our collaboration with our Scientist in Residence Program, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and NASA.

Our first task was to re-acquaint ourselves with the initial program by viewing two videotapes. We first watched the  Space Shuttle launch (with our laser on board). Many students in this pull-out group were present to watch this launch this past summer in Florida.  It was an exciting adventure for many Mills Lawn students and parents.  This tape was also very interesting  because we were able to meet and learn a lot about the astronauts on this particular mission.   

We then watched a short video that showed the NASA scientists opening the steel containers of the projects from MISSE that had returned to Earth.  Of course, our laser was included within this sequence.  

Dr. Jim Grote and Mr. Dan Rudolf then met with the 5^th & 6^th grade pullout group to instruct them on the laser study and provide direction on where this project may lead us. It was also explained what exactly would transpire upon our trip to WPAFB to test the laser.

Our trip this week to Wright Patterson Air Force Base was successful in testing our laser.  We were able to determine that the frequency of the laser had actually increased by comparing calibrations from  before the trip into space until now.

 Soon we will also determine specific power calibrations when Dr. Grote returns to Mills Lawn.

Of course other trips to WPAFB are anticipated, along with the possibility of observing another Shuttle launch.  After all we currently have one laser on the space station now and another that will be launched in the Fall.  WOW !