Core Insights - Purdue University is set to conduct a suborbital spaceflight, named Purdue 1, in collaboration with Virgin Galactic, featuring an all-Boilermaker crew [1][2][3] - The mission aims to advance research in microgravity, focusing on fluid behavior in zero gravity, which is essential for future spaceflight design and operations [2][4] Purdue University and Virgin Galactic Collaboration - The Purdue 1 flight will include a five-person crew comprising faculty, students, and alumni, highlighting the university's commitment to space research and education [3][4] - The mission is expected to serve as a model for academic access to space, allowing researchers to conduct experiments in real-time during the flight [5][6] Research Focus and Experiments - The onboard experiments will investigate how fluids behave in microgravity, which is critical for spacecraft design and fuel management [2][7] - Graduate student Abigail Mizzi's project will explore zero-gravity oscillations of liquids, contributing valuable data for future spacecraft and engine designs [7][10] Educational Impact - The mission is seen as a transformative opportunity for STEM education, enabling hands-on experience in a microgravity environment [5][12] - The involvement of students and faculty in real-time research during the flight emphasizes the integration of academic learning with practical application in space [8][9] Funding and Participation - Mizzi's seat on the flight is funded through donations, while other alumni passengers will purchase their seats, showcasing a blend of philanthropic support and personal investment in the mission [12][13] - The initiative aims to break barriers in space access, making it more reachable for educational institutions and individuals [13]