ISS

After almost three decades of science, research and exploration, the ISS is set to retire by the end of 2030. Once it is decommissioned, commercial companies like Axiom Space will establish new orbiting platforms.

Since the astronauts arrived at the space station in June, Boeing and NASA have been investigating issues on the Starliner spacecraft, including helium leaks and faulty thrusters.

The young scientists from Viera wanted to learn whether a component in horseshoe blood can detect bacteria in space. Judges selected the project to ride up in a SpaceX rocket to the ISS.

A Russian, an American and a Canadian were aboard the spacecraft when it lifted off from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazkahstan. It's the first launch since a failed mission in October.