PPO Optica

P&P Optica Re-launch Scheduled On The SpaceX-9

A P&P Optica Spectrometer will be aboard an upcoming mission to the International Space Station.

WATERLOO, ON – June 13, 2016 – Continuing its long tradition of supporting education through technology, P&P Optica (PPO) is proud to announce that we were selected once again to provide a PPO Spectrometer that will be used in space.
As the result of a partnership with accomplished Canadian astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason, NASA, and Story Time from Space (STFS), a PPO Spectrometer was approved to be aboard an upcoming space flight to the International Space Station (ISS), where it will be used by astronauts to conduct a series of science experiments. The PPO Spectrometer will be used to obtain information about the composition of the atmosphere by measuring light from the Sun at hundreds of wavelengths.

We were first approached by Bjarni about the prospect of sending a PPO Spectrometer to space in 2013, and the rigorous testing and approval processes ensued, resulting in a launch in June 2015. To our disappointment, that particular rocket exploded during ascent due to the failure of one of its struts, but our enthusiasm was undeterred and we are excited for the upcoming launch in 2016.

Image of the SpaceX-9