HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Christian County Middle School is now in possession of an “Artemis moon tree” whose seed orbited the moon on a NASA mission. Amanda Huff, part of the science department at CCMS and a self-proclaimed space nerd, took the initiative to fill out the application on behalf of the school.

“It’s great to actually have something tangible for the community that will have a positive impact for everybody,” Huff told Christian County Now. “It’s nice to have something for them to get excited about and see the smiles on their faces.”

Huff is thrilled that upcoming sixth grade science students will get to have a little bit of space in their classroom. The tree has already been delivered and will be planted on the middle school campus.

“Knowing that this tree will be a symbol of inspiration and innovation on our property for years to come fills us with pride,” said CCMS principal Kristen Lindsey. “It’s not just about the tree itself, but the significance it carries, representing the spirit of discovery.”

The seed’s journey through space

In 2022, five types of tree seeds were included on the flight manifest for the Artemis I mission and flew in the Orion spacecraft as part of a national STEM Engagement and conservation education initiative.

The middle school received a letter from NASA further explaining the mission, “Orion traveled 19,908 miles further than the Apollo capsule, 43,051 miles beyond the Moon, and 268,563 miles from Earth. The success of Artemis I is a critical step in the nation’s return to deep space human exploration to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.”

Since only a select number of these moon trees are in communities across the world, the school will be able part of a unique group and could have their tree on the NASA website along with other moon trees.

“I look forward to watching the tree grow alongside our school community, serving as a reminder of our potential to reach for the stars,” added Principal Lindsey.

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