Posted on the WLOS-13 website on April 2, 2026.
Asheville, N.C. (WLOS) — Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) is one of 20 schools selected to send a science experiment into outer space this year via the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program.
After A-B Tech was selected, 14 groups of students at the school competed to have their science experiment chosen.
The winning science experiment examines how lubricating oils behave in microgravity. The experiment will be tested at the International Space Station this summer.
The idea for the experiment originated from three physics students, led by Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology student Curtis Epley.
“When I let them know, hey, you're one of the finalists, they got really excited. They wanted to know, okay, what happens next? What do we do? What does this look like for us?” said Shannon Bonomi, a Physics Instructor at A-B Tech.
They showcased this winning experiment along with the other finalists at Space Fest, an event celebrating the mysteries and Marvels of Outer Space.
The event featured family-friendly activities, including a walk-in mobile planetarium.
It also featured more than 100 space badges designed by local students who competed to have their badge accompany the science experiment in space.
Paige Wiggins, a physics student, says Bonomi encouraged her to participate in the art contest.
Wiggins said the science experiment inspired her art piece.
“I am inspired from my dad, he is a mechanic, and I think this experiment means a lot to people who are in the automotive industry as well as aerospace,” Wiggins said.
At the event, Wiggins was announced the winner of the badge competition chosen by River Arts District artist Louise Genetti.
