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At least 55 records · Page 3

Body Unloading Associated with Space Flight and Bed-rest Impacts Functional Performance

The goal of the Functional Task Test study is to determine the effects of space flight on functional tests that are representative of high priority exploration mission tasks and to identify the key underlying physiological factors that contribute to decrements in performance. Ultimately this information will be used to assess performance risks and inform the design of countermeasures for exploration class missions. We are currently conducting studies on both ISS crewmembers and on subjects experiencing 70 days of 6 degrees head-down bed-rest as an analog for space flight. Bed-rest provides the opportunity for us to investigate the role of prolonged axial body unloading in isolation from the other physiological effects produced by exposure to the microgravity environment of space flight. This allows us to parse out the contribution of the body unloading component on functional performance. In this on-going study both ISS crewmembers and bed-rest subjects were tested using an interdisciplinary protocol that evaluated functional performance and related physiological changes before and after 6 months in space and 70 days of 6 head-down bed-rest, respectively. Functional tests included ladder climbing, hatch opening, jump down, manual manipulation of objects and tool use, seat egress and obstacle avoidance, recovery from a fall, and object translation tasks. Crewmembers were tested three times before flight, and on 1, 6 and 30 days after landing. Bed-rest subjects were tested three times before bed-rest and immediately after getting up from bed-rest as well as 1, 6 and 12 days after reambulation. A comparison of bed-rest and space flight data showed a significant concordance in performance changes across all functional tests. Tasks requiring a greater demand for dynamic control of postural equilibrium (i.e. fall recovery, seat egress/obstacle avoidance during walking, object translation, jump down) showed the greatest decrement in performance. Functional tests with reduced requirements for postural stability (i.e. hatch opening, ladder climb, manual manipulation of objects and tool use) showed little reduction in performance. Bed-rest results indicate that body support unloading experienced during space flight plays a central role in postflight alteration of functional task performance. These data point to the importance of providing axial body loading as a central component of an inflight training system that will integrate cardiovascular, resistance and sensorimotor adaptability training modalities into a single interdisciplinary countermeasure system.

Bloomberg, J. J.↗

Vestibular and Somatosensory Covergence in Postural Equilibrium Control: Insights from Spaceflight and Bed Rest Studies

The goal of the Functional Task Test study is to determine the effects of space flight on functional tests that are representative of high priority exploration mission tasks and to identify the key underlying physiological factors that contribute to decrements in performance. We are currently conducting studies on both International Space Station (ISS) astronauts experiencing up to 6 months of microgravity and subjects experiencing 70 days of 6head-down bed-rest as an analog for space flight. Bed-rest provides the opportunity for us to investigate the role of prolonged axial body unloading in isolation from the other physiological effects produced by exposure to the microgravity environment of space flight. This allows us to parse out the contribution of the body unloading somatosensory component on functional performance. Both ISS crewmembers and bed-rest subjects were tested using a protocol that evaluated functional performance along with tests of postural and locomotor control before and after space flight and bed-rest, respectively. Functional tests included ladder climbing, hatch opening, jump down, manual manipulation of objects and tool use, seat egress and obstacle avoidance, recovery from a fall, and object translation tasks. Astronauts were tested three times before flight, and on 1, 6, and 30 days after landing. Bed-rest subjects were tested three times before bed-rest and immediately after getting up from bed-rest as well as 1, 6, and 12 days after re-ambulation. A comparison of bed-rest and space flight data showed a significant concordance in performance changes across all functional tests. Tasks requiring a greater demand for dynamic control of postural equilibrium (i.e. fall recovery, seat egress/obstacle avoidance during walking, object translation, jump down) showed the greatest decrement in performance. Functional tests with reduced requirements for postural stability showed less reduction in performance. Results indicate that body unloading resulting from prolonged bed-rest impacts functional performance particularly for tests with a greater requirement for postural equilibrium control. These changes in functional performance were paralleled by similar decrement in tests designed to specifically assess postural equilibrium and dynamic gait control. These results indicate that body support unloading experienced during space flight plays a central role in postflight alteration of functional task performance. These data also support the concept that space flight may cause central adaptation of converging body-load somatosensory and vestibular input during gravitational transitions.

Mulavara, A. P.↗

Investigation on Improvements in Lightning Retest Criteria for Spacecraft

Spacecraft are generally protected from a direct strike by launch the vehicle and ground structures, but protocols to evaluate the impact of nearby strikes are not consistent. Often spacecraft rely on the launch vehicle constraints to trigger a retest, but launch vehicles can typically evaluate the impact of a strike within minutes while spacecraft evaluation times can be on the order of hours or even days. For launches at the Kennedy Space Center where lightning activity is among the highest in the United States, this evaluation related delay could be costly with the possibility of missing the launch window altogether. This paper evaluated available data from local lightning measurements systems and computer simulations to predict the coupled effect from various nearby strikes onto a typical payload umbilical. Recommendations are provided to reduce the typical trigger criteria and costly delays.

Models↗

(abstract) Satellite-Enhanced Personal Communications Experiments

As an initial step in exploring the opportunities afforded by the merger of satellite-based and land-based networks, Bellcore and JPL conducted several experiments utilizing NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) and JPL's ACTS Mobile Terminal (AMT). Experimental goals fell into three categories: a) demonstrate personal communication applications, b) demonstrate interoperability among multiple wireless networks and the Public Switched Telecommunications Network (PSTN), and c) evaluate new protocol mechanisms for data communications using wireless links. We describe the performance of Point-of-Sale, e-mail, FAX, and call control applications, where the communication path passed through up to four networks: a wireless packet data network, the Satellite network, the PSTN, and a wireless cellular network. One important element of satellite-terrestrial interoperability is the efficiency of data communications protocols. Most protocols in use today (e.g., TCP/IP) have been optimized for wireline channels; their use over wireless networks presents significant new challenges. The characteristics of wireless channels -- increased error, longer packet delay, and limited bandwidth -- affect the design of the protocol. We describe experimental results for differing protocol mechanisms and parameters, such as acknowledgment schemes and packet sizes, that demonstrate the types of protocol needed for efficient use of wireless satellite-terrestrial networks.

personal↗

Network Emulation Testbed Capabilities for Prototyping Space DTN Software and Protocols

This paper delves into network emulation tools essential for evaluating and designing Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocols in space and satellite networking. It surveys and assesses the capability of current testbeds to create realistic test environments crucial for developing and evaluating DTN protocols. Specifically, this study provides a comprehensive overview of key DTN protocol stacks and related network emulation platforms and a detailed exploration of NASA’s research facilities. Finally, the paper underscores the fundamental emulation capabilities and the importance of a standardized framework for scenario creation, highlighting its vital role in evaluating and advancing future emulation platforms for space DTN.

Network Emulation and Simulation↗

Evaluation of Planetary Extravehicular Activity Prebreathe Protocols using a 56.5 kPa, 34% O2, 66% N2 Saturation Cabin Atmosphere in an 11-day Hypobaric Hypoxia Study

INTRODUCTION: Apollo missions used 100% O2 cabin atmospheres which effectively eliminated the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) during Lunar extravehicular activities (EVAs, ‘spacewalks’); however, this atmosphere presented a flammability risk that is no longer acceptable to NASA. Denitrogenation prebreathe protocols used to mitigate DCS risk for Space Shuttle and International Space Station EVAs are validated for the microgravity environment, but the significantly increased risk of DCS during equivalent ambulatory surface EVAs make these protocols inapplicable to planetary/Lunar missions. A cabin/vehicle “Exploration Atmosphere” of 56.5 kPa (8.2 psia), 34% O2, 66% N2 has been recommended by NASA for future Moon and Mars missions as a compromise that balances subsequent pre-EVA prebreathe duration, hypoxia, and flammability risk, assuming a 29.6 kPa (4.3 psi) spacesuit. Prebreathe validation studies were initiated utilizing a three-story 6m diameter hypobaric chamber at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Here, we report the results of a 11-day human-in-the-loop system checkout. METHODS: Six volunteers lived in a hyboparic chamber for 11 days with an ‘exploration atmosphere’ of 56.6kPa/34% O2 66% N2. Subjects acclimated to the exploration atmosphere for 48hrs and thereafter participated in five 6-hour simulated EVAs at 34kPa/85% O2 / 15% N2 over the course of 11 days. Prior to each simulated EVA, subjects underwent a 20-minute prebreathe at 85% O2. The EVA simulation was designed to include tasks that are physically and ergonomically representative of future planetary EVAs, proportionate to the subject’s VO2max. Decompression stress was evaluated during the simulated EVA by serial doppler and echocardiographs alternating every 15min, as well as clinical monitoring for DCS signs/symptoms. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Venous gas emboli (VGE) were present in 3 of 6 subjects during EVAs, with peak Grade II VGE as evaluated by Doppler and a peak Eftedal-Brubakk score of 5 by cardiac ultrasonography. Two cases of DCS were diagnosed during the 11-day test chamber. No acute hypoxic symptoms were noted. Musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal complaints were noted, likely associated with the exercise load and the food system. Two cases of DCS (8%) does not cross either accept or reject pre-test criterion, so an additional study is planned for 2023 to meet our pre-test thresholds.

Alejandro Garbino↗

Characterization of a Fixed-Volume Release System for Initiating an Arc Discharge in a Heaterless Hollow Cathode

Heaterless hollow cathodes may provide improved reliability, simplicity, and portability when compared with traditional heater-equipped hollow cathodes, traits which are well suited for low-power Hall-effect thrusters that are currently being developed for small satellite propulsion. Despite the advantages, there are concerns that the ignition process in heaterless hollow cathodes may impose an excessive burden on the propellant feed and/or electrical systems of a small satellite. To address this concern, a fixed-volume release flow protocol, which can be used to temporarily increase the propellant mass flow rate, was developed, modeled, and experimentally evaluated. The new protocol allowed for a heaterless hollow cathode to be ignited reliably with a moderate bias voltage and a minimal electrical power requirement. Specifically, a xenon fed heaterless hollow cathode was ignited with a 375 V bias using 17.3 mg of propellant. Repeating the tests with krypton showed that ignition could be achieved in the same heaterless hollow cathode assembly with a 300 V bias using 13.1 mg of propellant. We judge that a fixed-volume release system could be implemented in a satellite feed system while introducing minimal additional complexity.

Heaterless↗

Characterization of a Fixed-Volume Release System for Initiating an Arc Discharge in a Heaterless Hollow Cathode

Heaterless hollow cathodes may provide improved reliability, simplicity, and portability when compared with traditional heater-equipped hollow cathodes, traits which are well suited for low-power Hall-effect thrusters that are currently being developed for small satellite propulsion. Despite the advantages, there are concerns that the ignition process in heaterless hollow cathodes may impose an excessive burden on the propellant feed and/or electrical systems of a small satellite. To address this concern, a fixed-volume release flow protocol, which can be used to temporarily increase the propellant mass flow rate, was developed, modeled, and experimentally evaluated. The new protocol allowed for a heaterless hollow cathode to be ignited reliably with a moderate bias voltage and a minimal electrical power requirement. Specifically, a xenon fed heaterless hollow cathode was ignited with a 375 V bias using 17.3 mg of propellant. Repeating the tests with krypton showed that ignition could be achieved in the same heaterless hollow cathode assembly with a 300 V bias using 13.1 mg of propellant. We judge that a fixed-volume release system could be implemented in a satellite feed system while introducing minimal additional complexity.

Heaterless↗

Surveillance for Jugular Venous Thrombosis in Long-Duration Space Flight: Findings From Twenty-Eight U.S. Astronauts

BACKGROUND: Given the high incidence of internal jugular vein (IJV) flow anomalies aboard the International Space Station and a case of thrombosis, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) instituted an occupational surveillance program to evaluate astronauts for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Current findings of the program are presented. METHODS: NASA astronauts undergo pre- and in-flight VTE surveillance examinations using a standardized vascular ultrasound protocol, which includes evaluation for bilateral IJV compressibility, filling, flow, and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). RESULTS: Twenty-eight NASA astronauts had terrestrial baseline examinations and at least one in-flight imaging session. The reduction of in-flight peak IJV flow speeds was significant and more pronounced on the left. Comparing the first in-flight measurement to the terrestrial baseline, peak flow speeds were reduced from 90.1±41.9 cm/s (average ±SD) to 62.1±31.6 cm/s on the right and from 76.9±41.8 cm/s to 26.8±18.2 cm/s on the left. Seven astronauts showed stagnant or retrograde flow in the left IJV. Fourteen developed appreciable SEC in the left IJV (7 greater than mild); none developed significant right-sided SEC. All IJVs were fully compressible and free from thrombi. DISCUSSION: Bilateral IJV flow speed reduction is observed in microgravity, possibly due to the multitude of available flow redistribution paths for cranial drainage. In a subset of astronauts, significant flow anomalies develop that may facilitate thrombus formation through changes in blood viscosity and speed, especially if combined with other thrombogenic factors. These findings warrant attention to the interplay between individual vascular configurations and the dynamic properties of blood as a non-Newtonian fluid in the reduced-shear flow environment of microgravity.

Ashot Sargsyan↗

Muscle recruitment variations during wrist flexion exercise: MR evaluation

OBJECTIVE: Many exercise protocols used in physiological studies assume homogeneous and diffuse muscle recruitment. To test this assumption during a "standard" wrist flexion protocol, variations in muscle recruitment were assessed using MRI in eight healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Variations were assessed by comparing the right to the left forearms and the effect of slight (15 degrees) pronation or supination at the wrist. RESULTS: Postexercise imaging showed focal regions of increased signal intensity (SI), indicating relatively strong recruitment, most often in entire muscles, although occasionally only in subvolumes of muscles. In 15 of 26 studies, flexor carpi radialis (FCR) showed more SI than flexor carpi ulnaris, while in 11 studies SI in these muscles increased equivalently. Relatively greater FCR recruitment was seen during pronation and/or use of the nondominant side. Palmaris longus, a wrist flexor, did not appear recruited in 4 of 11 forearms in which it was present. A portion of the superficial finger flexor became hyperintense in 89% of studies, while recruitment of the deep finger flexor was seen only in 43%. CONCLUSION: Inter- and intraindividual variations in forearm muscle recruitment should be anticipated in physiological studies of standard wrist flexion exercise protocols.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

Description and planned use of a data distribution evaluation system for fiber optic data buses

A general description of a laboratory data distribution evaluation system (DDES) is given and some plans to use the system. The DDES is a microprocessor-based evaluation system consisting of three identical terminals. The DDES provides the capability for evaluating different system protocols and data word structures by making appropriate software changes, and different transmission medias and modulation schemes by making front-end hardware changes. A data multiplexing standard for fiber optic data transmission which parallels MIL-STD-1553B has proposed four different data modulation schemes. These modulation schemes will be described along with the plans to evaluate each of them. NASA-Langley has also been developing a data distribution approach which utilizes optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). A four-port, four-wavelength WDM system will be described along with the planned use of the DDES to evaluate its performance.

Spencer, J. L.↗

Failure detection and recovery in the assembly/contingency subsystem

The Assembly/Contingency Subsystem (ACS) is the primary communications link on board the Space Station. Any failure in a component of this system or in the external devices through which it communicates with ground-based systems will isolate the Station. The ACS software design includes a failure management capability (ACFM) that provides protocols for failure detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR). The the ACFM design requirements as outlined in the current ACS software requirements specification document are reviewed. The activities carried out in this review include: (1) an informal, but thorough, end-to-end failure mode and effects analysis of the proposed software architecture for the ACFM; and (2) a prototype of the ACFM software, implemented as a C program under the UNIX operating system. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the FDIR protocols specified in the ACS design and the specifications themselves in light of their use in implementing the ACFM. The basis of failure detection in the ACFM is the loss of signal between the ground and the Station, which (under the appropriate circumstances) will initiate recovery to restore communications. This recovery involves the reconfiguration of the ACS to either a backup set of components or to a degraded communications mode. The initiation of recovery depends largely on the criticality of the failure mode, which is defined by tables in the ACFM and can be modified to provide a measure of flexibility in recovery procedures.

Gantenbein, Rex E.↗

Proton Single Event Effects (SEE) Testing of the Myrinet Crossbar Switch and Network Interface Card

As part of the Remote Exploration and Experimentation Project (REE), work was performed to do a proton SEE (Single Event Effect) evaluation of the Myricom network protocol system (Myrinet). This testing included the evaluation of the Myrinet crossbar switch and the Network Interface Card (NIC). To this end, two crossbar switch devices and five components in the NIC were exposed to the proton beam at the University of California at Davis Crocker Nuclear Laboratory (CNL).

Howard, James W., Jr.↗

ACTS Ka-Band Earth Stations: Technology, Performance, and Lessons Learned

The Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) Project invested heavily in prototype Ka-band satellite ground terminals to conduct an experiments program with the ACTS satellite. The ACTS experiment's program proposed to validate Ka-band satellite and ground station technology. demonstrate future telecommunication services. demonstrate commercial viability and market acceptability of these new services, evaluate system networking and processing technology, and characterize Ka-band propagation effects, including development of techniques to mitigate signal fading. This paper will present a summary of the fixed ground terminals developed by the NASA Glenn Research Center and its industry partners, emphasizing the technology and performance of the terminals (Part 1) and the lessons learned throughout their six year operation including the inclined orbit phase of operations (Full Report). An overview of the Ka-band technology and components developed for the ACTS ground stations is presented. Next. the performance of the ground station technology and its evolution during the ACTS campaign are discussed to illustrate the technical tradeoffs made during the program and highlight technical advances by industry to support the ACTS experiments program and terminal operations. Finally. lessons learned during development and operation of the user terminals are discussed for consideration of commercial adoption into future Ka-band systems. The fixed ground stations used for experiments by government, academic, and commercial entities used reflector based offset-fed antenna systems ranging in size from 0.35m to 3.4m antenna diameter. Gateway earth stations included two systems, referred to as the NASA Ground Station (NGS) and the Link Evaluation Terminal (LET). The NGS provides tracking, telemetry, and control (TT&C) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network control functions. The LET supports technology verification and high data rate experiments. The ground stations successfully demonstrated many services and applications at Ka-band in three different modes of operation: circuit switched TDMA using the satellite on-board processor, satellite switched SS-TDMA applications using the on-board Microwave Switch Matrix (MSM), and conventional transponder (bent-pipe) operation. Data rates ranged from 4.8 kbps up to 622 Mbps. Experiments included: 1) low rate (4.8- 1 00's kbps) remote data acquisition and control using small earth stations, 2) moderate rate (1-45 Mbps) experiments included full duplex voice and video conferencing and both full duplex and asymmetric data rate protocol and network evaluation using mid-size ground stations, and 3) link characterization experiments and high data rate (155-622 Mbps) terrestrial and satellite interoperability application experiments conducted by a consortium of experimenters using the large transportable ground stations.

Reinhart, Richard C.↗

The effect of intermittent standing or walking during head down tilt bedrest on peak O2 consumption

The cardiovascular aspect of bedrest deconditioning is manifested by decreases in peak O2 uptake (VO(sub 2 peak)) during minimal exercise. The effect of intermittent standing (+G(z)) or walking (+G(z)W) during 4 days of 7 degree Head Down Tilt bedrest (HDT) on VO(sub 2 peak) was evaluated. Methods: Five protocols were performed by eight male subjects; control (C) consisting of complete bedrest, and 15 minute periods to total 2 or 4 hours daily of standing (+G(z)(exp 2) and +G(z)(exp 4) respectively) or walking at 3.0 MPH (+G(z)W2 and +G(z)W4 respectively). Subjects performed VO(sub 2 peak) tests prior to and on the final day of HDT. VO(sub 2 peak) was determined using open circuit indirect calorimetry during supine leg cycling ergometry. After a 5 minute warmup, three 2 minute incremental loads of 33 W previously determined to elicit VO(sub 2 peak) were given and the subject cycled to volitional fatigue. Results: The C protocol VO(sub 2 peak) decreased by 16 percent (2.71 plus or minus 0.16 to 2.27 plus or minus 0.14 L/min) and 11 percent in +G(z)(exp 4) (2.72 plus or minus 0.15 to 2.43 plus or minus 0.14 L/min). With +G(z)W2 VO(sub 2 peak) decreased by 9 percent (2.71 plus or minus 0.17 to 2.46 plus or minus 0.14 L/min) and with +G(z)W4, VO(sub 2 peak) decreased by 10 percent (2.71 plus or minus 0.14 to 2.43 plus or minus 0.14 L/min). VO(sub 2 peak) in all protocols decreased with HDT (P less than 0.05). The decrease in C VO(sub 2 peak) was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) than the decreases in either +G(z) or +G(z)W protocols. Conclusion: The deconditioning that occurs after only 4 days of HDT was demonstrated by decreases in VO(sub 2 peak). Intermittent +G(z) or +G(z)W attenuated, but did not prevent, the decrease in VO(sub 2 peak) with HDT.

Ertl, A. C.↗

Passive, Direct-Read Monitoring System for Selective Detection and Quantification of Hydrogen Chloride

Monitoring the exposure of an employee to hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric acid in the presence of other acids has been a challenge to the industrial hygiene community. The capability of a device to differentiate the levels of acid vapors would allow for more accurate determinations of exposure and therefore improved occupational health. In this work, a selective direct-read colorimetric badge system was validated for Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) monitoring of hydrogen chloride. The passive colorimetric badge system consists of a direct reading badge and a color scale. The badge has a coated indicator layer with a diffusive resistance in the shape of an exclamation mark. An exclamation mark will appear if hydrogen chloride is present in the atmosphere at concentrations at or above 2.0 ppm. By using the color scale, the intensity of the color formed on the badge can be further quantified up to 25 ppm. The system was validated according to a protocol based on the NIOSH Protocol for the Evaluation of Passive Monitors. The badge was exposed to relative humidities ranging from 11% to 92%, temperatures ranging from 7 C to 400 C and air velocities ranging from 5 cm/sec to 170 cm/sec. All experiments were conducted in a laboratory vapor generation system. Hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, chlorine, hydrogen sulfide and organic acids showed no effect on the performance of the hydrogen chloride monitoring system. The passive badge and color scale system exceeded the accuracy requirements as defined by NIOSH. At ambient conditions, the mean coefficient of variation was 10.86 and the mean bias was 1.3%. This data was presented previously at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition in Toronto, Canada in June 1999.

Chapman, K. B.↗

NASA Space Technology Can Improve Soldier Health, Performance and Safety

One of the primary goals of NASA Life Sciences research is '... to enable a permanent human presence in space.' To meet this goal, NASA is creating alternative protocols designed to evaluate and test countermeasures that will account for and correct the environmental effects of space flight on crewmembers health, safety, and operational performance. NASA investigators have previously evaluated the effects of long-duration space flight on physiology and performance of cosmonauts aboard the MIR space station. They also initiated tests of a countermeasure, Autogenic-Feedback Training Exercise (AFTE) designed to prevent and/or correct adverse effects, i.e., facilitate adaptation to space and re-adaptation to Earth. AFTE is a six-hour physiological training program that has proven to be a highly efficient and effective method for enabling people to monitor and voluntarily control a range of their own physiological responses, thereby minimizing adverse reactions to environmental stress. However, because of limited opportunities to test this technology with space flight crews, it is essential to find operational or 'real world' environments in which to validate the efficacy of this approach.

Cowings, Patricia S.↗

Mutualism in a Reduced Gravity Environment (MuRGE)

Mutualism in a Reduced Gravity Environment (MuRGE) is a ground research study to determine the feasibility of assessing fungi-plant (Piriformospora indica-Arabidopsis thaliana) interactions in microgravity. Seeds from the plant Arabiddospsis thaliana (At) will be grown in the presence of Piriformospora indica (Pi) an endophytic Sebacinacae family fungus. Pi is capable of colonizing the roots of a wide variety of plant species, including non-mycorrhizal hosts like At, and promoting plant growth similarly to AMF (arbusuclar mychorrizal fungi) unlike most AMF, Pi is not an obligate plant symbiont and can be grown in the absence of a host. In the presence of a suitable plant host, Pi can attach to and colonize root tips. Interaction visualization is accomplished with strong autofluorescence in the roots, followed by root colonization via fungal hyphae, and chlamydospore production. Increased root growth can be observed even before root colonization is detectable. In addition, Pi chlamydospores generated from axenic culture in microgravity will be used to inoculate roots of At grown in 1g to determine the effect of microgravity upon the inherent virulence or beneficial effects. Based on recent reports of increased virulence of S. typhimurium, P. aeruginosa, and S. Pneumoniae in reduced gravity, differences in microbial pathogenic responses and host plant systemic acquired resistance are expected. The focus of this project within MuRGE involved the development P. indica culture media evaluation and microscopy protocol development. High, clean spore harvest yields for the detection of fungi-plant interactions microscopically was the immediate goal of this experiment.

Haire, Timothy C.↗