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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Spaceflight Autonomous Multigenerational Microbial Sequencer in Support of Plant-Growth Systems

The CubeSat platform has proven successful in obtaining meaningful life science information when biological payloads are incorporated. Examples include: 1) the first-ever CubeSat with a biological payload, GeneSat-1, which demonstrated decreased growth rates for flight samples of Escherichia coli in low Earth orbit (Parra et al. 2008); 2) PharmaSat, demonstrated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the microgravity environment exhibits a significant level of metabolic activity even at high doses of applied antifungal (Ricco et al. 2011); 3) O/OREOS, which used Bacillus subtilis(bacteria) to demonstrate for the first time that microorganisms can be loaded in a dried, dormant form and then rehydrated and grown in orbit months after launch (Nicholson et al. 2011; Ehrenfreund et al. 2014; 4) the SporeSat payload, which investigated Ceratopteris richardii(fern spores) using lab-on-a-chip devices (BioCDs) and minicentrifuges to produce artificial gravitational forces in ground studies (Park et al. 2017), with demonstration of the BioCD and minicentrifuge in space; 5) EcAMSat, the first CubeSat to be directly deployed from the ISS for an experiment assessing antibiotic resistance of E. coli in the microgravity environment (Padgen et al. 2020); 6) BioSentinel, exposed a culture of yeast to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) and solar particle events while in heliocentric orbit to measure the rate of double-strand-break repair using DNA-repair-deficient mutants. This effort measures the metabolic parameters of yeast in a deep-space environment compared to Earth ambient conditions using a 3-color LED detection system (Ricco et al. 2020; Padgen et al. 2021). We aim to expand this list to include a Spaceflight Autonomous Multigenerational Microbial Sequencer (SAMMS). SAMMS will allow for the genome level understanding of changes in growth and metabolic activity for any organism. While microbes are suitable for early studies in our proposed platform because of their small size, small and relatively less-complicated genomes, fast generation times, and relevance to life support systems; multicellular organisms can similarly be evaluated for their genetic response to the spaceflight environment. The Spaceflight Autonomous Multigenerational Microbial Sequencer (SAMMS) will enable autonomous sequencing of biological samples in plant production units, cislunar orbit and on the lunar surface to examine spaceflight effects (ie. radiation, altered gravity, reduced pressures) on plant and microbial genomes.On this team a Kennedy Space Center (KSC) space crop production and water systems microbiologist/molecular biologist works with a Johnson Space Center (JSC) International Space Station (ISS) microbial sequencing expert and an Ames Research Center (ARC) CubeSat Engineering team to convert an automated Oxford Nanopore librarypreparation and sequencing method to a fluidic CubeSat payload system. The Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing platform has proven successful in the spaceflight environment onboard the ISS (Stahl-Rommel et al. 2021). Further long-duration spaceflight and exposure to high levels of radiation will cause genotypic effects in biological organisms that may affect their function. Monitoring the adaption of a population to the spaceflight environment and any subsequent beneficial mutations will allow for the harnessing of organisms best suited for use in life support systems. This will ensure that the selected life support-essential microorganisms maintain their intended specified function over generations of culturing in the relevant spaceflight environment without becoming hazardous to crew or spacecraft systems.

Aubrie E Orourke↗
NASA NTRS1991

The Implications of Experimentally Controlled Gravitational Accelerations for Combustion Science

An overview of basic combustion problems which have been investigated under the condition of reduced gravity is presented to identify promising research directions. Attention is given to the broad categories of gas-jet diffusion flames, droplet combustions, particle clouds, flame spreading over liquid pools, smoldering, and flame spreading over solid fuels. Fire safety in spacecraft is the primary application that is addressed by the studies of combustion under microgravity. The need for more complete testing of the issues discussed in orbiting spacecraft is identified in the light of limited earth-based testing. Attention is also directed toward the need for advanced diagnostic methods for in-flight and other combustion investigations.

Sacksteder, Kurt R.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Validation of On-Orbit Methodology for the Assessment of Cardiac Function and Changes in the Circulating Volume Using Ultrasound and "Braslet-M" Occlusion Cuffs

Recent advances in remotely guided imaging techniques on ISS allow the acquisition of high quality ultrasound data using crewmember operators with no medical background and minimal training. However, ongoing efforts are required to develop and validate methodology for complex imaging protocols to ensure their repeatability, efficiency, and suitability for use aboard the ISS. This Station Developmental Test Objective (SDTO) tests a cardiovascular evaluation methodology that takes advantage of the ISS Ultrasound capability, the Braslet-M device, and modified respiratory maneuvers (Valsalva and Mueller), to broaden the spectrum of anatomical and functional information on human cardiovascular system during long-duration space missions. The proposed methodology optimizes and combines new and previously demonstrated methods, and is expected to benefit medically indicated assessments, operational research protocols, and data collections for science. Braslet-M is a current Russian operational countermeasure that compresses the upper thigh to impede the venous return from lower extremities. The goal of the SDTO is to establish and validate a repeatable ultrasound-based methodology for the assessment of a number of cardiovascular criteria in microgravity. Braslet-M device is used as a means to acutely alter volume distribution while focused ultrasound measurements are performed. Modified respiratory maneuvers are done upon volume manipulations to record commensurate changes in anatomical and functional parameters. The overall cardiovascular effects of the Braslet-M device are not completely understood, and although not a primary objective of this SDTO, this effort will provide pilot data regarding the suitability of Braslet-M for its intended purpose, effects, and the indications for its use.

Bogomolov, V. V.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Updated Benefits for Humanity from the International Space Station

Final document is attached. In 2018, the International Space Station (ISS) [Figure 1] partnership completed a revision for the third edition of the International Space Station Benefits for Humanity, a compilation of case studies of benefits being realized from ISS activities in the areas of human health, Earth observations and disaster response, innovative technology, global education, and economic development of space. The revision included new assessments of economic value and scientific value with more detail than the second edition. The third edition contains updated statistics on the impacts of the benefits as well as new benefits that have developed since the previous publication. This presentation will summarize the updates on behalf of the ISS Program Science Forum, which consists of senior science representatives across the ISS international partnership. An independent consultant determined the economic valuation (EV) of ISS research benefits case studies and the third edition contains the results. The process involved a preliminary assessment of economic, social, and innovation factors. A more detailed assessment followed, which included factors such as addressable market, market penetration, revenue generation, ability to leverage across other applications or customer groups, quality of life improvements, health benefits, environmental benefits, cultural and community cohesion, inspiration, new knowledge, novel approaches, creation of a unique market niche, and research leadership. Because of the unique microgravity environment of the ISS laboratory, the multidisciplinary and international nature of the research, and the significance of the investment in its development, analyzing ISS scientific impacts is an exceptional challenge. As a result, the ISS partnership determined the scientific valuation (SV) of ISS research using a combination of citation analyses, bibliometrics, and narratives of important ISS utilization results. Approximately 2,100 ISS results publications comprised of scientific journal articles, conference proceedings, and gray literature, representing over 5,000 authors and co-authors on Earth were used in this evaluation to enable the communication of impacts of ISS research on various science and technology fields across many countries. The publication also updates and expands the previously described benefits of research results in the areas of space commerce, technology development, human health, environmental change and disaster response, and education activities. Distinct benefits return to Earth from the only orbiting multidisciplinary laboratory of its kind. The ISS is a stepping-stone for future space exploration while also providing findings that develop low Earth orbit as a place for sustained human activity and improve life on our planet.

research↗
NASA NTRS2018

Updated Benefits for Humanity, Third Edition (B4H3), from the International Space Station (ISS)

In 2018, the International Space Station (ISS) [Figure 1] partnership completed a revision for the third edition of the International Space Station Benefits for Humanity, a compilation of case studies of benefits being realized from ISS activities in the areas of human health, Earth observations and disaster response, innovative technology, global education, and economic development of space. The revision included new assessments of economic value and scientific value with more detail than the second edition. The third edition contains updated statistics on the impacts of the benefits as well as new benefits that have developed since the previous publication. This presentation will summarize the updates on behalf of the ISS Program Science Forum, which consists of senior science representatives across the ISS international partnership. An independent consultant determined the economic valuation (EV) of ISS research benefits case studies and the third edition contains the results. The process involved a preliminary assessment of economic, social, and innovation factors. A more detailed assessment followed, which included factors such as addressable market, market penetration, revenue generation, ability to leverage across other applications or customer groups, quality of life improvements, health benefits, environmental benefits, cultural and community cohesion, inspiration, new knowledge, novel approaches, creation of a unique market niche, and research leadership. Because of the unique microgravity environment of the ISS laboratory, the multidisciplinary and international nature of the research, and the significance of the investment in its development, analyzing ISS scientific impacts is an exceptional challenge. As a result, the ISS partnership determined the scientific valuation (SV) of ISS research using a combination of citation analyses, bibliometrics, and narratives of important ISS utilization results. Approximately 2,100 ISS results publications comprised of scientific journal articles, conference proceedings, and gray literature, representing over 5,000 authors and co-authors on Earth were used in this evaluation to enable the communication of impacts of ISS research on various science and technology fields across many countries. The publication also updates and expands the previously described benefits of research results in the areas of space commerce, technology development, human health, environmental change and disaster response, and education activities. Distinct benefits return to Earth from the only orbiting multidisciplinary laboratory of its kind. The ISS is a stepping-stone for future space exploration while also providing findings that develop low Earth orbit as a place for sustained human activity and improve life on our planet.

ISS↗
NASA NTRS1997

DAC-3 Pointing Stability Analysis Results for SAGE 3 and Other Users of the International Space Station (ISS) Payload Attachment Sites (PAS)

The purpose of this paper is to provide final results of a pointing stability analysis for external payload attachment sites (PAS) on the International Space Station (ISS). As a specific example, the pointing stability requirement of the SAGE III atmospheric science instrument was examined in this paper. The instrument requires 10 arcsec stability over 2 second periods. SAGE 3 will be mounted on the ISS starboard side at the lower, outboard FIAS. In this engineering analysis, an open-loop DAC-3 finite element model of ISS was used by the Microgravity Group at Johnson Space Flight Center to generate transient responses at PAS to a limited number of disturbances. The model included dynamics up to 50 Hz. Disturbance models considered included operation of the solar array rotary joints, thermal radiator rotary joints, and control moment gyros. Responses were filtered to model the anticipated vibration attenuation effects of active control systems on the solar and thermal radiator rotary joints. A pointing stability analysis was conducted by double integrating acceleration transient over a 2 second period. Results of the analysis are tabulated for ISS X, Y, and Z Axis rotations. These results indicate that the largest excursions in rotation during pointing occurred due to rapid slewing of the thermal radiator. Even without attenuation at the rotary joints, the resulting pointing error was limited to less than 1.6 arcsec. With vibration control at the joints, to a maximum 0.5 arcsec over a 2 second period. Based on this current level of model definition, it was concluded that between 0 - 50 Hz, the pointing stability requirement for SAGE 3 will not be exceeded by the disturbances evaluated in this study.

Woods-Vedeler, Jessica A.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Breakthrough Materials for Space Applications Workshop

In the course of its 60 year history, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has blazed trails in the development and advancement of aerospace materials and the transition of these advancements to industry. The Agency has overseen the infusion of new high-performance materials into a diverse array of mission applications, including aeronautics, planetary science, and human spaceflight. The next generation of demanding exploration missions, including a return to the lunar surface with humans in the 2020s, will present new and unprecedented material challenges. Selecting or developing materials to survive the environments of launch and the high temperatures present in propulsion systems, operate in a microgravity and/or a vacuum environment (which includes exposure to radiation), and/or survive years on a planetary surface is an immense challenge. In addition to functioning in their intended use environment, materials for space must also possess extremely high-performance characteristics. The anecdotal Von Braun quote “space is weightlifting” reminds us of the need to minimize the mass of a space system while still meeting safety margins. The cost of launching a kg to orbit is estimated currently at $10,000; barring a drastic reduction in launch costs, lightweight and high-strength materials will remain the most sought-after spaceflight materials for the foreseeable future. Other primary considerations for materials in spaceflight applications include affordability, compatibility with other systems and materials, and manufacturability. The emergence of new advanced manufacturing processes such as friction stir welding and additive manufacturing have revolutionized the aerospace industry in recent years. Additive manufacturing in particular allows for rapid fabrication of components and greater design freedom. With the advent of these new processes, however, comes the need to develop new specifications, process control approaches (including material modeling), testing, and nondestructive evaluation techniques to ensure that parts meet the stringent functional requirements for spaceflight.

Prater, T.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Neurolab: Final Report for the Ames Research Center Payload

Neurolab, the final Spacelab mission, launched on STS-90 on April 17, 1998, was dedicated to studying the nervous system. NASA cooperated with domestic and international partners to conduct the mission. ARC's (Ames Research Center's) Payload included 15 experiments designed to study the adaptation and development of the nervous system in microgravity. The payload had the largest number of Principal and Co-Investigators, largest complement of habitats and experiment unique equipment flown to date, and most diverse distribution of live specimens ever undertaken by ARC, including rodents, toadfish, swordtail fish, water snails, hornweed and crickets To facilitate tissue sharing and optimization of science objectives, investigators were grouped into four science discipline teams: Neuronal Plasticity, Mammalian Development, Aquatic, and Neurobiology. Several payload development challenges were experienced and required an extraordinary effort, by all involved, to meet the launch schedule. With respect to hardware and the total amount of recovered science, Neurolab was regarded as an overall success. However, a high mortality rate in one rodent group and several hardware anomalies occurred inflight that warranted postflight investigations. Hardware, science, and operations lessons were learned that should be taken into consideration by payload teams developing payloads for future Shuttle missions and the International Space Station.

Maese, A. Christopher↗
NASA NTRS2002

Results From the Physics of Colloids Experiment on ISS

The Physics of Colloids in Space (PCS) experiment was accommodated within International Space Station (ISS) EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack 2 and was remotely operated from early June 2001 until February 2002 from NASA Glenn Research Center's Telescience Support Center (TSC) in Cleveland, Ohio, and from the remote site at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. PCS was launched on 4/19/2001 on Space Shuttle STS-100. The experiment was activated on 5/31/2001. The entire experimental setup performed remarkably well, and accomplished 2400 hours of science operations on-orbit. The sophisticated instrumentation in PCS is capable of dynamic and static light scattering from 11 to 169 degrees, Bragg scattering over the range from 10 to 60 degrees, dynamic and static light scattering at low angles from 0.3 to 6.0 degrees, and color imaging. The long duration microgravity environment on the ISS facilitated extended studies on the growth and coarsening characteristics of binary crystals. The de-mixing of the colloid-polymer critical-point sample was also studied as it phase-separated into two phases. Further, aging studies on a col-pol gel, gelation rate studies in extremely low concentration fractal gels over several days, and studies on a glass sample, all provided valuable information. Several exciting and unique aspects of these results are discussed here.

Weitz, David↗
NASA NTRS2002

Miniature Heat Transport System for Spacecraft Thermal Control

Loop heat pipes (LHP) are efficient devices for heat transfer and use the basic principle of a closed evaporation-condensation cycle. The advantage of using a loop heat pipe over other conventional methods is that large quantities of heat can be transported through a small cross-sectional area over a considerable distance with no additional power input to the system. By using LHPs, it seems possible to meet the growing demand for high-power cooling devices. Although they are somewhat similar to conventional heat pipes, LHPs have a whole set of unique properties, such as low pressure drops and flexible lines between condenser and evaporator, that make them rather promising. LHPs are capable of providing a means of transporting heat over long distances with no input power other than the heat being transported because of the specially designed evaporator and the separation of liquid and vapor lines. For LHP design and fabrication, preliminary analysis on the basis of dimensionless criteria is necessary because of certain complicated phenomena that take place in the heat pipe. Modeling the performance of the LHP and miniaturizing its size are tasks and objectives of current research. In the course of h s work, the LHP and its components, including the evaporator (the most critical and complex part of the LHP), were modeled with the corresponding dimensionless groups also being investigated. Next, analysis of heat and mass transfer processes in the LHP, selection of the most weighted criteria from known dimensionless groups (thermal-fluid sciences), heat transfer rate limits, (heat pipe theory), and experimental ratios which are unique to a given heat pipe class are discussed. In the third part of the report, two-phase flow heat and mass transfer performances inside the LHP condenser are analyzed and calculated for Earth-normal gravity and microgravity conditions. On the basis of recent models and experimental databanks, an analysis for condensing two-phase flow regimes, pressure gradients, and local heat transfer coefficients using ammonia, propylene, and R134, are carried out.

Ochterbeck, Jay M.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Monitoring space shuttle air quality using the Jet Propulsion Laboratory electronic nose

A miniature electronic nose (ENose) has been designed and built at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, CA, and was designed to detect, identify, and quantify ten common contaminants and relative humidity changes. The sensing array includes 32 sensing films made from polymer carbon-black composites. Event identification and quantification were done using the Levenberg-Marquart nonlinear least squares method. After successful ground training, this ENose was used in a demonstration experiment aboard STS-95 (October-November, 1998), in which the ENose was operated continuously for six days and recorded the sensors' response to the air in the mid-deck. Air samples were collected daily and analyzed independently after the flight. Changes in shuttle-cabin humidity were detected and quantified by the JPL ENose; neither the ENose nor the air samples detected any of the contaminants on the target list. The device is microgravity insensitive.

manned↗
NASA NTRS1985

Spacelab to Space Station; Proceedings of the International Symposium on Spacelab 1 - Results, Implications and Perspectives, Naples and Capri, Italy, June 11-16, 1984

Consideration is given to the scientific objectives of the Spacelab program, a review of data obtained during the STS-9/Spacelab 1 mission on board the Shuttle, and the coordination of future Spacelab research among participating European nations. Among the specific fields of study covered by Spacelab 1 were space plasma physics, materials and fluid sciences and technology, astronomy and solar physics, and atmospheric physics and earth observations. Consideration is also given to the legal aspects of space manufacturing activities, the role of private industry in space-based manufacturing ventures, plant production and breeding in space, and the development of remote sensing systems for use in a microgravity environment.

Napolitano, L. G.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Long-term effects of microgravity and possible countermeasures

The measures that can be taken to counteract the effect of long-term exposures to microgravity are discussed. It is noted that, although it was shown that specially designed exercise programs can counteract the effect of exposures of up to one year in space, is it questionable whether U.S. astronauts could or should have to maintain such regimes for extremely prolonged missions. The methods considered by NASA Life Sciences Division are to provide an artificial gravity environment by the generation of centrifugal forces by means of either the continuous rotation of the whole spacecraft or using a short-arm centrifuge on board a zero-g spacecraft. Results obtained in studies of these two methods are discussed, and the centrifuge research facility that is presently being developed by NASA is described.

Wolfe, James W.↗
NASA NTRS2011

The International Space Station Research Opportunities and Accomplishments

In 2010, the International Space Station (ISS) construction and assembly was completed to become a world-class scientific research laboratory. We are now in the era of utilization of this unique platform that facilitates ground-breaking research in the microgravity environment. There are opportunities for NASA-funded research; research funded under the auspice of the United States National Laboratory; and research funded by the International Partners - Japan, Europe, Russia and Canada. The ISS facilities offer an opportunity to conduct research in a multitude of disciplines such as biology and biotechnology, physical science, human research, technology demonstration and development; and earth and space science. The ISS is also a unique resource for educational activities that serve to motivate and inspire students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Even though we have just commenced full utilization of the ISS as a science laboratory, early investigations are yielding major results that are leading to such things as vaccine development, improved cancer drug delivery methods and treatment for debilitating diseases, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. This paper

Alleyne, Camille W.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Unmanned Vehicle Material Flammability Test

Microgravity fire behaviour remains poorly understood and a significant risk for spaceflight An experiment is under development that will provide the first real opportunity to examine this issue focussing on two objectives: a) Flame Spread. b) Material Flammability. This experiment has been shown to be feasible on both ESA's ATV and Orbital Science's Cygnus vehicles with the Cygnus as the current base-line carrier. An international topical team has been formed to develop concepts for that experiment and support its implementation: a) Pressure Rise prediction. b) Sample Material Selection. This experiment would be a landmark for spacecraft fire safety with the data and subsequent analysis providing much needed verification of spacecraft fire safety protocols for the crews of future exploration vehicles and habitats.

Urban, David L.↗
NASA NTRS2015

A Geology Sampling System for Small Bodies

Human exploration of Small Bodies is being investigated as a precursor to a Mars surface mission. Asteroids, comets, dwarf planets, and the moons of Mars all fall into this Small Bodies category and some are being discussed as potential mission tar-gets. Obtaining geological samples for return to Earth will be a major objective for any mission to a Small Body. Currently the knowledge base for geology sampling in microgravity is in its infancy. Furthermore, humans interacting with non-engineered surfaces in a microgravity environment poses unique challenges. In preparation for such missions, a team at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) John-son Space Center (JSC) has been working to gain experience on how to safely obtain numerous sample types in such an environment. This abstract briefly summarizes the type of samples the science community is interested in, discusses an integrated geology sampling solution, and highlights some of the unique challenges associated with this type of exploration.

Hood, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

NASA's life sciences program

NASA space missions from the Mercury through the Shuttle program have provided successively more data on the ability of humans to function in space for progressively longer periods of time. The Skylab program encouraged cooperation between medical and engineering personnel in the design of space suits, diet, food preparation, and cleanliness procedures and equipment, and the man-machine interface. Research is now concentrated on supporting man in space, evaluating the effects of the microgravity environment on humans, and modeling encounters with extraterrestrial life and the effects of human activities on terrestrial biota. Current levels of understanding of the physiological causes of human health problems produced by long-duration spaceflight are summarized. Experiments planned for the Shuttle, Spacelab, and the Space Station are outlined, noting the long-term goal of configuring the Space Station so that only food and hydrazine are needed to complete the life support system cycle.

Soffen, Gerald A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Life sciences and space research XXIV(1) - Gravitational biology; Proceedings of Symposia 10 and 13 of the Topical Meeting of the Interdisciplinary Scientific Commission F (Meetings F1 and F2) of the COSPAR 28th Plenary Meeting, The Hague, Netherlands, June 25-July 6, 1990

Topics presented include an introduction to theories and models of biological response to gravity, gravity effects on biological systems, the function of calcium in plant graviperception, developmental biology on unmanned spacecraft, and the effect of microgravity on the development of plant protoplasts flown on Biocosmos 9. Also presented are the mechanism by which an asymmetric distribution of plant growth hormone is attained, the perception of gravity by plants, an animal research facility for Space Station Freedom, the long-term effects of microgravity and possible countermeasures, and an experimental system for determining the influence of microgravity on B lymphocyte activation and cell fusion.

Young, R. S.↗