ISS - Expedition 61 Mission patch.
Dec. 23, 2019
Crew members conducted a variety of scientific investigations aboard the International Space Station the week of Dec. 16, including research on the effects of noise and microgravity on hearing and how performing motor tasks differs in space from doing the same tasks on Earth.
Now in its 20th year of continuous human presence, the space station is the only platform for long-duration research in microgravity. Learning to live and work in space is one of the biggest challenges of long-duration spaceflight, and the experience gained on the space station supports Artemis, NASA’s program to go forward to the Moon and on to Mars.
Image above: This wearable Biometric patch connects to an iPAD on the space station that uses the ESA (European Space Agency) EVERYWEAR application to transmit data to the ground. The NutrISS investigation collects data on body mass and composition using such sensors and the app. Image Credit: NASA.
Here are details on some of the scientific investigations taking place on the orbiting lab:
Can you hear me now?
The crew set up hardware, performed audio measurements and used the EveryWear application to answer questionnaires for Acoustic Diagnostics. This investigation, sponsored by the ESA (European Space Agency), tests the hearing of crew members before, during and after flight and assesses the possible adverse effects of noise and the microgravity environment on human hearing. Researchers compare the relationship between the detection of otoacoustic emissions, sounds naturally generated from within the inner ear, and hearing loss levels when exposed to noisy environments.
International Space Station (ISS). Image Credits: NASA/STS-131
Performing motor tasks in space
Another ESA experiment, Time Perception, induces visual and audio stimuli from a computer program to measure a subject's response to spatial and time perception in microgravity. Experiment tasks look at specifics such reaction time and judgement of the passage of time. Previous research shows that speed of body movement may affect time perception and that it takes about 50 percent more time to execute an experimental procedure in orbit as it does on Earth. Cognitive performance, good eye-hand control and coordination, spatial orientation, and time perception all are critical for safe and successful control of vehicles and other complex systems used on space missions. Crew members performed operations for Time Perception using a head-mounted Oculus Rift display and headphones, a finger trackball and support computer.
Tiny radiation resistors
Image above: ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Luca Parmitano sets up for Rotifer-B1, an investigation that explores the effects of spaceflight on the metabolism and genome of tiny aquatic animals called rotifers. Image Credit: NASA.
Rotifer-B1 explores the effects of spaceflight on the metabolism and genome of the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga. Rotifers, tiny aquatic animals found in freshwater ecosystems and soil, are highly radiation-resistant on Earth, and the investigation looks at whether they have similar adaptation mechanisms in microgravity. The crew concluded the investigation and removed the Experiment Container from Kubik, an on-orbit incubator facility. Samples are scheduled for return to Earth for analysis on SpaceX-19 in early January. Rotifer-B1 is another ESA sponsored investigation.
Other investigations on which the crew performed work:
- Actiwatch, a sleep-wake monitor worn by a crew member, analyzes circadian rhythms, sleep-wake patterns, and activity. The data are used in a number of studies on sleep and biological rhythms.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Facility.html?#id=838
- Biomolecule Extraction and Sequencing Technology (BEST) studies the use of DNA sequencing to identify microbial organisms and improve understanding of how humans, plants and microbes adapt to living in space.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7687
- RR-19 examines the potential benefits of targeting the myostatin (MSTN) and activin signaling pathways to prevent skeletal muscle and bone loss during spaceflight.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=8075
Image above: NASA astronaut Jessica Meir installs the Bone Densitometer in an EXPRESS (EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station) rack inside the Japanese Kibo laboratory module. The device images rodent bones for the Rodent Research-19 experiment investigating two proteins that may prevent muscle and bone loss in space. Image Credit: NASA.
- Bio-Monitor, a device developed by the Canadian Space Agency, uses wearable sensors to monitor and record heart rate, respiration rate, skin temperature and other parameters from astronauts during their daily routines.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Facility.html?#id=7392
- The ISS Experience creates virtual reality videos from footage taken by astronauts of different aspects of crew life, execution of science and the international partnerships involved on the space station.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7877
Image above: A 360 image of the space station’s cupola taken as a part of filming for the ISS Experience. Image Credits: Courtesy of Felix & Paul Studios/Time.
- Polymer Convection examines the effect of gravity on formation and crystallization of Broadband Angular Selective Material (BASM), an optical material with the ability to control the reflection and absorption of light. BASM has applications in polymer packaging, optical films, solar power and electronic displays.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7901
- Standard Measures captures an ongoing, optimized set of measures from crew members to characterize how their bodies adapt to living in space. Researchers use these measures to create a data repository for high-level monitoring of the effectiveness of countermeasures and better interpretation of health and performance outcomes.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7711
- NutrISS, an investigation by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), assesses the body composition of crew members during spaceflight using a device that measures long-term energy balance modification over time. The ESA’s EveryWear application transmits data to the nutritional team on the ground.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7875
- ISS HAM gives students an opportunity to talk directly with crew members via ham radio when the space station passes over their school.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=337
Related links:
Expedition 61: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition61/index.html
Acoustic Diagnostics: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7898
Time Perception: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7504
Rotifer-B1: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7943
Kubik: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Facility.html?#id=894
ISS National Lab: https://www.issnationallab.org/
Spot the Station: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/
Space Station Research and Technology: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/index.html
International Space Station (ISS): https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
Images (mentioned), Text, Credits: NASA/Michael Johnson/John Love, Lead Increment Scientist Expedition 61.
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