ISS - Expedition 64 Mission patch.
Feb 28, 2021
Scientific investigations conducted aboard the International Space Station the week of Feb. 22 included examining differences in aromas of herb, changes in muscle gene expression, and rates of simultaneous flow of liquid and gas in microgravity, as well as testing software for autonomous vehicles. Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft berthed to the space station on Mon. morning and crew members began unloading the supplies and scientific experiments it carried.
Image above: In this image, the NG CRS-15 Cygnus supply craft is shown attached to the Canadarm2 in preparation for berthing to the space station. Image Credit: NASA.
The seven crew members currently inhabiting the station include four from NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, providing increased crew time for science activities on the orbiting lab. The space station has been continuously inhabited by humans for 20 years and has supported many scientific breakthroughs during that time. The station provides a platform for long-duration research in microgravity and for learning to live and work in space, experience that supports Artemis, NASA’s program to go forward to the Moon and on to Mars.
Here are details on some of the microgravity investigations currently taking place:
Examining the aroma of herbs in space
Image above: This image shows containers for the Asian Herb in Space investigation installed on the space station. This study examines the aromas produced by several herbs for differences that may result from microgravity-related cellular changes, part of ongoing efforts to produce fresh food in space. Image Credit: NASA.
Microgravity affects the growth of plants, and understanding the nature of these changes is important for developing systems to produce plants for food on future missions. An investigation from the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Asian Herb in Space, studies several fast-growing plants used for traditional medicine and flavoring food, examining differences in their aroma that may result from microgravity-related cellular changes. Results could benefit future plant growth efforts in space and provide new information on the formation of aroma compounds in common herbs. The project also distributes space-flown seeds to schools in the Asia-Pacific region for educational activities. Crew members set the plant chamber and watered seeds during the week.
Testing tiny muscles
Loss of muscle mass and strength represent a major challenge for astronauts on future long space voyages. Micro-16 uses a model organism, the C. elegans worm, to test whether decreased expression of muscle proteins is associated with decreased strength. Past experiments have shown reduced expression of key muscle genes in C. elegans during spaceflight, and a miniaturized force measurement device developed by the research team measures muscle strength in multiple generations of space-reared worms. Researchers can compare those measurements with post-flight muscle gene expression analyses. The investigation may provide better understanding of how spaceflight-dependent changes in gene expression are linked to muscle function and support the development of countermeasures to maintain crew member health on future missions. During the week, the crew conducted set up and check outs of equipment and samples and initiated the investigation.
Following gas and liquid flow
Image above: NASA astronaut Shannon Walker sets up components for PBRE-WR, a study exploring how liquids and gases behave together in microgravity. The work could enable the design of more energy efficient and lightweight thermal management and life support systems for future space exploration missions. Image Credit: NASA.
The Packed Bed Reactor Experiment-Water Recovery (PBRE-WR) investigation examines flow rates of gas and liquid through filters in the Water Processor Assembly (WPA) Catalytic Reactor space station water processor. Results could identify optimum flow conditions and enhance models to predict simultaneous flow of gas and liquid in microgravity. This improved understanding of the fundamentals of gas constriction in the reactor could support development of ways to optimize flow rates and equipment performance. More efficient operations and better performance of these systems contribute to crew health and safety on future space missions. The crew conducted inspection of water from the system during the week.
Autonomous exploration helpers
Animation above: NASA astronaut Shannon Walker works on installing ISSAC, an investigation demonstrating software for using autonomous robots to monitor and operate human exploration vehicles. Animation Credit: NASA.
During the week, the crew installed a radio-frequency identification (RFID) Recon Reader and software onto an Astrobee free flyer for The Integrated System for Autonomous and Adaptive Caretaking (ISAAC). This investigation demonstrates using autonomous robots in human exploration vehicles to track vehicle health, transfer and unpack cargo, and respond to critical faults such as leaks and fires. The technology could be used for vehicle and habitat operations on future exploration missions to the Moon and Mars and to maintain vehicles while astronauts are away for extended periods.
Other investigations on which the crew performed work:
- ACME is a set of six independent studies of gaseous flames. ACME’s goals are to advance fuel efficiency and reduce pollutant production in practical combustion on Earth, and to improve spacecraft fire prevention.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=1651
Image above: NASA astronaut Victor Glover works on Plant Water Management, an experiment that explores hydroponics as a way to sustain plants in microgravity from seed germination through harvest. Image Credit: NASA.
- Veg-04 is part of a phased research project addressing the need for a continuous fresh food production system in space, focusing on the effects of light quality and fertilizer on growth, safety, and nutritional value of leafy crops.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7895
- Plant Water Management tests using concepts of capillary fluidics such as surface tension, wetting, and geometry to deliver adequate water and nutrients to plants.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7884
- Food Acceptability looks at how the appeal of food changes during long-duration missions. Whether crew members like and actually eat foods directly affects caloric intake and associated nutritional benefits.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7562
- Antimicrobial Coatings tests a coating to control microbial growth on several different materials that represent high-touch surfaces. Some microbes change characteristics in microgravity, potentially creating new risks to crew health and spacecraft.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=8352
- Food Physiology characterizes how an enhanced spaceflight diet affects immune function, the gut microbiome, and nutritional status. Results could help define targeted, efficient dietary interventions to maintain crew health and performance.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7870
- APM measures and quantifies the concentration of both small and large particles in cabin air as part of efforts to maintain air quality in the occupied environment on station, vital for the crew’s health.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7936
- AstroRad Vest tests a wearable vest designed to protect astronauts from radiation caused by unpredictable solar particle events. Astronauts provide input on how easy the garment is to put on, how it fits and feels, and the range of motion it allows.
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7803
Space to Ground: Space Worms: 02/26/2021
Related links:
Expedition 64: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition64/index.html
Asian Herb in Space: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=2052
Micro-16: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=7654
PBRE-WR: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=8068
ISAAC: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=8427
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/overview.html
International Space Station (ISS): https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
Images (mentioned), Animation (mentioned), Video (NASA), Text, Credits: NASA/Michael Johnson/John Love, ISS Research Planning Integration Scientist Expedition 64.
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