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Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration Life and Physical Sciences Research for a New Era (2011) / Chapter Skim
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11 The Role of the International Space Station
Pages 355-360

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From page 355...
... have noted the critical importance of the ISS's capabilities to support the goal of long-term human exploration in space.* These capabilities include the ability to perform experiments of extended duration, the ability to continually revise experiment parameters on the basis of previous results, the flexibility in experimental design provided by human operators, and the availability of sophisticated experimental facilities with significant power and data resources.
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From page 356...
... Summarized in the following sections are examples of areas of past and future life and physical sciences research benefiting from, or requiring, the capabilities of the ISS. Life Sciences Research on the ISS Although it is impossible to list all the various biological research projects that were conducted on the ISS prior to the current era, insights from a 2008 report from NASA indicate a spectrum that, for plants, ranges from investigating the influences of gravity on the molecular changes in Arabidopsis thaliana to studying the mechanisms of photosynthesis, phototropism, and gravity sensing.1 Cellular biology studies included investigating gene expression changes in Streptococcus pneumonia and select microbes, exploring mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis and tumorgenesis, and observing changes in the responses of monocytes in cell culture, blood vessel develop ment, and wound healing to the space environment.
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From page 357...
... Establishing the robust elements of such a bioregenerative life support system, which will likely incorporate a combination of biological systems and physico-chemical technologies, requires extended research now that carefully integrates ground- and ISS-based work. Levels and quality of light, atmospheric composition, nutrient levels, and availability of water are all criti cal elements shaping plant growth in space; each of the elements needs to be optimized in a rigorously tested technology platform designed to maximize performance during spaceflight.
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From page 358...
... researchers in the physical sciences include the Microgravity Sci ence Glovebox, the Combustion Integrated Rack, the Fluids Integrated Rack, the Materials Science Research Rack, the Space Dynamically Responding Ultrasound Matrix System (Space DRUMS) , and several multiuser EXPRESS Racks.9 In addition, the European Space Agency has the Fluid Science Laboratory, and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency has the Ryutai and Kobairo Racks for fluid physics and materials science research.
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From page 359...
... , reliability, thermal management, power generation and handling, propellant storage and handling, and strategies for refueling on orbit are all key drivers for dramatically reducing mass, cost, and mission risk. The ISS provides unique opportunities for advances in a number of these areas through research on processes such as cryogenic two-phase fluid management, propellant transfer, engine starts, flame stability, active thermal control of injectors and combustors, and cryogenic fluid management.
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From page 360...
... 2004. Microgravity environment on the International Space Station.
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Key Terms

  • space station
  • microgravity environment
  • decadal survey
  • fluid physics
  • drop towers

  • space exploration
  • life support
  • iss provides
  • granular materials
  • skeletal muscle

  • benefit greatly
  • heat transfer
  • research outlined
  • bioregenerative life
  • spaceflight plans

  • human spaceflight
  • phase separation
  • sciences include
  • fundamental questions
  • integrated rack

  • fluid management
  • sounding rockets
  • fundamental physics
  • integral component
  • molecular changes

  • plans committee
  • detail elsewhere
  • science laboratory
  • iss platform
  • animal research


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