ISS Science Summary: December 03-16, 2007

CSLM-2 (Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2): Operations for the CSLM-2 payload began the week of December 3rd in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG). CSLM-2 examines the effects of microgravity on a phenomenon called coarsening. Coarsening commonly occurs in the manufacturing of metal alloys. The alloy particles grow unevenly in a two-phase metal mixture because the metals cool at different rates causing the metal to be dominated by one type of metal instead of an even distribution of particles. Microgravity removes the sedimentation factor so that the mechanisms and rates of coarsening can be determined.

Braslet (Validation of On-Orbit Methodology for the Assessment of Cardiac Function and Changes in the Circulating Volume Using Ultrasound and Braslet-M Occlusion Cuffs): Flight Engineer Dan Tani conducted his first session of Braslet with the assistance of Commander Peggy Whitson. Braslet uses ultrasound technology to determine the performance of occlusion cuffs used on the lower extremities to modify fluid shifts that occur early during physiological transition into the space environment. This SDTO combines the use of Braslet-M devices as a means to accurately alter volume distribution while focused ultrasound measurement techniques are developed.

BCAT-3-4-CP (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test - 3 and 4: Critical Point): Tani began preparations for the next session of BCAT-3-4-CP which is scheduled to begin the week of December 17th. He set up the Maintenance Work Area (MWA), mixed the sample containing polymer and colloidal particles (tiny nanoscale spheres suspended in liquid) and set up the camera from the EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students) investigation that is used for ?time lapse? documentation of the separation of the mixture. BCAT-3-4-CP uses the microgravity environment to study phase separation rates unencumbered by sedimentation and convection that occur in gravity. The data from this fundamental physics experiment will be used to improve model?s of liquid/gas phase changes.

CCISS (Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Control on Return from ISS): Over a two day period, Tani completed his second 24-hour electrocardiogram session for the CCISS investigation. This investigation is measuring the effects of long-duration space flight on crewmembers' heart function and blood vessels that supply the brain. Learning more about the cardiovascular (heart/blood vessels) and cerebrovascular (brain/blood vessels) systems could lead to specific countermeasures that might better protect future space travelers. This is a cooperative investigation with the Canadian Space Agency.

Sleep-Long (Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Exposure during Spaceflight-Long): Working off the task list, Tani provided entries for his sleep logs for the Sleep-Long investigation. These entries on his perception of sleep quality and duration are compared to the data collected by the Actiwatch to determine the affects of space flight and ambient light exposure on the sleep-wake cycles of the crewmembers during long-duration stays on the Space Station.

Journals (Behavioral Issues Associated with Isolation and Confinement: Review and Analysis of ISS Crew Journals): Whitson continued to provide entries in her journal. These entries will be quantitatively analyzed as part of the Journals experiment, an analysis of the aspects of living in an isolated and confined environment for extended periods.

CEO (Crew Earth Observations): As of December 6, 2007, the Expedition 16 crew has captured over 5,000 images for the CEO program. Some of the targets captured during this period included: Betsiboka River Delta, Madagascar; Patagonian Glaciers; Nile floodplains, S. Sudan; Galapagos Islands; Oasis Impact Crater, Libya; Bosumtwi Impact Crater, Ghana; and Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras. To view these and additional images please visit the Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth.

Voluntary Science:

BCAT-3 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test - 3): Whitson used her Voluntary Science time to conduct the magnet unstick for the BCAT-3 suite of experiments. The magnet was inserted in the CGBA-4 (Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus-4) to reduce the temperature of the magnet before the unstick was attempted. BCAT-3 is now comprised of two separate experiments, which are individually referred to as surface crystallization (BCAT-3-SC) and critical point (BCAT-3-4-CP). These experiments examine physical processes in microgravity.

EPO (Education Payload Operations): As part of Voluntary Science, Tani and Whitson participated in three EPO demonstrations: Sanitation on the Station, Living on the Station, and Newton?s 1st Law of Motion. Activities for the demonstrations included housekeeping techniques that are used on the ISS, how the crewmembers perform their day to day activities and using various objects showed that objects in motion tend to stay in motion and objects at rest tend to stay at rest. The videos recorded by the crew are used for EPO activities in educational outreach to students of all ages.

Automated U.S. experiments (ongoing without crew efforts):

CSI-02 (Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert - 02): In order to stimulate growth in the plant development experiment, the seeds were pushed further into the growth media. Ground teams will watch the seeds to see if germination occurs. The remaining two experiments consist of seed germination and plant development. CSI-02 experiments will be used for educational and scientific research. Students are provided data and imagery via the World Wide Web on the experiments performed on orbit so that they can compare their ground studies to the on-orbit experiments.

ANITA (Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air): ANITA continues to collect data every six seconds and downlinks the data daily to the ground team. ANITA monitors low levels of potential gaseous contaminants in the ISS cabin atmosphere with a capability of simultaneously monitoring 32 gaseous contaminants. The experiment will test the accuracy and reliability of this technology as a potential next-generation atmosphere trace-gas monitoring system for ISS and future spacecraft. This is a cooperative investigation with the European Space Agency.

Stability (Stability of Pharmacotherapeutic and Nutritional Compounds): This experiment is quantifying the breakdown of key drugs and vitamins that has been observed anecdotally on previous ISS missions. Two (of four originally launched) identical packages of pharmaceuticals and foods remain inside the ISS, experiencing the internal environment. The packages will be returned after additional on-orbit exposure.

SAMS-II (Space Acceleration Measurement System-II): The SAMS-II hardware was activated to monitor vibrations for CSLM-2. SAMS-II was developed to measure accelerations that might affect microgravity research; the hardware is also used operationally during dockings, thruster firings, and other events, to observe the vibrations and acceleration on ISS.

International Partner Science

Cardio-ODNT (Cardio-Lower Body Negative Pressure): Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko participated in a session of Cardio-ODNT. The activities for this medical investigation are designed to determine the condition of the cardiovascular system in the lower extremities. Cardio-ODNT uses a pneumatic-vacuum suit to produce a negative pressure to the extremities while physical load is being produced by the crewmember.

PK-3-Plus (Plasma Crystal-3 Plus): Malenchenko terminated the PK-3+ experiment after a six day run. This experiment measures the properties of homogeneous plasma dust clouds that can be uniquely generated in space.

ETD (Eye Tracking Device): Malenchenko participated in his second session of the European Space Agency?s ETD experiment that studies the adaptation of the vestibular system (the inner ear system responsible for balance) to the microgravity environment by measuring movement of eyes in the head.

Sonokard (Sonocard): Malenchenko participated in his fourth session of Sonokard. The objective for this investigation is to test a new crew health monitoring system that uses a special sports shirt that contains a device in the pocket providing a method for acquiring physiological data without using direct contact on the skin.

Pneumocard: Malenchenko performed his second session of Pneumocard. This is an integrated study of the adaptation of the cardiovascular system of crewmembers during a long-duration microgravity mission.

Radiation Studies: Malenchenko performed the periodic data collection from the MTR-2 (Matroshka-2) MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor) dosimeter reader. MTR-2 measures the radiation dose distribution of crewmembers inside ISS. He also changed the memory card for the ALTCRISS (Alteino Long Term monitoring of Cosmic Rays on the ISS) investigation. MTR-2 and ALTCRISS measure the radiation environment onboard the ISS.

Earth Observations: Malenchenko completed photographic observations of Earth to be downlinked to the ground as part of the Russian Urugan (hurricane) Earth-imaging investigation and the ECON environmental observation program. Some of the targets included: the islands of New Zealand.

Look Ahead: December 17-30, 2007

Through the end of 2007, the crew has a busy schedule preparing for an EVA and participating in several investigations. These include: BCAT-3-4-CP, LOCAD-PTS (Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development-Portable Test System), CSLM-2, Nutrition and Repository.

Whitson will provide entries for the Journals investigation; she and Tani will continue to wear their Actiwatches as part of the Sleep-Long investigation.

Source: NASA / Information Provided and Updated by the ISS Program Scientist's Office

Expedition 16 Science Overview

Plans for Expedition 16 include the operation of 38 U.S.-managed experiments in human research, exploration technology testing, life sciences, physical sciences and education. Twenty-six experiments also are planned for operation by the international partners — the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). During Expedition 16, the scientific work of more than a hundred scientists will be sup-ported through U.S.-managed experiments. The team of controllers and scientists on the ground will continue to plan, monitor and remotely operate experiments from control centers across the United States. A team of controllers for Expedition 16 will staff the Payload Operations Center — the science command post for the space station — at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Controllers work in three shifts around the clock, seven days a week in the Payload Operations Center, which links researchers around the world with their experiments and the station crew. The Payload Operations Center also coordinates the payload activities of NASA’s international partners. The partners are responsible for the planning and operations of their space agencies’ modules. NASA’s Payload Operations Center is chartered to synchronize the payload activities among the partners and optimize the use of valuable on-orbit resources.

Experiments Related to Spacecraft Systems Many experiments are designed to help develop technologies, designs and materials for future spacecraft and exploration missions. These include:

Coarsening in Solid Liquid Mixtures-2 (CSLM-2) will investigate the interaction of small and large particles in a mixture that can influence the strength of materials ranging from turbine blades to dental fillings and iron copper.

Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development-Portable Test System (LOCAD-PTS) is a handheld device for rapid detection of bio-logical and chemical substances on board the space station. Astronauts will swab surfaces within the cabin, add swab material to the LOCAD-PTS, and within 15 minutes obtain results on a display screen. The study's purpose is to effectively provide an early warning system to enable crew members to take remedial measures if necessary to protect the health and safety of those on board the station.

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS) and Space Acceleration Measurement System – II (SAMS-II) measure vibration and quasi-steady accelerations that result from vehicle control burns, docking and undocking activities. The two different equipment packages measure vibrations at different frequencies. These measurements help investigators characterize the vibrations and accelerations that may influence space station experiments.

Smoke and Aerosol Measurement Experiment (SAME) will measure the smoke properties, or particle size distribution, of typical particles from smoke generated from spacecraft fires. Results will iden-tify ways to improve smoke detectors on future spacecraft.

Human Life Science Investigations Physical measurements of Expedition 16 crew members will be used to study changes in the body caused by living in microgravity. Continuing and new experiments include:

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Control on Return from ISS (CCISS) studies the effects of long-duration spaceflight on crew members' heart functions and blood vessels that supply the brain. Learning more about the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems could lead to spe-cific countermeasures that might better protect future space travelers.

ELaboratore Immagini Televisive – Space 2 (ELITE-S2) will investigate the connection between brain, visualization and motion in the absence of gravity. By recording and analyzing the three-dimensional motion of astronauts, this study will help engineers apply ergonomics into future spacecraft designs and determine the effects of weightlessness on breathing mechanisms for long-duration missions. This experiment is a cooperative effort with the Italian Space Agency, ASI.

Spaceflight-Induced Reactivation of Latent Epstein-Barr Virus (Epstein-Barr) performs tests to study changes in the human immune function. Using blood and urine samples collected from crew members before and after spaceflight, the study will provide insight for possible counter-measures to prevent the potential development of infectious illness in crew members during flight.

Hand Posture Analyzer (HPA) examines the way hand and arm muscles are used differently during grasping and reaching tasks in microgravity. Measurements are compared to those taken before and after flight to improve understanding of the effects of long-duration missions on muscle fatigue.

Behavioral Issues Associated with Isolation and Confinement: Review and Analysis of Astronaut Journals (Journals) is studying the effect of isolation by using surveys and journals kept by the crew. By quantifying the importance of different behavioral issues in crew members, the study will help NASA design equipment and procedures to allow astronauts to best cope with isolation and long-duration spaceflight.

Nutritional Status Assessment (Nutrition) is NASA's most comprehensive in-flight study to-date of human physiologic changes during long-duration spaceflight. Its measurements will include bone metabolism, oxidative damage, nutritional assessments and hormonal changes. This study will impact both the definition of nutritional requirements and development of food systems for future space exploration missions to the moon and beyond. This experiment also will help researchers understand the impact of countermeasures — exercise and pharmaceuticals — on nutri-tional status and nutrient requirements for astronauts.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Biological Specimen Repository (Repository) is a storage bank used to maintain biological specimens over extended periods of time and under well-controlled conditions. Samples from the station — including blood and urine — will be collected, processed and archived during the preflight, in-flight and post-flight phases of the missions. This investigation has been developed to archive biological samples for use as a resource for future spaceflight research.

Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Expo-sure During Spaceflight-Long (Sleep-Long) examines the effects of spaceflight and ambient light exposure on the sleep-wake cycles of the crew members during long-duration stays on the space station.

Stability of Pharmacotherapeutic and Nutritional Compounds (Stability) studies the effects of radiation in space on complex organic molecules, such as vitamins and other compounds in food and medicine. This could help researchers develop more stable and reliable pharmaceutical and nutritional countermeasures suitable for future long-duration missions.

Other Biological Experiments Plant growth experiments give insight into the effects of the space environment on living organisms. These experiments include:

The Reverse Genetic Approach to Exploring Genes Responsible for Cell Wall Dynamics in Supporting Tissues of

Arabidopsis Under Microgravity Conditions and Role of Microtubule-Membrane-Cell Wall Continuum in Gravity Resistance in Plants (CWRW) will explore the molecular mechanism by which the cell wall construction in Arabidopsis thaliana — a small plant of the mustard family — is regulated by gravity. The results of this investigation will support future plans to cultivate plants on long-duration missions to the moon and beyond.

Molecular and Plant Physiological Analyses of the Microgravity Effects on Multigeneration Studies of Arabidopsis thaliana (Multigen) will grow Arabidopsis thaliana — a small plant of the mustard family — in orbit for three generations. The results of this investigation will support future plans to grow plants on long-duration transits such as trips to Mars. This is a cooperative investigation with the European Space Agency, ESA.

The Optimization of Root Zone Substrates (ORZS) for Reduced Gravity Experiments Program was developed to provide direct measurements and models for plant rooting instructions that will be used in future advanced life support plant growth experiments. The goal is to develop and enhance hardware and procedures to allow optimal plant growth in microgravity.

Education and Earth Observation NASA powers inspiration that encourages future generations to explore, learn and build a better future. Many experiments on board the space station continue to teach the next generation of explorers about living and working in space. These experiments include:

Crew Earth Observations (CEO) takes advantage of the crew in space to observe and photograph natural and human-made changes on Earth. The photographs record the Earth’s surface changes over time, along with more fleeting events such as storms, floods, fires and volcanic eruptions. Together, they provide researchers on Earth with vital, continuous images to better understand the planet.

Crew Earth Observations - International Polar Year (CEO-IPY) is an international collaboration of scientists for the observation and exploration of Earth’s Polar Regions from 2007 to 2009. Space station crew members photograph polar phenomena including auroras and mesospheric clouds in response to daily correspondence from the scientists on the ground.

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert – 02 (CSI-02) is an educational payload designed to interest middle school students in science, technology, engineering and math by participating in near real-time research conducted on board the station. Students will observe four experiments through data and imagery downlinked and distributed directly into the classroom via the Internet. The first experi-ment will examine seed germination and plant development in microgravity. It will be followed by an experiment to examine yeast cells adaptation to the space environment; another will examine plant cell cultures; and the final experiment — a silicate garden — will examine crystal growth formation using silicates — compounds containing silicon, oxygen and one or more metals.

Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM), an education experiment, allows middle school students to program a digital camera on board the station to photograph a variety of geographical targets for study in the classroom. Photos are made available on the Web for viewing and study by participating schools around the world. Educators use the images for projects involving Earth science, geography, physics and technology.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency - Education Payload Observation (JAXA-EPO) aims to excite students’ interest in microgravity research and enhance their knowledge of science and technology. Activities will include educational events with astronauts on orbit, space and ground experiments conducted by students and creation of an educational video library. JAXA-EPO is designed to support the mission to inspire the next generation of explorers.

Space Shuttle Experiments Many other experiments are scheduled to be performed during upcoming space shuttle missions that are part of Expedition 16. These experiments include:

Maui Analysis of Upper Atmospheric Injections (MAUI) observes the space shuttle engine exhaust plumes from the Maui Space Surveillance Site in Hawaii. The observations will occur when the shut-tle fires its engines at night or twilight. A telescope and all-sky imagers will collect images and data while the shuttle flies over the Maui site. The images will be analyzed to better understand the interaction be-tween the spacecraft plume and the upper atmosphere.

Test of Midodrine as a Countermeasure Against Post-Flight Orthostatic Hypotension (Midodrine) measures the ability of the drug midodrine, as a counter-measure, to reduce the incidence or sever-ity of orthostatic hypotension — dizziness caused by the blood-pressure decrease that many astronauts experience when re-turning to Earth's gravity.

Materials on the International Space Station Experiment 6 (MISSE-6A and 6B) is a test bed for materials and coatings attached to the outside of the space station that are being evaluated for the effects of atomic oxygen, direct sunlight, radiation and extremes of heat and cold. This experiment allows the development and testing of new materials to better withstand the rigors of space environments. Results will provide a better understanding of the durability of various materials in space, leading to the design of stronger, more durable spacecraft.

Perceptual Motor Deficits in Space (PMDIS) investigates why shuttle astronauts experience difficulty with hand-eye coordination while on orbit. This experiment will measure the decline of astronauts’ hand-eye coordination during space shuttle missions. These measurements will be used to distinguish between three possible explanations: the brain not adapting to the near weightlessness of space; the difficulty of performing fine movements when floating in space; and stress due to factors such as space sickness and sleep deprivation. This experiment is a cooperative effort with the Canadian Space Agency, CSA.

Bioavailablity and Performance Effects of Promethazine During Spaceflight (PMZ) examines the performance-impacting side-effects of promethazine and its bioavailability — the degree to which a drug can be absorbed and used by the parts of the body on which it is intended to have an effect. Promethazine is a medication taken by astronauts to prevent motion sickness.

Ram Burn Observations (RAMBO) is an experiment in which the Department of Defense uses a satellite to observe space shuttle orbital maneuvering system engine burns. The study's purpose is to improve plume models, which predict the direction of the plume, or rising column of exhaust, as the shuttle maneuvers on orbit. Under-standing this flow direction could be significant to the safe arrival and departure of spacecraft on current and future exploration missions.

Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (RIGEX) is a self-sufficient computer and sensor system that operates in the space shuttle cargo bay. It is designed to test and collect data on inflated and rigid structures in space. The rigidized structures used for this investigation are three inflatable tubes, which will be heated and cooled to form structurally stiff tubes.

Sleep-Wake Actigraphy and Light Expo-sure During Spaceflight - Short (Sleep-Short) examines the effects of spaceflight on the sleep-wake cycles of the astronauts during space shuttle missions. Advancing state-of-the-art technology for monitoring, diagnosing and assessing treatment of sleep patterns is vital to treating insomnia on Earth and in space.

Reserve Payloads Several additional experiments are ready for operation, but designated as “reserve” and will be performed if crew time becomes available. They include:

Analyzing Interferometer for Ambient Air (ANITA) will monitor 32 potentially gaseous contaminants, including formaldehyde, ammonia and carbon monoxide, in the atmosphere on board the station. The experiment will test the accuracy and reliability of this technology as a potential next-generation atmosphere trace-gas monitoring system for the station.

BCAT-3 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test – 3) consists of two investigations which will study the long-term behavior of colloids — a system of fine particles suspended in a fluid — in a microgravity environment, where the effects of sedimentation and convection are removed. Crew members will mix the samples, photograph the growth and formations of the colloids and downlink the images for analysis. Results may lead to improvements in supercritical fluids used in rocket propellants and biotechnology applications and advancements in fiber-optics technology. BCAT-4 (Binary Colloidal Alloy Test – 4) is a follow-on experiment to BCAT-3. BCAT-4 will study 10 colloidal samples. Several of these samples will determine phase separation rates and add needed points to the phase diagram of a model critical fluid system initially studied in BCAT-3. Crew members photograph samples of polymer and colloidal particles — tiny nanoscale spheres suspended in liquid — that model liquid/gas phase changes. Results will help scientists develop fundamental physics concepts previously cloaked by the effects of gravity. Capillary Flow Experiment (CFE) is a suite of fluid physics experiments that investigate how fluids behave in space. Capillary flow is the key process used to move fluids in a microgravity environment. Results will improve current computer models that are used by designers of low gravity fluid systems, and may improve fluid transfer systems on future spacecraft.

Education Payload Operations (EPO) includes curriculum-based educational activities demonstrating basic principles of science, mathematics, technology, engineering and geography. These activities are videotaped and then used in classroom lectures. EPO is designed to support the NASA mission to inspire the next generation of explorers.

Investigating the Structure of Paramagnetic Aggregates from Colloidal Emulsions - 2 (InSPACE – 2) will obtain data on magnetorheological fluids — fluids that change properties in response to magnetic fields — that can be used to improve or develop new brake systems and robotics.

Validation of Procedures for Monitoring Crew Member Immune Function (Integrated Immune) will assess the clinical risks resulting from the adverse effects of spaceflight on the human immune system. The study will validate a flight-compatible immune monitoring strategy by collecting and analyzing blood, urine and saliva samples from crew members before, during and after spaceflight to monitor changes in the immune system.

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) are bowling-ball sized spherical satellites. They will be used inside the space station to test a set of well-defined instructions for spacecraft performing autonomous rendezvous and docking maneuvers. Three free-flying spheres will fly within the cabin of the station, performing flight formations. Each satellite is self-contained with power, propulsion, computers and navigation equipment. The results are important for satellite servicing, vehicle assembly and formation flying spacecraft configurations.

A Comprehensive Characterization of Microorganisms and Allergens in Spacecraft (SWAB) will comprehensively evaluate microbes on board the space station, including pathogens — organisms that may cause disease. It also will track changes in the microbial community as spacecraft visit the station and new station modules are added. This study will allow an assessment of the risk of microbes to the crew and the spacecraft.

Destiny Laboratory Facilities The Destiny Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities to support Expedition 16 science investigations:

The Human Research Facility-1 is designed to house and support life sciences experiments. It includes equipment for lung function tests, ultrasound to image the heart and many other types of computers and medical equipment. Human Research Facility-2 provides an on-orbit laboratory that enables human life science researchers to study and evaluate the physiological, behavioral and chemical changes in astronauts induced by space-flight.

European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) is a large incubator that provides control over the atmosphere, lighting and humidity of growth chambers used to study plant growth. The facility was developed by the European Space Agency.

Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI) provides refrigerated storage and fast-freezing of biological and life science samples. It can hold up to 300 liters of samples ranging in temperature from -80°C, -26°C, or 4°C throughout a mission.

The Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) provides a safe environment for research with liquids, combustion and hazardous materials on board the International Space Station. Without the MSG, many types of hands-on investigations would be impossible or severely limited on the station.

The Destiny lab also is outfitted with five EXPRESS Racks. EXPRESS, or Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station, racks are standard payload racks designed to provide experiments with utili-ties such as power, data, cooling, fluids and gasses. The racks support payloads in dis-ciplines including biology, chemistry, phys-ics, ecology and medicines. The racks stay in orbit, while experiments are changed as needed. EXPRESS Racks 2 and 3 are equipped with the Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS) for countering minute vibrations from crew movement or operating equipment that could disturb delicate experiments.

Source: NASA / JPL