Menu 
  • Home
  • Research on Station
        • Benefits of Research on the ISS
        • Industrial R&D
        • Current Project Pipeline
        • Researcher Interviews
      • Current RFI

        hardware

        RFI-Organs-On-Chips Research

      • Researcher Interviews

        No items found
  • Getting to Space
        • Getting to Space
        • Implementation Partners
        • ISS Hardware
        • Proposal Submission Process
        • Launch Vehicles
        • Support Services
      • Recent Posts

        No items found
      • Projects in Flight

        • Materials Testing – Earth Abundant Textured Thin Film Photovoltaics
        • GLASS AIS TransponderGlobal AIS on Space Station (GLASS)
        • MultiLab: Research Server for the ISS
        • Story Time from Space – 2
        • NIH-Osteo
        View Current ISS Project Pipeline »
  • Research Library
        • ISS National Lab Research Database
        • ISS National Lab Reports
        • Web Resources
        • Research Apps
      • Recently Added Research

        • Genotype, B-vitamin status, and androgens affect spaceflight-induced ophthalmic changes
        • SUBSONIC MOTION OF A PROJECTILE IN A FLUID COMPLEX PLASMA UNDER MICROGRAVITY CONDITIONS
        • Coactivator-Dependent Oscillation of Chromatin Accessibility Dictates Circadian Gene Amplitude via REV-ERB Loading
      • Popular Tags

        • Cell Differentiation
        • Earth Observation
        • Fluid physics
        • Gene Expression
        • Human Research
        • Material science
        • Mice
        • Microbiology
        • Simulated microgravity
        • Technology demonstration
  • Make Contact
  • Home
  • Research on Station
    • Benefits of Microgravity
    • Industrial R&D
    • Current Project Pipeline
    • Research Opportunities
    • Researcher Interviews
  • Facilities & Hardware
    • ISS Hardware
    • Implementation Partners
  • Getting to Space
    • Getting to Space
    • Proposal Submission Process
    • Launch Vehicles
  • Research Library
    • Research Apps
    • Researcher Guides
    • Resources
    • Publication Database

« Go Back

Research Containing: Space Flight

Long-Duration Spaceflight Increases Depth Ambiguity of Reversible Perspective Figures

by cfynanon 22 August 2016in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

The objective of this study was to investigate depth perception in astronauts during and after spaceflight by studying their sensitivity to reversible perspective figures in which two-dimensional images could elicit two possible depth representations. Other ambiguous figures that did not give rise to a perception of illusory depth were used as controls. Six astronauts and 14 subjects were tested in the laboratory during three sessions for evaluating the variability of their responses in normal gravity. The six astronauts were then tested during four sessions while on board the International Space Station for 5-6 months. They were finally tested immediately after return to Earth and up to one week later. The reaction time decreased throughout the sessions, thus indicating a learning effect. However, the time to first percept reversal and the number of reversals were not different in orbit and after the flight compared to before the flight. On Earth, when watching depth-ambiguous perspective figures, all subjects reported seeing one three-dimensional interpretation more often than the other, i.e. a ratio of about 70-30%. In weightlessness this asymmetry gradually disappeared and after 3 months in orbit both interpretations were seen for the same duration. These results indicate that the perception of "illusory" depth is altered in astronauts during spaceflight. This increased depth ambiguity is attributed to the lack of the gravitational reference and the eye-ground elevation for interpreting perspective depth cues.

Related URLs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26146839

Measurements of jugular, portal, femoral, and calf vein cross-sectional area for the assessment of venous blood redistribution with long duration spaceflight (Vessel Imaging Experiment)

by cfynanon 22 August 2016in Biology & Biotechnology No comment

PURPOSE: To determine if 6 months in microgravity resulted in significant changes in the major central and peripheral veins indicating a redistribution of venous blood flow. METHODS: Ten astronauts participated in the study. Jugular vein (JV), portal vein (PV), femoral vein (FV), tibial vein (TibV), and gastrocnemius vein (Gast V) were assessed by echography for the measurement of vessel cross-sectional area. Inflight exams were conducted by astronauts using a volume capture method in which images collected were processed to produce a 3D reconstruction of the vessel which was later analyzed by a trained sonographer. Measurements were conducted pre-flight, at the beginning of the flight (day 15), near the end of the flight (4-5.5 months), and post-flight. RESULTS: During the flight, JV, PV, JV/PV ratio, and FV were found significantly increased from pre-flight at 15 days and 4-5.5 months (JV: 178 and 225%, p < 0.05; PV: 36 and 45%, p < 0.05; JV/PV ratio: 102 and 120%, p < 0.05; FV: 124 and 169%, p < 0.05). Conversely, calf veins decreased at day 15 and at 4-5.5 months (TibV: -45 and-52 %, p < 0.05; Gast V: -68 and -55%, p < 0.05). All veins returned to base line conditions 4 days after returning to Earth. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in JV, PV, and FV cross-sectional area during spaceflight confirmed that there was venous blood pooling in the cephalic, splanchnic, and pelvic regions. Further investigation is needed to determine the consequences of this fluid stagnation on the brain, eye, splanchnic, and pelvic organ morphology and or function. Related URLs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25991027

Development of a thin film solar cell interconnect for the PowerSphere concept

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Technology Development & Demonstration No comment

Progressive development of microsatellite technologies has resulted in increased demand for lightweight electrical power subsystems including solar arrays. The use of thin film photovoltaics has been recognized as a key solution to meet the power needs. The lightweight cells can generate sufficient power and still meet critical mass requirements. Commercially available solar cells produced on lightweight substrates are being studied as an option to fulfill the power needs. The commercially available solar cells are relatively inexpensive and have a high payoff potential. Commercially available thin film solar cells are primarily being produced for terrestrial applications. The need to convert the solar cell from a terrestrial to a space compatible application is the primary challenge. Solar cell contacts, grids and interconnects need to be designed to be atomic oxygen resistant and withstand rapid thermal cycling environments. A mechanically robust solar cell interconnect is also required in order to withstand handling during fabrication and survive during launch. The need to produce the solar cell interconnects has been identified as a primary goal of the PowerSphere program and is the topic of this paper. Details of the trade study leading to the final design involving the solar cell wrap around contact, flex blanket, welding process, and frame will be presented at the conference.

Related URLs:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921510704005161

Change in skin physiological parameters in space–report on and results of the first study on man

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Technology Development & Demonstration No comment

Astronauts often show skin reactions in space. Systematic tests, e.g. with noninvasive skin physiological test methods, have not yet been done. In an interdisciplinary cooperation, a test series with skin physiological measurements was carried out before, during and after a long-term mission in the International Space Station. The hydration of the stratum corneum (Corneometer), transepidermal water loss (Tewameter), and the surface structure of the skin (SkinVisiometer) were measured. In order to record cutaneous states, the suction elasticity was measured (Cutometer), and an ultrasound measurement with 20 MHz (DermaScan) was also made. In addition, one measuring field of the two inner forearms was treated with a skin care emulsion. There were indications of a delayed epidermal proliferation of the cells, which would correspond to the clinical symptoms. Hydration and TEWL values are improved by respective skin care. On the cutaneous level, the elasticity measurements and the ultrasound picture showed results which correspond to a significant loss of elasticity of the skin. Further examinations are necessary to validate these preliminary results.

Related URLs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18663342

Tests of shielding effectiveness of Kevlar and Nextel onboard the International Space Station and the Foton-M3 capsule

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Technology Development & Demonstration No comment

Radiation assessment and protection in space is the first step in planning future missions to the Moon and Mars, where mission and number of space travelers will increase and the protection of the geomagnetic shielding against the cosmic radiation will be absent. In this framework, the shielding effectiveness of two flexible materials, Kevlar and Nextel, were tested, which are largely used in the construction of spacecrafts. Accelerator-based tests clearly demonstrated that Kevlar is an excellent shield for heavy ions, close to polyethylene, whereas Nextel shows poor shielding characteristics. Measurements on flight performed onboard of the International Space Station and of the Foton-M3 capsule have been carried out with special attention to the neutron component; shielded and unshielded detectors (thermoluminescence dosemeters, bubble detectors) were exposed to a real radiation environment to test the shielding properties of the materials under study. The results indicate no significant effects of shielding, suggesting that thin shields in low-Earth Orbit have little effect on absorbed dose.

Related URLs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20364264

Materials Interactions with Space Environment: International Space Station – May 2000 to May 2002

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Technology Development & Demonstration No comment

The set of materials interactions with the space flight environment that have produced the largest impacts on the verification and acceptance of flight hardware and on flight operations of the International Space Station (ISS) Program during the May 2000 to May 2002 time frame are described in this paper. In-flight data, flight crew observations, and the results of ground-based test and analysis directly supporting programmatic and operational decision-making are reported.

Related URLs:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-2595-5_3

Rapid culture-independent microbial analysis aboard the International Space Station (ISS)

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Technology Development & Demonstration No comment

A new culture-independent system for microbial monitoring, called the Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development Portable Test System (LOCAD-PTS), was operated aboard the International Space Station (ISS). LOCAD-PTS was launched to the ISS aboard Space Shuttle STS-116 on December 9, 2006, and has since been used by ISS crews to monitor endotoxin on cabin surfaces. Quantitative analysis was performed within 15 minutes, and sample return to Earth was not required. Endotoxin (a marker of Gram-negative bacteria) was distributed throughout the ISS, despite previous indications that mostbacteria on ISS surfaces were Gram-positive [corrected].Endotoxin was detected at 24 out of 42 surface areas tested and at every surface site where colony-forming units (cfu) were observed, even at levels of 4-120 bacterial cfu per 100 cm(2), which is below NASA in-flight requirements (<10,000 bacterial cfu per 100 cm(2)). Absent to low levels of endotoxin (<0.24 to 1.0 EU per 100 cm(2); defined in endotoxin units, or EU) were found on 31 surface areas, including on most panels in Node 1 and the US Lab. High to moderate levels (1.01 to 14.7 EU per 100 cm(2)) were found on 11 surface areas, including at exercise, hygiene, sleeping, and dining facilities. Endotoxin was absent from airlock surfaces, except the Extravehicular Hatch Handle (>3.78 EU per 100 cm(2)). Based upon data collected from the ISS so far, new culture-independent requirements (defined in EU) are suggested, which are verifiable in flight with LOCAD-PTS yet high enough to avoid false alarms. The suggested requirements are intended to supplement current ISS requirements (defined in cfu) and would serve a dual purpose of safeguarding crew health (internal spacecraft surfaces <20 EU per 100 cm(2)) and monitoring forward contamination during Constellation missions (surfaces periodically exposed to the external environment, including the airlock and space suits, <0.24 EU per 100 cm(2)).

Related URLs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19845447

Forward Osmosis Cargo Transfer Bag

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Technology Development & Demonstration No comment

All human space missions, regardless of destination, require significant logistical mass and volume. The amount required is a function of the mission duration. Reducing this logistical mass and volume by reusing items that would otherwise become trash can reduce launch weight and consequently mission costs. This paper describes a logistics reduction technology based on repurposing International Space Station (ISS) Crew Transfer Bags (CTB). CTBs are fabric cargo containers, which conform to specific dimensional and material requirements for space flight. This paper describes the development of a Forward Osmosis Cargo Transfer Bag (FO-CTB) that can be reused on orbit to provide radiation sheading and water recycling capacity. The design, construction and testing of a prototype FO-CTB at the Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-Rats) Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU) in 2011 is described. In addition, a summary of the results of a flight experiment performed to evaluate the effect of microgravity on the forward osmosis (FO) membrane bags used in the FO-CTB is also discussed. Future plans for the continued development of the FO-CTB are also discussed.

Related URLs:
http://dx.doi.org/10.2514/6.2012-3599

Rapid culture-independent microbial analysis aboard the international space station (ISS) stage two: quantifying three microbial biomarkers

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Technology Development & Demonstration No comment

Abstract A portable, rapid, microbial detection unit, the Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development Portable Test System (LOCAD-PTS), was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as a technology demonstration unit in December 2006. Results from the first series of experiments designed to detect Gram-negative bacteria on ISS surfaces by quantifying a single microbial biomarker lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were reported in a previous article. Herein, we report additional technology demonstration experiments expanding the on-orbit capabilities of the LOCAD-PTS to detecting three different microbial biomarkers on ISS surfaces. Six different astronauts on more than 20 occasions participated in these experiments, which were designed to test the new beta-glucan (fungal cell wall molecule) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA; Gram-positive bacterial cell wall component) cartridges individually and in tandem with the existing Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL; Gram-negative bacterial LPS detection) cartridges. Additionally, we conducted the sampling side by side with the standard culture-based detection method currently used on the ISS. Therefore, we present data on the distribution of three microbial biomarkers collected from various surfaces in every module present on the ISS at the time of sampling. In accordance with our previous experiments, we determined that spacecraft surfaces known to be frequently in contact with crew members demonstrated higher values of all three microbial molecules. Key Words: Planetary protection-Spaceflight-Microbiology-Biosensor. Astrobiology 12, 830-840.

Related URLs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22984871

Dose distribution in the Russian Segment of the International Space Station

by cfynanon 9 June 2015in Technology Development & Demonstration No comment

Absorbed dose and average linear energy transfer (LET) were assessed by means of (7)LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-700) thermoluminescent (TL) detectors for different panels on-board the Russian Segment of the International Space Station in the timeframe between March and November 2002 (233 d). A technique is presented to correct the measured absorbed dose values for TL efficiency in the radiation climate on-board the spacecraft. Average LET is determined from the high-temperature TL emission in the TLD-700 glow curve and used as a parameter in the TL efficiency correction. Depending on the shielding distribution, the efficiency-corrected absorbed dose varies between 154 +/- 5 microGy d(-1) in panel no. 327 (core block ceiling) and 191 +/- 3 microGy d(-1) in panel no. 110 (core block central axis, floor). The experimental data are compared with the model calculations by using detailed shielding distributions and orbit parameters as inputs.

Related URLs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16606660

  • «
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • …
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • »

Researcher Interviews

No items found

Projects in Flight

  • Materials Testing – Earth Abundant Textured Thin Film Photovoltaics
  • GLASS AIS TransponderGlobal AIS on Space Station (GLASS)
  • MultiLab: Research Server for the ISS
  • Story Time from Space – 2
  • NIH-Osteo
View Current ISS Project Pipeline »

CASIS on Twitter

Tweets by ISS_CASIS