The Effects of Different Wavelengths of Light on Algae Oxygen
Production in Microgravity
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Susan Knizner
CO-INVESTIGATORS
Fourth grade students 2013/2014
Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
Susan.knizner@duchesne.org
713-468-8211
10202 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77024
TEDP Completion Date:
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IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:
Avoid permanent magnets if possible
Avoid Shaterable materials if possible (e.g. class) However there are ways to secure these
items, just be sure Mentor and NanoRacks are aware so that they can be packaged
appropriately.
Avoid pressure vessels
Avoid substances with toxicity higher than 2 on MSDS’s
CHANGE RECORD
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QUICK REFERENCE DATA SHEET
Team Name: Fourth grade DASH Girls
Principal Investigator: Susan Knizner
Contact Information: susan.knizner@duchesne.org
Experiment Title: The Effects of Different Wavelengths of Light on Algae Oxygen Production in
Microgravity
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):
Flight Date(s):
Overall Assembly Weight (lbs.):
Assembly Dimensions (L x W x H):
Equipment Orientation Requests in reference to Nano Rack:
Proposed Mounting to Nano Rack:
Does Experiment need to be located next to fan on Nano Rack: (Yes or No)
Power Requirement (Voltage 9and Current Required):
Camera or Video Requested? (Yes or No): YES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section___________________________________________________________________Page Number
Change Page
Quick Reference Sheet
Basic Mission Objective
Experiment Background
Experiment Description
Operational Scenario
Equipment Description
Electrical Analysis
Institutional Review Board Information
Hazard Analysis
Tool Requirements
Photo Requirements
Hazardous Material
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Experimental Procedures Documentation
Bibliography
Deviations/Exceptions/Waivers
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BASIC MISSION OBJECTIVE:
Technology demonstration, research, Proof of concept?
Different wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum cause different effects on algae. The purpose of this
experiment is to determine the effect of different colored lights on algae (chlorella vulgaris). If algae are
exposed to different visible colors of light, then the photosynthesis rate will change in microgravity. We
will measure the amount of oxygen released in the algae through the process of photosynthesis. This will
determine which color of light is preferred. Different wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum cause
different effects on the growth of algae in microgravity.
Abstract
Statement of the research problem:
How do different light wavelengths effect the growth of algae (chlorella vulgaris) in microgravity? The
goal is to have the students conduct a controlled experiment to test a hypothesis about conditions and their
effect on the growth of algae using different wavelengths of light. We will monitor the oxygen released
through the process of photosynthesis which will allow us to find the light in which the alga grows best in
microgravity. We feel that algae are important to our future fuel resources. Algae contain approximately
60% of its weight in biodiesel. If we can find the preferred color of light, then we can increase the speed
of algae’s growth rate. This could be utilized as a biofuel in space and on earth.
EXPERIMENT BACKGROUND
Algae are organisms commonly found in aquatic environments. There are two types; macro-algae and
microalgae. The large multicellular algae are often found in ponds and in the ocean. They tend to be
measurable in inches, although giant kelp in the ocean can grow to more than 100 feet in length.
Microalgae are tiny unicellular algae that grow as suspensions in water; they are measurable in
micrometers.
Algae are a single –celled organism, but not a true plant. There are many types of algae: red, blue green,
brown and green. Algae are tiny living things without roots or leaves. They are found in oceans, lakes,
rivers, ponds, and wet soil. Some algae can be only being seen through a microscope. Other algae are
larger and made of many cells. All algae require sunlight, water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide for growth.
Through the process of photosynthesis, algae convert the carbon dioxide into glucose (a sugar). The
glucose is then broken down into fatty acids, which under normal conditions, are used to produce
membranes for new cells.
Algae have a very high percentage of oil. We think that algae could be used as a fuel source for cars and
even an energy source on the ISS. Algae have many qualities that may help astronauts in space. It grows
quickly, efficiently under certain conditions such as different wavelengths. Our experiment will determine
which wavelengths and colors of light aid and benefit the growth of algae.
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In 2011 experiments done by Chambers, they found a trend of the best colors to grow algae. The three
colors that provided the most growth are blue, green and red light. If we can test for the effect of light
wavelengths on the growth of algae, then we can find the optimal color for the highest overall rate of
algae growth.
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EXPERIMENT DESCRIPTION
Brief explanation of experiment. Include sketches or AUTOCAD ipt files
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OPERATIONAL SCENARIO
A. High Level Summary of Payload Operations, general overview
B. Specific constraints for payload (ie. Activation requirements, temperature requirements
to/on/from ISS, orientation requirements during transport to ISS)
C. How long does the experiment need to operate for? Does the experiment require any
crew interaction?
D. Will payload need to be returned or disposed of once ops complete
E. What kind of data needs to be collected during the mission and will ground operations be
required (ie. Downlinking to NanoRacks mission control?)
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EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
A. Ground-Based and Flight Equipment (if there is no difference just reference the flight Equipment.
Please make excel spreadsheet for all categories of the equipment.)
a. Pictures
b. Descriptions of each piece of equipment
c. Dimensions
d. Mass
e. Hardware Class (different classes based on toxicity of material)
B. Equipment Layout for Take-off, in Flight, and Landing (some of this information provided by
NanoRacks. Equipment may be stowed in flight stowage bag during liftoff and landing. Show
how the ardulab should be interfacing the NanoRack with orientation. Diagrams are helpful.
C. Special Handling/Special Hazards/Special Requirements
Crew handling during mission? Will crew be handling toxic materials?
D. Bio/Chemical Contents :
Complete JSC form 27472 if applicable and provide MSDS . Avoid substances with toxicity
higher than a 2 on MSDS form.
E. Inventory of In-flight Items
Any extra materials that will need to be stowed outside of the ardulab? If you have items that are
going to be operated by the crew outside of the module provide a sketch or enough details to create a
drawing. Photographs are great if available.
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ELECTRICAL ANALYSIS
A. Schematic drawing with all current and voltage draws
B. Load Table
C. Stored Energy
D. Electrical Kill Switch
How will experiment be turned off in event of an emergency?
E. Loss of Electrical Power (Fail-Safe)
F.
TRY TO DESIGN without Batteries and just use the NanoRacks platform with USB power. If
Batteries cannot be avoided, please include the following information and specifications:
a. Schematics of entire unit must include the batteries (if batteries are rechargeable, include
the schematics of the battery charging circuits).
b. Protection circuit
i. Manufacturer, details, and model number
ii. Schematics
iii. Voltage and current cutoff levels
c. Battery type and configuration
d. Battery manufacturer
e. Battery history
i. Testing history, including reports
ii. Previous NASA use, if any.
iii. Lot and cell Data
f. Specifications on any active thermal system (N/A if no heater internal to Module
experiment.)
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INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD
Only for human or vertebrate animal test subjects.
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HAZARD ANALYSIS
A. General Hazard Identification Checklist
http://jsc-aircraft-ops.jsc.nasa.gov/Reduced_Gravity/docs/NS-STO-CH01.pdf
TOOL REQUIREMENTS
A. Additional Tools that will be required in flight for crew monitoring of the project.
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PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
A. Camera/Video required? How often during mission required?
B. Downlink Requirements
C. Still/Video Photographer Special Requests
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HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
List any hazardous material being used and it hazard number associated with it. Include MSDS
sheet for that material in section below.
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
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EXPERIMENT PROCEDURES DOCUMENTATION This section is to include procedures
for all aspects of the experiment from shipping to KSC to unloading and return to Houston.
Please be specific about all procedures, especially those procedures that need to take place
while on the Space Station. If there are not specific aspects to consider then please put N/A
A. Equipment shipment to KSC
B. Ground Operations while at KSC
C. Loading/Stowing
D. Pre-Flight
E. Ascent (Launch)
F. On-Orbit
G. Descent (Return/landing)
H. Post-Flight
I.
Off-Loading
J. Emergency/Contingency
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
References: (Groom, Gray, and Townsend, 2008).
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/22054985/Growing-Lipid-Rich-Microalgae-in-Wastewater-for-BiodieselProduction
http://www.e-aquarium.com.au/aquarium-plant-carbon-dioxide.htm
Hhhttp://pubs.ext.vt.edu/442/442-886/442-886.html
ttphttp://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html
://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tech/algae-biodiesel.html
ttp://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/business/energy-environment/29biofuel.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080818184434.htm
http://www.slideshare.net/kabronic/maximization-of-algae-lipid-yield-scenedesmus-dimorphus-for-theproduction-of-biodiesel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7Goyg12Reg
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DEVIATIONS/EXCEPTIONS/WAIVERS
Include any waivers or exceptions documentation from CASIS, NanoRacks, or NASA JSC if
applicable.
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