Heritage Space Flight
Pharmacological and Biological
Research Hardware and Technologies
A Survey of Applicability to the Space Island Lab-ET
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Heritage Space Flight Pharmacological And Biological Research Hardware And Technologies: A
Survey And Overview Of Applicability To The Space Island Lab-ET
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
SCOPE ..................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1
SCALABILITY OF LAB-ET APPLICATIONS ................................................................................ 6
2
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 6
3
HARDWARE ............................................................................................................................ 8
3.1
HUMAN RESEARCH FACILITY ................................................................................................ 8
3.1.1
3.2
HRF 2 Centrifuge ....................................................................................................... 9
HABITATS .......................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.1
Advanced Animal Habitat ........................................................................................ 10
3.2.2
Animal Enclosure Module ........................................................................................ 11
3.2.3
Aquatic Habitat ......................................................................................................... 12
3.2.4
Cell Culture System ................................................................................................. 12
3.2.5
Avian Development Facility ..................................................................................... 13
3.2.6
Insect Habitat ........................................................................................................... 14
3.2.7
Plant Research Unit ................................................................................................. 15
3.2.8
Biomass Production System .................................................................................... 17
3.2.9
Incubator .................................................................................................................. 18
3.3
HOST SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................. 19
3.3.1
Habitat Holding Rack ............................................................................................... 19
3.3.2
Standard Interface Glove Box .................................................................................. 20
3.3.3
Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) ................................................................. 20
3.3.4
Space Tissue Loss Unit ........................................................................................... 21
3.3.5
Bioreactor Demonstration System (BDS) ................................................................ 22
3.3.6
Freezers ................................................................................................................... 23
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Heritage Space Flight Pharmacological And Biological Research Hardware And Technologies: A
Survey And Overview Of Applicability To The Space Island Lab-ET
3.4
4
LABORATORY SUPPORT EQUIPMENT .................................................................................. 23
3.4.1
Dissecting Microscope ............................................................................................. 24
3.4.2
Small Mass Measuring Instrument .......................................................................... 24
3.4.3
Cell Culture Hardware.............................................................................................. 25
3.4.4
Veterinary Kit ........................................................................................................... 26
3.4.5
Data Collection ......................................................................................................... 27
RESEARCH ........................................................................................................................... 27
4.1
PROSTATE CANCER GROWTH IN BIOREACTOR DEMONSTRATION SYSTEM
(CELLULAR BIOLOGY) ................................................................................................................... 28
4.2
PROTEIN CRYSTAL GROWTH (PCG) SINGLE-LOCKER THERMAL ENCLOSURE SYSTEM (STES)
HOUSING THE DIFFUSION-CONTROLLED CRYSTALLIZATION APPARATUS FOR MICROGRAVITY (DCAM)
(PHYSICAL SCIENCES) .................................................................................................................. 29
4.3
CLINICAL TRIAL OF MELATONIN AS A HYPNOTIC (PHARMACOLOGY, CHRONOBIOLOGY) .......... 30
4.4
ROLE OF VISUAL CUES IN SPATIAL ORIENTATION (NEUROPHYSIOLOGY) ............................... 31
4.5
GAS PERMEABLE POLYMERIC MATERIALS (MATERIALS RESEARCH) ..................................... 32
4.6
EFFECT OF W EIGHTLESSNESS ON BONE HISTOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY, AND MECHANICS (BONE
AND CALCIUM PHYSIOLOGY) .........................................................................................................
4.7
32
PULMONARY PHYSIOLOGY IN W EIGHTLESSNESS (PHYSIOLOGY) .......................................... 33
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3.1 – HRF Rack .................................................................................................................................. 9
Figure 3.2 – HRF2 Refrigerated Centrifuge .................................................................................................. 9
Figure 3.3 – Advanced Animal Habitat ........................................................................................................ 11
Figure 3.4 – Animal Enclosure Module ....................................................................................................... 12
Figure 3.5 – Aquatic Habitat ........................................................................................................................ 12
Figure 3.6 – Cell Culture System ................................................................................................................. 13
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Heritage Space Flight Pharmacological And Biological Research Hardware And Technologies: A
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Figure 3.7 – Avian Development Facility Internal View ............................................................................... 14
Figure 3.8 – Insect Habitat .......................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 3.9 – Plant Research Unit ................................................................................................................ 17
Figure 3.10 – Biomass Production System in the Shuttle Atlantis Middeck (STS-110) .............................. 18
Figure 3.11 - Incubator ................................................................................................................................ 19
Figure 3.12 – Habitat Holding Rack (empty, front view) .............................................................................. 20
Figure 3.13 – Standard Interface Glove Box ............................................................................................... 20
Figure 3.14 – Biological Research in Canisters .......................................................................................... 21
Figure 3.15 – Space Tissue Loss Unit ........................................................................................................ 22
Figure 3.16 – Bioreactor Demonstration System ........................................................................................ 22
Figure 3.17 – Oceaneering/SPACEHAB Refrigerator/Freezer ................................................................... 23
Figure 3.18 – Dissecting Microscope .......................................................................................................... 24
Figure 3.19 – Small Mass Measuring Instrument ........................................................................................ 25
Figure 3.20 – Multiple Orbital Bioreactor with Instrumentation and Automated Sampling
(MOBIAS) .................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 3.21 – Veterinary Kit ......................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 3.22 – STS-90 Neurolab Crewmember donning the Sleep Net and RIP Suit.................................. 27
Figure 4.1 – This prostate cancer construct was grown during NASA-sponsored bioreactor
studies on Earth. Cells are attached to a biodegradable plastic lattice that
gives them a head start in growth ............................................................................... 29
Figure 4.2 – Image of a DCAM Experiment ................................................................................................ 30
Figure 4.3 – STS-90 Crewmember utilizing the VEG to perform the Visual Cues in Spatial
Orientation Experiment ............................................................................................... 31
Figure 4.4 – Space Shuttle Crew Member Using the Pulmonary Physiology Hardware ............................ 33
LIST OF TABLES
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Heritage Space Flight Pharmacological And Biological Research Hardware And Technologies: A
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Table 2.1 – Disciplines and Research Questions Addressed on the ISS ..................................................... 7
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Heritage Space Flight Pharmacological And Biological Research Hardware And Technologies: A
Survey And Overview Of Applicability To The Space Island Lab-ET
1 Scope
The scope of this document is to provide an overview of various microgravity biological research
hardware and research that could be used in other orbiting laboratory environments such as
Space Island Group’s (SIG) Lab-ET.
1.1
Scalability of Lab-ET Applications
Technologies and payloads represented throughout this survey are designed per the proportional
and resource constraints typical of NASA's Space Shuttle and Space Station flight assets and
mission models. The Space Island Group's Lab-ET station architecture offers larger
accommodations and resource availability on a commercial scale, with standard modular pallets
each having volume approximately eight times that of a Space Station standard Middeck Locker
Equivalent (MLE). Space Island Lab-ET installations are also expected to endure extended onorbit operations. Adaptation of heritage technologies to the less constraining Lab-ET architecture
is certainly viable. However, linear extrapolation of capability, power usage, volume and mass is
not recommended, as many factors might invalidate simple scaling, resulting in unrealistically
dense or volume-intensive approximations.
2 Introduction
Both the Space Shuttle (STS) and the International Space Station (ISS) have been, and still are,
being used as research test beds for life sciences research that cannot be conducted on Earth as
easily because of the gravity factor. Table 2.1 shows a list of disciplines that NASA envisions
being researched on ISS: a number of these are medical/biological in nature, while other items
listed are clearly interdisciplinary and span from biology to science and engineering. The Shuttles
have been used several times for dedicated life sciences missions (using resources in the
Middeck and additional resources in the Spacelab and SPACEHAB modules), such as STS-90
Neurolab, and Columbia’s final mission, STS-107. It is certainly conceivable that Lab-ET could
accommodate most, if not all, of these applications.
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Table 2.1 – Disciplines and Research Questions Addressed on the ISS1
Discipline
Advanced Human Support/
Biomedical Research &
Countermeasures
Fundamental Research Questions
What knowledge and technology are needed to allow humans
to live and function productively in an environment away from
the Earth’s surface? How can this knowledge benefit medical
care on Earth?
Biotechnology
Why do some macromolecular crystals show improved order
when grown in space, and how can we utilize an
understanding of the growth process to improve terrestrial
efforts in structural biology? How does mechanical stress
influence mammalian cell and tissue culture, and how can we
apply advances in tissue culture technology to problems in
biomedical research?
How do the fundamental principles controlling the combustion
processes vary with different fuels and in different
environments? How can this understanding improve the
efficiency of fuel utilization and minimize the emissions of
pollutants and fire involved in these processes?
What are the fundamental physical principles controlling the
behavior of fluids, and how can this understanding be applied
to improve other scientific and engineering disciplines?
Which experiments can be performed in low-Earth orbit to test
the laws and theories of physics to limits that are unachievable
on Earth? What resultant technologies are enabled by such
experiments?
What are the effects of altered gravity and other aspects of the
space environment on the evolution, development, and
function of living organisms? How do these effects impact the
interaction of living organisms with their environment?
How are the structure, properties, and processing of materials
affected by gravity, and how can space-based research into
materials science improve life on Earth?
What is the origin and propagation of cosmic rays in the
universe?
What engineering advancements and new technologies will
lead to enhanced capabilities on the ISS and the enablement
of safe missions for humans to other solar system bodies?
How can we apply the knowledge gained on the International
Space Station to life on Earth?
Combustion Science
Fluid Physics
Fundamental Physics
Fundamental Biology
Material Science
Space Science
Engineering Research &
Technology Development
Space Product Development
Earth Science
How does the Earth environment change over time, and what
are the causes of these changes?
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Heritage Space Flight Pharmacological And Biological Research Hardware And Technologies: A
Survey And Overview Of Applicability To The Space Island Lab-ET
3 Hardware
This section contains some examples of life science-dedicated equipment used (or to be used) in
biological, pharmaceutical, and biomedical research. It should be noted that this constitutes only
a fraction of all the hardware items developed by NASA and its research partners over the years.
While this document list several items, it should be kept in mind that NASA and its partners may
possess different version of one item category (i.e. more than just one type of animal holding
facility).
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The primary source of information for current hardware for use on future space flight missions
is the Flight Experiments Information Package, available online as a PDF document
(http://research.hq.nasa.gov/code_u/nra/current/01-OBPR-03/01-OBPR-03-FEIP2.pdf).
Other useful resources on the hardware that NASA makes available to Principal Investigators
and end-users for space experimentation include:
The Science Payloads Online Reference (SPORTs) Tool, which contains information on the
Human Research Facility (http://hrf.jsc.nasa.gov/),
The Life Sciences Laboratory Equipment (LSLE) Online Catalog
(http://lifesci.arc.nasa.gov:591/lsle/)
The NASA Life Sciences Data Archive Hardware Catalog
(http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hw_search_start_adv.cfm)
The Space Station Biological Research Project Web Site (http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/)
The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Life Sciences Data Archive Hardware Catalog
(http://lsda.ksc.nasa.gov/archive/) which lists hardware available for flight experiments
proposed to the Small Payloads Program in response to NASA Research Announcements.
Links to these hardware items, as well as others in the same class are listed in the Life Science
Flight Hardware Information Resources
(http://fundamentalbiology.arc.nasa.gov/PI/PI_flthdw.html) web site.
3.1
Human Research Facility
One of the ongoing research facilities on ISS is the Human Research Facility (HRF), a
complement of hardware and science experiments designed to chronicle and develop
countermeasures for the effects of long-duration space flight on crewmembers. The HRF (Figure
3.1) contains a variety of instruments for measuring and collecting data and/or samples on human
physiological parameters and performance, as well as other life science-related research due to
its flexible design. The HRF Rack is an all-drawer International Standard Payload Rack. The rack
provides International Space Station services and utilities to experiments and instruments
installed in the rack. These include electrical power, command and data handling, cooling air and
water, pressurized gases, and vacuum. The rack design accommodates drawer mounted
experiments/ instruments using the International Subrack Interface Standard (ISIS) for structural,
power, and data interfaces.2
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Heritage Space Flight Pharmacological And Biological Research Hardware And Technologies: A
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Figure 3.1 – HRF Rack
3.1.1 HRF 2 Centrifuge
The HRF Rack 2 contains additional hardware that permits further on-orbit biomedical research.
One of HRF 2’s hardware elements is a Refrigerated Centrifuge (RC). The RC (Figure 3.2) is a
mechanical device used to separate biological substances of differing densities. The centrifuge
will be capable of maintaining a rotor chamber temperature of +4 degrees C. During launch and
landing, the RC shall be rack mounted in an 12 PU active drawer. During on-orbit operations, the
RC shall be rack mounted in an HRF Rack 12 PU active drawer.
Figure 3.2 – HRF2 Refrigerated Centrifuge
According to its specifications, the RC shall:
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Provide a system for separation of biological samples based on differing sample densities.
Be capable of running from 1 to 30 minutes, selectable in one minute increments.
Have a hold feature to allow for indefinite run times.
Provide selectable speed over a minimum range of 1000 to 5000 RPM, selectable in
increments of 100 RPM, 10.
Accommodate sample sizes from 0.5 to 50 ml with a minimum of 6 of the 50 ml vials at a
time.
Provide programmable centrifugation protocols that may be overridden if necessary.
Provide a visual alert when centrifuge protocol has ended.
Provide an emergency stop capability that will stop the rotor (brake) from spinning.
Provide the capability to detect unbalanced conditions during centrifugation and automatically
shut down the centrifuge.
Provide refrigeration of the rotor chamber from ambient to +4C with selectable set points in
increments of 2C. Percent error is +2C or –4C.
Be capable of manually controlled (or equivalent) rotor angular acceleration and deceleration
(braking).
Additional information on the RC can be found at http://hrf.jsc.nasa.gov/rc.htm
3.2 Habitats
3.2.1 Advanced Animal Habitat3
The Advanced Animal Habitat-Centrifuge (AAH-C, Figure 3.3), under development by STAR, Inc.
(Bloomington, IN), is a research environment for laboratory rats and mice that will be orbiting for
up to 90 days. It is been developed by STAR Inc. with the support of their sub-contractor SHOT
Inc. The AAH-C is internally modularized so that it can be reconfigured to facilitate a wide range
of rodent experiments during all stages of the animals' life cycle (that is, during pregnancy, birth,
nursing, and post-weaning, and as an adult). When the International Space Station is completely
assembled, 8 AAH-Cs will be available for experimental manipulation at the Life Sciences
Glovebox, 4 will typically accommodate variable gravity on the 2.5-meter Centrifuge, and 4 will
typically be in the microgravity environment of the Habitat Holding Rack. Each AAH-C will
accommodate up to six rats (400 grams each) or up to 12 mice (60 grams each) in group-housed
configurations, and up to three rats or three mice in individually housed configurations. An
Animal Biotelemetry System (ABS) will acquire a variety of physiological measurements,
including: temperature, ECG, EMG, EEG, neural recordings, blood flow and blood pressure.
Real-time physiological data will be transferred from the ABS to the host system for downlinking
to the ground.
Habitat engineering data such as the specimen chamber's air temperature, humidity, power, food
and water measurements, and light intensity will be monitored throughout the experiment and
rodents will be observed remotely using video imaging of the entire cage volume during grouphoused and individually housed configurations. The AAH-C will control temperature, humidity,
and lighting, as well as food and water delivery, and waste management. An airflow rate of at
least 10 changes per hour will prevent carbon dioxide and ammonia from accumulating in the
specimen chamber. Air will be filtered and conditioned before being exchanged with the air in the
Space Station environment; this will maintain bio-isolation between the crew and the specimens.
Habitat parameters have the option to be controlled from the ground include, but are not limited
to: power, light intensity, temperature, camera on/off, air velocity, and individual animal
biotelemetry sensors on/off.
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Figure 3.3 – Advanced Animal Habitat
3.2.2 Animal Enclosure Module
The Animal Enclosure Module (AEM, Figure 3.4) is a rodent housing facility that supports up to
six 250 gram rats and fits inside a standard Shuttle middeck locker with a modified locker door. It
is composed of a stainless steel grid cage module, air circulation fans, a layered filter system,
interior lamps, and a food and water supply. Animal floor space with water supply installed, is
approximately 645 cm2 with a cage volume of 1100 in3. A removable divider plate provides two
separate animal holding areas, if required. The AEM remains in the stowage locker during launch
and landing. On orbit the AEM may be removed partway from the locker and the interior viewed
or photographed through the Lexan cover on the top of the unit. When outfitted with an Ambient
Temperature Recorder, temperatures within the AEM can be recorded automatically at up to four
locations in intervals of 2 to 15 minutes throughout the mission.
The Main Circuit Breaker protects and distributes 28 volt DC power to the fan and lighting circuits.
Additional circuit breakers independently protect lights and fans in diagonally opposed sections to
ensure light and air circulation on each side of the AEM should one breaker fail. The AEM
specimens are loaded approximately 20 hours prior to launch and AEM installation into the
Orbiter Middeck is approximately 18 hours before launch. The AEM is available approximately 3
hours after landing. A custom designed muffler attaches to the front of the AEM to help reduce
acoustical noise in the crew compartment during on-orbit operations
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Figure 3.4 – Animal Enclosure Module
3.2.3 Aquatic Habitat4
The Aquatic Habitat (AQH, Figure 3.5) is a support unit habitat that contains an aquarium
package capable of conducting high-quality research using a variety of aquatic specimens within
the Space Station Biological Research Project. The AQH will accommodate both freshwater and
marine organisms, vertebrates and invertebrates, and aquatic plants. (Among vertebrates, the
AQH will support both amphibians such as Xenopus and fish such as zebrafish and medaka.)
Compared to previous aquatic habitats, the AQH for the International Space Station will have
several features not previously available on-orbit. First, the habitat will accommodate experiments
for up to 90 days, making it possible to do research ranging from early-stage developmental
studies through multi-generational selection studies. Second, the Aquatic Habitat will be
compatible with the SSBRP 2.5 meter Centrifuge to provide an experimental acceleration force
between 0 to 2 g. With this capability, experimenters will be able both to host 1 g control
specimens and to identify response-threshold gravity levels for particular cellular and
physiological processes. The centrifuge facility is also expected to have 6 replicate specimen
chambers, each with its own independent water quality management system. Designs for an airwater interface are also being evaluated, which would allow for gas bladder inflation by larval fish
and lung inflation by amphibians. Finally, water temperature will be regulated over the range of
14C to 30C. Oxygen concentration will be regulated between 60 to 95 percent saturation at 1.0
ATM (5.1-8.1 mg/l@STP), and water pH will be held between 6.7 and 7.5. These ranges will
make it possible for experimenters to monitor developmental processes under carefully controlled
experimental conditions. Sampling and fixation of all life stages will be possible, as will video
recording from 1-40X. The capabilities of this facility will allow researchers to examine how
organisms are able to adapt to microgravity conditions, and also how they have adapted over
evolutionary time to the ever-present influence of Earth’s gravity.
Figure 3.5 – Aquatic Habitat
3.2.4 Cell Culture System5
Under development by Payload Systems, Inc. (Cambridge, MA) and scheduled to fly on the UF-5
Shuttle missions, the Cell Culture Unit (CCU, Figure 3.6) is being developed for use on the
International Space Station. This hardware will help to answer questions concerning the effects of
spaceflight and microgravity on cells.
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The CCU will accommodate many different cell specimens in up to 18 cell-specimen chambers.
The chambers' environmental conditions (temperature, pH, and gas concentrations) will be
maintained by medium recirculation and renewal, as well as gas and heat exchange. The CCU
features the ability to add experimental agents automatically such as growth factors, automated
sampling, and specimen monitoring by means of video microscopy. Microgravity experiments will
be performed by the CCU within the Habitat Holding Rack; a CCU within the Space Station
Centrifuge will serve as an on-board gravity-control unit. Seven reference specimens were
selected to test the CCU's capabilities: muscle cell monolayers (C2C12 cell line), human dermal
fibroblasts, osteogenic cells from bone marrow, three-dimensional muscle tissue, Euglena (a
unicellular, aquatic organism), tobacco-cell suspension, and yeast-cell suspension.
Figure 3.6 – Cell Culture System
3.2.5 Avian Development Facility6
The Avian Development Facility (ADF) is a habitat designed to provide environmental conditions
optimized to study avian development in the microgravity of spaceflight. The ADF supports
experiments that use non-mammalian amniotic eggs, such as chicken and Japanese quail eggs.
Anticipated experiments include physiological, cellular, biochemical, and molecular studies in
avian embryogenesis and developmental biology. The ADF was developed by Space Hardware
Optimization Technology, Inc (Greenville, IN).
The ADF is a middeck locker equivalent payload. The ADF houses an incubation chamber that
contains two independently operating carousel platforms, which each carry egg holders. Each
egg holder has vibration dampeners to minimize the exposure of the eggs to mechanical
vibrations on-orbit and those created by launch and re-entry. The eggs holders can be preprogrammed to rotate (0º to 360º) at an experiment-defined rate to provide a natural egg turning
condition. The egg holders are mounted to two independently operating carousels. Each carousel
can either remain stationary or be spun to provide up to a 1-g centrifugal force. The ADF offers
pre-programmable control of the interior environmental temperature (13ºC to 40ºC), humidity
(50% to 75%), CO2 (less than 1.0%), and O2 (no less than 21% at 14.7 psi), which provides
optimal conditions for embryo development. Sensors are provided for temperature, CO2 and O2
concentrations, and relative humidity, and all of the data is stored in the ADF computer memory.
The airflow and circulation within the ADF is controlled by a series of fans placed on each
carousel. A spinning carousel provides some airflow. Air exchange of the incubation chamber
with the cabin is passive. The ADF also has 2 automated fixative injection systems, one per
carousel. The injection systems can be pre-programmed to inject fixative into a defined number of
eggs at specific times.
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The maiden flight of the ADF was on STS-108/UF-1 (Dec. 2001) as a middeck Orbiter
experiment. The primary objective of this flight was to validate hardware and subsystem
performance required to support Japanese Quail (Cortunix cortunix) embryogenesis. Two NRA
peer-reviewed science experiments were part of the ADF flight: 1) Skeletal Development in
Embryonic Quail (S. Doty, Hospital for Special Surgery, NY) and 2) Development and Function of
the Avian Otolith System in Normal and Altered Gravity Environments (J.D. Dickman, Central
Institute for the Deaf., Wash U., MO). For this flight, the ADF carried 36 fertilized Japanese quail
eggs (18 eggs per carousel). At launch, the ADF temperature was set at 13ºC to suspend embryo
development. Once on-orbit the crew activated the incubation mode, which transitioned the
incubator chamber temperature to 37.5ºC and then activated the spinning of one carousel to
provide a 1-g centrifugal environment. The other carousel remained stationary to provide a
microgravity environment. The egg holders on both carousels were pre-programmed to turn once
per hour (180º forward or 180º backward along the long axis of the egg). On two incubation days,
a subset of eggs on both carousels was injected with fixative. One subset of eggs was returned to
earth uninjected with fixative.
Figure 3.7 – Avian Development Facility Internal View
3.2.6 Insect Habitat7
Under development by the Canadian Space Agency, The Insect Habitat (IH) was designed to
support a variety of insect species. However, during the initial flight increments, it will be
dedicated to experiments using Drosophila melanogaster, or fruit flies.
The Insect Habitat will enable studies of the fruit fly to learn how microgravity affects
development, nervous system function, movement and behavior, growth, reproduction, aging,
gene expression, mutagenesis from radiation and circadian rhythms or sleep/wake cycles.
The IH will support single- and multi-generation experiments that have approximate external
dimensions of 13.5 cm (L) x 2.25 cm (D) x 7.0 cm (H) each. The flies will live in two chevronshaped container elements. These containers can be divided into two parts using the internal
food cylinders; this yields two 55 ml containers that can support up to 100 Drosophila through to
egg-laying. Alternatively, the containers can be left undivided, which yields a single 110 ml
volume that supports up to 200 Drosophila.
Agar-based food can be put into the rotatable food cylinders located at either end of the
container. Agar can also be placed in the center cylinder, which separates the two 55 ml
chambers. Adult flies can be exposed to the food; the food will "catch" eggs as they are laid. Eggladen food can then be exposed to an empty chamber, separating the next generation of flies
from their parents.
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The two insect containers reside in the science element portion of the IH. The science element
consists of two environmentally controlled "drawers." Each drawer contains a centrifuge that can
provide up to 2G. Each centrifuge will hold six insect containers. Typically, one drawer will have a
microgravity environment and the other drawer will have a defined gravity environment, although
the precise gravity regimen for each centrifuge can be determined by the researcher.
A ground version of the IH will be available to support ground-control experiments. The science
element of this version will maintain a temperature of 15-30ºC, adjustable relative humidity levels,
illumination with a broadband light source will provide an adjustable photoperiod (illumination, if
needed during the dark cycle for video imaging, will be provided at 650 nm), air exchange will
take place and CO2/O2 levels will be monitored. Vibration and radiation will also be monitored.
Images of the specimens within the containers can be recorded by high-resolution video cameras
both during light and dark growth cycles.
Access to the specimens for sampling is possible at any time within the constraints of available
crew time.
Figure 3.8 – Insect Habitat
3.2.7 Plant Research Unit8
The Plant Research Unit (PRU) will provide the opportunity to perform a wide array of plant
experiments on board the International Space Station (ISS). Long-duration studies of plant
growth, including multiple generation seed-to-seed studies, will be possible with the PRU. Such
prolonged studies, performed entirely under microgravity conditions, will provide opportunities to
study the effects of gravity on fundamental plant reproductive biology and development.
Several short-duration experiments on the PRU are possible as well and may be combined into
one increment to take advantage of research opportunities on ISS.
Other possible research areas include gravity sensing, signal transduction, metabolism,
photosynthesis, and transport. Growth of whole intact plants to full maturity will provide
opportunities to study complex topics such as induction of woodiness and mechanisms of
pathogenesis. The PRU is also capable of supporting plant tissue explants, bryophytes, algae
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and other lower plant forms. The PRU will be adaptable to a suite of lab support equipment
including cryopreservation and tissue fixation. Diverse studies including classical and molecular
genetics, anatomy, morphology, and physiology will be supported by PRU. The habitat will also
provide a platform for research in crop production and biomass accumulation that will be
necessary for food production and waste conversion in future, long-duration spaceflight missions.
The PRU offers a very large growing area (550 sq. cm by 38 cm tall). This volume will enable
growth of large populations of plants including Apogee and Super Dwarf wheat, Brassica,
Arabidopsis, and other suitable experimental subjects. The PRU will also support multiple
chamber configurations, thus providing versatility in experiment designs. For example, the PRU
can be configured with a single large chamber to support large population studies, or can be
configured with four fully independent chambers to provide statistically significant experimental
replications. Each of the individual chambers can offer fully independent control for carbon
dioxide, oxygen, and ethylene regulation. Chamber root zones can be controlled for water and
nutrient delivery. Chamber lighting, humidity, and temperatures can also be individually
controlled. In comparison with previously flown plant growth units, the PRU will provide higher
light intensity with greater uniformity and better control of environmental parameters.
In its current design, the PRU will scrub ethylene from the chamber atmosphere to a level below 5
parts per billion: this low level is intended to prevent complications previously experienced in
spaceflight experiments. Ethylene will be continuously removed and degraded using a
photocatalytic system. Carbon dioxide control will allow for either enrichment or removal of CO2
from the chamber atmosphere.
Consistent with other SSBRP habitats, the PRU will be housed in either a Habitat Holding Rack
exposed to orbital microgravity, or on the 2.5 m Centrifuge Rotor where specimens will be
exposed to .01g - 2g centrifugal accelerations. Experiments can be moved between microgravity
and the centrifuge, thereby providing flexibility and true gravity controls.
The PRU is designed to be self sustaining. Once the experiment is started on Station, automatic
functionality will maintain the organisms and control environmental parameters as specified in the
experimental protocol. Data can be independently acquired, stored, and reported to the ground.
The habitat incorporates high-resolution video and frame capture for each independent chamber.
Like other SSBRP hardware, the PRU is designed with high maintainability and reliability
specifications including built-in test capabilities and enhanced smart systems. A modular design
concept will allow change out of components such as fluorescent and LED light sources. Up to
eight habitats, each with up to four chambers, can fly simultaneously to provide a broad spectrum
of experimental options and statistical validity.
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Figure 3.9 – Plant Research Unit
3.2.8 Biomass Production System9
The Biomass Production System (BPS) is precursor hardware to future systems capable of
supporting plant growth and botanical experimentation in microgravity. It was developed by
Orbital Technologies Corporation in support of the SSBRP project goal of providing the science
and biotechnology communities with an ISS facility for long-duration flight experiments. The BPS
is a Shuttle double Middeck locker equivalent in size, and provides four plant growth chambers.
Each chamber has independent control of temperature, humidity, nutrient and water delivery,
lighting, and atmospheric composition control. Environmental settings can be controlled within the
following values: 1) temperatures between 18ºC and 35º C, 2) relative humidity between 65% and
90%, and 3) light levels between 50 mol m-2s-1 and 300 mol m-2s-1. Ethylene is actively
scrubbed, and CO2 is removed through its uptake by the growing plants.
The BPS was launched on board STS-110/8A on April 8, 2002 for transport to the ISS during
Increment 4 (Expedition 4 crew). It was transferred four days later to Express Rack 4 on ISS. The
primary objective of the BPS flight was to validate the performance and functionality of the
hardware and its environmental control systems to support plant growth in microgravity. The BPS
mission was comprised of two experiments, Technical Validation Test (TVT) and the
Photosynthesis Experiment and Systems Testing and Operations (PESTO). The TVT was the
hardware validation experiment and PESTO was a NASA Research Announcement peerreviewed science experiment.
The plant specimens grown in the BPS during its Increment 4 mission were Wheat (Triticum
aestivum cv Apogee) and Brassica rapa (Brassica rapa cd ASTROPLANT). Multiple growth
cycles were initiated in-flight by harvesting plants and inserting replacement root modules planted
with seeds into the growth chambers. Frame captured images and data were regularly
downlinked to the Project Principal Investigators (PI) and Payload Developer for near real-time
analyses of hardware function, plant growth, and plant photosynthesis/respiration and
transpiration. Harvested plants and actively growing plants were returned to the PIs for post-flight
analyses and specialized experiments. The BPS returned to Earth on June 19, 2002 on STS111/UF-2 (Edwards Air Force Base landing). The total on-orbit duration for the BPS was 73 days.
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When pre-flight operations are added to the mission duration, the BPS ran continuously for 86
days.
Figure 3.10 – Biomass Production System in the Shuttle Atlantis Middeck (STS-110)
3.2.9 Incubator10
The Incubator is a temperature-controlled Habitat for conducting life science research with
invertebrate animals, plants, insects, cell and microbial specimens. The Incubator interfaces with
the three Space Station Biological Research Project (SSBRP) host systems: Habitat Holding
Rack (HHR), the Life Sciences Glovebox, and the 2.5-meter Centrifuge Rotor. Together, these
integrated systems will enable investigators to conduct research in microgravity and at variable
gravity levels. The Incubator does not interface with the Shuttle Middeck - it will be transported to
and from the ISS, unpowered and without specimens in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module of the
Shuttle.
The Incubator is designed to support experiments that will examine the effects of microgravity
and space radiation on reproduction, development, aging, behavior, graviperception and
gravitropism. Additionally, the Incubator may be used to examine the relationship between
temperature and fluid movements in microgravity and to support analytical procedures to monitor
the status of crew health and microbial containment checks of the Space Station.
The temperature within the Incubator's specimen chamber can be controlled between 4ºC and
45ºC. Cabin air is recirculated within the chamber and can be exchanged with the cabin at a rate
of approximately 50 cc/minute. The humidity in the chamber is monitored.
The specimen chamber has a volume of approximately 18 liters and is outfitted with 2 connectors
at 28-volts DC for science equipment, a number of ports to support analog and digital data from
experiment-unique sensors or other equipment, an Ethernet port, and a video port. This multiuse piece of hardware will support investigations across disciplines including life sciences, human
research and materials sciences.
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Figure 3.11 - Incubator
3.3
Host Systems
This section contains some examples of life science-dedicated equipment to host habitats or
other instruments and research during on-orbit operations.
3.3.1 Habitat Holding Rack11
The Habitat Holding Rack (HHR, Figure 3.12) is a Host System that accommodates SSBRP
subrack payloads, or habitats, which house biological specimens (e.g. rodent, plant, insect,
aquatic, egg, cell and tissue culture, etc.). in a low-acceleration environment on the International
Space Station (ISS). The HHR provides the functional support services required by each subrack
payload, including structural, mechanical, power, thermal conditioning, data, video, and command
and control functions. The HHR also provides a passive vibration control system to protect the
payloads from ISS vibration.
The data generated at the HHR will be transferred from the ISS to the ground, where it will then
be relayed to scientists at their home institutions and laboratories. These data links will also allow
ground operators to command and control the HHR and subrack payloads, allowing them to send
commands to the HHR. In turn, the HHR will route the information to the appropriate subrack
payload. With this capability, researchers on the ground will be able to monitor and control the
environmental and experimental parameters inside their subrack payloads. The subrack payloads
housed in an HHR will be maintained in the cabin’s microgravity conditions rather than in the
artificial gravity conditions present on the Centrifuge Facility.
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Figure 3.12 – Habitat Holding Rack (empty, front view)
3.3.2 Standard Interface Glove Box12
The Standard Interface Glovebox (SIGB, Figure 3.13) provides a fully-enclosed workspace for
performing inflight life science experiment procedures requiring containment. Total SIGB volume
is equivalent to two Shuttle Middeck lockers, with an internal working volume of approximately 2.3
cubic feet. The SIGB is designed to contain particulate, animal odor and lightweight organic
compounds. Compatible flight platforms include the Shuttle middeck, Spacelab, Spacehab, the
International Space Station and the Russian Mir.
Figure 3.13 – Standard Interface Glove Box
3.3.3 Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC)13
The BRIC-100 canister (Figure 3.14) is an anodized-aluminum cylinder with threaded lids on each
end. This canister provides containment and structural support for the specimen support
hardware and specimens. The outside dimensions of the BRIC-100 canisters are 114.3 mm outer
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diameter X 381 mm in length. The size of the BRIC-100 canister allows it to accommodate
standard laboratory 100 mm petri plates.
The BRIC-100 canisters have lids which allow passive gas exchange of oxygen and carbon
dioxide through a semipermeable membrane. The bottom and top lids of each canister have
twenty-five 0.5 mm holes and a Teflon membrane (pore size 0.5 micrometers). Two septa are
located in the lid to allow gas sampling. Underneath this lid, the semipermeable membrane is
attached and supported by an anodized-aluminum ring. The ring and membrane assembly are
supported by five stainless steel screws. If gas exchange is not required, the semipermeable
membrane and capture ring can be replaced by an aluminum capture plate to provide a closed
experimental environment.
The hardware inside the canister consists of nine (9) polycarbonate 100 mm petri plates. The
petri plates are held in place by a petri dish cage insert. The cage insert is manufactured from
304 stainless steel and contains glide rivets made from acetal. The rack provides both vibration
isolation from the other dishes and the canister, and airspace between each petri dish. The
BRIC-100 canisters are flown in sets of three, and a standard middeck locker can accommodate
up to six (6) BRIC-100 canisters.
Figure 3.14 – Biological Research in Canisters
3.3.4 Space Tissue Loss Unit14
The Space Tissue Loss (STL, Figure 3.15) hardware consists of two configurations, the Cell
Culture Module (CCM), and the STL-B. The CCM hardware is designed specifically to aid in the
study of the effects of microgravity at the cellular level. It utilizes hollow fiber bioreactor cartridges
as the basic cell support structure and allows controlled physiologic maintenance, manipulation
and testing of cellular biology. Various combinations of agents can be delivered within the system
so that chemical labeling, drug exposure, hormone stimulation and fixation are possible. The
CCM has the ability to withdraw and preserve samples of media for post flight analysis of
metabolites and cell products. Individual cultures are fed with fresh or conditioned media in a
continuous oxygenation/carbon dioxide exchange system. This is accomplished within a standard
37°C environment with a separate 4°C reagent or sample cooling chamber. A typical CCM
experiment will utilize a series of pre-programmed events to accomplish experiment objectives.
An experiment can combine periodic in-flight media sampling and fixation of individual specimens
at specified times.
The STL-B was specifically designed to support the studies of mammalian cells, explants, and
embryos. The STL-B module is a compact, fully-automated, triply-contained cell biology research
facility compatible with the Shuttle Middeck locker environment. The STL-B system allows for uplink and down-link control of experiments. Various levels of crew intervention are possible,
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ranging from complete autonomy to manual operation of the hardware. The system also provides
for flexible feeding capabilities, thermal regulation, and high precision application of fluids such a
drugs, inhibitors, and hormones. The system can easily be modified to accommodate the study of
amphibians, plants, organic crystals, and other bio-technology applications
Figure 3.15 – Space Tissue Loss Unit
3.3.5 Bioreactor Demonstration System (BDS)
The heart of the BDS (Figure 3.16) is a clear plastic rotating wall vessel, about the size of a soup
can, containing the cell culture. A cylindrical filter down the center of the vessel rotates with the
vessel and passes oxygen in and carbon dioxide out. Periodically, spent media are pumped into
a waste bag and replaced by fresh media. The vessel rotates to provide gentle stirring of media
without causing shear forces that would damage or kill the cells. An Experiment Control
Computer controls the Bioreactor, records conditions, and alerts the crew when problems occur.
The crew operates the system through a laptop computer.
The Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller holds cells until their turn in the Bioreactor,
and a Biotechnology Refrigerator holds fixed tissue culture bags at 4 °C (39 °F) for return to Earth
and analysis. A Gas Supply Module provides oxygen.
Figure 3.16 – Bioreactor Demonstration System
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3.3.6 Freezers
There are many types of freezers available to on-orbit research, with varying capacities and
temperature ranges. A brief list is provided at
http://fundamentalbiology.arc.nasa.gov/PI/PI_flthdw.html. One example is the
Oceaneering/SPACEHAB Refrigerator-Freezer (OSRF, Figure 3.17).
The system, which provides a new capability in space refrigeration, flew its maiden voyage in
October 1998 as part of John Glen's return to space.
The OSRF's key features are a large 1.85 cubic feet payload volume, high reliability,
programmable temperature control range from -20ºC - +38ºC, advanced super-insulation, low
acoustic noise, and almost no on-orbit maintenance. Each OSRF weighs only 80 pounds, holds
40 pounds of payload, draws a maximum of 380 watts as a freezer, and draws less than 75 watts
as a refrigerator. Thermoelectric devices power the OSRF, eliminating the mechanical
complexity, reliability problem, and failures common to vapor compression systems. The unit has
been designed for use in the Space Shuttle Mid-Deck or SpaceHab module, and the International
Space Station. The OSRF is provided as part of a turnkey payload integration service for all
space activities.
The first customer for OSRF was the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) for
use in the Biological Research In Canisters (BRIC, Section 3.3.3) experiment aboard STS-95.
Figure 3.17 – Oceaneering/SPACEHAB Refrigerator/Freezer
3.4
Laboratory Support Equipment
Principal Investigators also have access to support hardware to conduct their experiments. A few
examples are provided in this section.
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3.4.1 Dissecting Microscope
The dissecting microscope (Figure 3.18) system supports general life sciences experiments
requiring capabilities such as examination, dissection, and image recording of tissues and other
specimens. The system consists of the following pieces of equipment:




Zeiss Stereomicroscope, Model SV 8
Video Camera
Video Interface Unit (VIU)
Dissecting Microscope Lighting System (DMLS) /UL>
The system is modular and stowed when not in use. During operations, the microscope and
ancillary equipment are deployed in the General Purpose Work Station (GPWS) and secured
using Velcro. The microscope system features a continuously variable zoom of 8- 64x
magnification. Viewing requires incident lighting provided by the DMLS through a bifurcated
fiberoptic bundle. The microscope also features an adapter to accommodate a video camera.
Real time video may be downlinked during inflight experiment operations.
Figure 3.18 – Dissecting Microscope
3.4.2 Small Mass Measuring Instrument
The Small Mass Measurement Instrument (SMMI, Figure 3.19) is designed to measure the weight
of biological samples and small specimens from 1 to 10,000 grams in a microgravity environment.
The SMMI determines the weight of a specimen through the use of its mass properties, thereby
minimizing the influence of any gravity field. The upper limit weight range or capacity is reduced
to 1,000 g for all 1 g operations.
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Figure 3.19 – Small Mass Measuring Instrument
3.4.3 Cell Culture Hardware
Cell culture hardware is varied. A catalog listing all available space cell culture systems are
profiled in the hardware section of the online report for the Genomic Studies on the International
Space Station Workshop at
http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov/genomics/technologies/available_hardware.html) An example of
these systems is provided here.
3.4.3.1 Multiple Orbital Bioreactor with Instrumentation and Automated
Sampling (MOBIAS)15
MOBIAS (Figure 3.20) was designed to enable long-term cell culture growth aboard the
International Space Station (ISS) through semi-continuous fed batch processing. In addition to
providing gas exchange, fresh nutrient medium addition and waste removal, periodic discrete
samples can be drawn throughout the mission and stowed in a separate thermal environment
(e.g. 4 C) while the primary reactor is maintained at a selected optimal temperature (e.g. 25 C).
MOBIAS is housed within a modified ICM v.3 for computer and thermal control.
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Figure 3.20 – Multiple Orbital Bioreactor with Instrumentation and Automated Sampling
(MOBIAS)
3.4.4 Veterinary Kit16
The Veterinary Kit (Figure 3.21) contains items which can be used for emergency care of rodents
during flight. The kit may typically contain a metal plunger for the medication syringes, glass
syringes filled with Buthanasia and with Prochloroperazine, antibiotic ointment, 35 cc fluid
syringes with stopcocks, 25-gauge butterfly needles, 3 inch gauze rolls, 2 inch gauze packets,
bandage tape, Wash'n'Dri packets, face masks, Kimwipes, bandage scissors, mosquito forceps,
a screwdriver, disposable gloves, surgical gowns, iodine prep packets, and lixit assemblies.
These items are organized within a rectangular cloth container having internal removable panels
and pockets. The kit can be stowed in either the Shuttle Middeck or the Spacelab.
Figure 3.21 – Veterinary Kit
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3.4.5 Data Collection
An example of data collection hardware are the Sleep Net and Respiratory Inductive
Plethysmograph (RIP) Suit, pictured in Figure 3.22, used in tandem on STS-90 Neurolab and
STS-95 missions in a clinical trial to study the pharmacological effects of melatonin on circadian
rythms.
The Sleep Net is a neuromonitoring system based on a commercially available system for use in
conventional electroencephalogram (EEG) recording. The Sleep Net comprised a reusable
headpiece and disposable biosensors secured to the scalp with an adhesive gel that does not
leave residue after sensor removal. A cable linked the Sleep Net and Respiratory Inductive
Plethysmograph (RIP) Suit to a Digital Sleep Recorder (DSR) for data transmission. 17
The RIP Suit, also called the Respitrace Suit, allowed for the measurement of respiration without
any direct communication to the airway. It measures the change in the volume of the subject's
torso, where the change in volume is produced by the motions of respiration. These
measurements are used to determine respiration by assuming that the length of the subject's
trunk does not change, but that change in trunk volume is reflected by the change in area of the
cross-section. During torso volume changes, the inductance changes and the motion can be
measured. The main assembly of the RIP system is a Lycra-Spandex suit worn by the astronaut,
in which two wires are stitched in a zig-zag pattern into the suit, one wire at the chest level and
the other at the abdomen. Each wire acts as a single-turn coil of wire, forming the inductance in a
tuned circuit which determines the oscillatory frequency of the system. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
electrode leads are also sewn into the suit to allow for proper placement of ECG electrodes. 18
Figure 3.22 – STS-90 Neurolab Crewmember donning the Sleep Net and RIP Suit
4 Research
With such an extensive array of hardware at a Principal Investigator’s disposal, a complete list of
microbiology research is a daunting task. The best resource for all life science experiments
conducted is the NASA Life Science Data Archive
(http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hw_search_start_adv.cfm) which contains descriptions of all
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experiments conducted in orbit searchable by mission, hardware, experiments, data sets,
specimens, and research areas. Another extensive resource for biological and physical research
in space is the NASA Office of Biological and Physical Research (http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov/)
which contains information on Shuttle and ISS experiments. A number of examples and brief
experiment synopses is provided in this section. Another extensive resource for space
biomedical research is the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI,
www.nsbri.org), founded by NASA and industry partners, whose sole purpose is to conduct space
biomedical research to analyze the effects of spaceflight on the human body, develop
countermeasures, and apply the findings to Earth-based applications. The NSBRI is supported
by the research of many universities throughout the country, as well as industry partners. It
should be noted that while NSBRI’s emphasis and main focus is on biomedical experimentation
and research, the Institute also includes systems and technology development divisions.
4.1
Prostate Cancer Growth in Bioreactor Demonstration System (Cellular
Biology)19
Prostate cancer strikes about 200,000 men a year and is easily cured when diagnosed early,
according to the American Cancer Society. Once it spreads to the skeleton it is inevitably fatal
and kills more than 30,000 men a year. The public health cost is more than $2 billion a year. To
improve the prospects for finding novel therapies, and to identify biomarkers that predict disease
progression, scientists need tissue models that behave the same as metastatic or spreading
cancer outside a natural environment. Most cell cultures (Figure 4.1) produce thin, flat specimens
that offer limited insight into how cells work together. Ironically, growing cell cultures in the
microgravity of space produces cell assemblies that more closely resemble what is found in
bodies on Earth. NASA’s Bioreactor comprises a miniature life support system and a rotating
vessel containing cell specimens in a nutrient medium (shown in Figure 3.16). Orbital BDS
experiments that cultured colon and prostate cancers have been highly promising. Long-duration
experiments are planned for the International Space Station where multiple generations of cells
can be grown. On STS–107, the BDS grew a three-dimensional prostate culture model to support
studies of the cellular interaction between the prostate and bone stromal (connective tissue) cells.
The model was expected to help scientists assess the effects of gene therapy on the growth of
prostate cancer cell aggregates in research, clinical diagnoses, and treatments. Although striking
images of the culture and data were downlinked throughout the mission, the specimen was lost
with the Orbiter Columbia in February 2003. The BDS, however, has been used in the past and
this research is destined to be repeated in the future.
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Figure 4.1 – This prostate cancer construct was grown during NASA-sponsored bioreactor studies on
Earth. Cells are attached to a biodegradable plastic lattice that gives them a head start in growth
Experience aboard Mir has turned microgravity Bioreactor research into a mature science. In its
first long-duration experiment, large cultures of bovine cartilage cells grew in the Bioreactor. The
last NASA stay aboard Mir was crucial as it brought everything together in an effort to culture
human tissue in the Bioreactor. Since then, the NASA Bioreactor team has been synthesizing
these lessons into an advanced program being developed for the ISS. The principal
investigator’s team has conducted extensive ground-based experiments on prostate tumors in
rotating-wall vessels and developed an extensive under-standing of many of the chemical
pathways and chromosomal changes involved in growing prostate cells. One set of results
suggests that bone stromal cells can serve as “suicidal carriers” that deliver and express toxic
genes that mediate tumor cell kills in vivo.
In 1990, NASA granted Synthecon Inc. of Houston an exclusive commercial license to NASA
patents for the bioreactor system. Since then, Synthecon has sold more than $2 million worth of
Rotary Cell Culture Systems™ and sponsored several related research agreements. In 2000,
NASA signed a Space Act Agreement with StelSys, a new venture formed by Fisk Ventures, Inc.
and In Vitro Technolo-gies, Inc. StelSys, based in Baltimore, will develop commercial medical
products based on Bioreactor technology. They will focus on drug development and a liver-assist
device for patients in need of transplant surgery.
4.2
Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) Single-locker Thermal Enclosure System
(STES) housing the Diffusion-Controlled Crystallization Apparatus for
Microgravity (DCAM) (Physical Sciences)20
Structural biology experiments conducted in the Diffusion-controlled Crystallization Apparatus for
Microgravity (DCAM, Figure 4.2) may improve our understanding of the function of important
macromolecules and possibly contribute to the development of new therapeutics.
Scientists select macromolecules, crystallize them, and use the crystals to determine the atomic
arrangements of atoms within the molecules using intense beams of x-rays or neutrons - a
process and field of research known as 'crystallography.' Knowledge gained through
crystallography has played a key role in understanding many important chemical and biological
processes. The determination of the three-dimensional structures of important proteins and other
macromolecules, such as DNA, has contributed significantly over the past 50 years to the
scientific understanding of fundamental processes in disciplines ranging from material science to
biochemistry and medicine.
Microgravity has been shown in many cases to produce crystals of improved perfection. This
improvement can allow scientists to determine with greater precision the three-dimensional
structure of the molecules making up the crystal.
The International Space Station provides for longer-duration experiments in an acceleration-free
(no change in the rate of speed, or velocity, of the spacecraft that could affect the experiments),
dedicated laboratory, than that provided by the Space Shuttle. Similarly Space Island’s Lab-ET
would provide a similar long-duration microgravity environment like the ISS. Macromolecular
crystals require from several days to several months to grow to optimum size. Protein samples
to be processed (or beign processed) include Albumin, the major protein of the circulatory
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system, chiefly responsible for blood osmotic pressure and pH, is capable of transporting many
small molecules, including the majority of currently-known pharmaceuticals; Gamma-E crystalline,
which provides the optical properties of the eye lens and may provide insights into cataract
formation; and Glucose Isomerase, an enzyme widely used in the food processing industry.
Figure 4.2 – Image of a DCAM Experiment
4.3
Clinical Trial of Melatonin as a Hypnotic (Pharmacology, Chronobiology)21
Astronauts can have difficulty sleeping during space flight. Most likely, a combination of factors
contributes to these sleep problems, including the novelty and excitement of space flight itself,
ambient noise in the close confines of the spacecraft and the absence of normal day/night cycles.
The average person sleeps and wakes on a 24-to-25-hour cycle, synchronized with the rising and
setting of the sun. In space, as the Space Shuttle orbits the Earth, the sun rises and sets in a
mere 90 minutes.
The short days, coupled with the fact that Shuttle astronauts work at odd hours and spend most
of their time in windowless, permanently lit rooms, make maintaining an internal biological clock
virtually impossible. Most astronauts average an abnormally low five to six hours of sleep a night,
and past studies show more than half of Shuttle crew members have depended on sleeping pills
to help them get adequate rest. These medications, however, may have undesirable side effects
on performance and mental alertness. In the search for a better sleep aid, researchers have
targeted melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone produced in the pineal gland of the brain.
Ground-based research indicates that melatonin may facilitate sleep, an attribute that is
particularly important if astronauts are scheduled to sleep at a time of day when their bodies are
not producing the hormone.
The primary objective of this investigation was to determine whether the use of melatonin
improves the quality of sleep for astronauts during space flight, thereby improving their ability to
perform the mentally challenging and physically rigorous tasks required of them. Aside from
improving the sleep quality of astronauts during space flight, this research has direct application
for many people on Earth. Sleep disorders affect a wide range of people - from those who
perform challenging jobs involving night shift work, to the many Americans who often experience
sleep disorders as they age. This investigation was the first to assess the effects of space flight
on the sleep patterns of an older astronaut. This experiment was flown on STS-90 Neurolab and
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STS-95 Shuttle missions. An STS-90 crewmember donning the sleep instrumentation is show on
Figure 3.22.
4.4
Role of Visual Cues in Spatial Orientation (Neurophysiology)22
The Role of Visual Cues in Spatial Orientation experiment was one of three sensory motor and
performance experiments performed during the 1998 Neurolab mission. This experiment focused
on how the balance between visual and vestibular cues shifts toward the visual system in
microgravity.
Using virtual reality, this investigation was designed to study how visual scene content and
symmetry influenced the astronauts perception of up and down, to determine how quickly a
moving visual scene would produce the illusion of self-motion, and to explore how the direction of
perceived "down" altered the ability to recognize shapes and interpret curvature from shading.
Information gained from this experiment will help investigators understand why, in the absence of
gravity, astronauts become dependent on visual stimuli. This information is also of potential value
to medical researchers seeking insight into inner ear impairments and other balance disorders in
Earth-bound patients, as well as related rehabilitative testing and training methods for those
individuals. As an added value, portable head-mounted displays similar to the one developed for
use in this experiment may prove useful for patients, perhaps someday even providing visual
prostheses for the vestibularly impaired.
The Role of Visual Cues in Spatial Orientation experiment was performed using NASA's Virtual
Environment Generator (VEG, Figure 4.3), a head-mounted display, which allowed the subjects
to view a succession of visual scenes rendered by the VEG graphic computer. The VEG also
tracked the motion of the head, so scenes that were displayed appeared stable when the head
moved.
Figure 4.3 – STS-90 Crewmember utilizing the VEG to perform the Visual Cues in Spatial
Orientation Experiment
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4.5
Gas Permeable Polymeric Materials (Materials Research)23
The Gas Permeable Polymeric Materials (GPPM) payload was sponsored by the Instrument
Research Division, NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC), through a joint NASA/industry
program initiated in 1987 with the NASA Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology, and flown
on Shuttle/SPACEHAB missions. This polymer study program aimed to determine if certain types
of polymers made in microgravity are very different from the same polymers made simultaneously
on the ground.
Plastic materials, which are made of very large molecules called "polymers," are used in
everyday life in many ways. Some polymers prevent gases, such as oxygen, from passing
through. These polymers are used in keeping foods fresh for long periods of time in a refrigerator
or freezer. Other polymers allow one or more gases to pass through. These polymers, called gas
permeable polymeric materials, also have many uses.
Gas permeable polymeric materials are being developed for many uses. These include special
contact lenses for long-term wear and for use by pilots and astronauts; medical applications such
as dialysis and blood gas monitoring; control of fermentation and other industrial processes; and,
commercial production of pure gases.
Another promising use is the development of sensors that will measure any gas in the air in very
small amounts. In this device, a very thin layer of the polymer is coated on a sensor. The polymer
allows only the gas which is to be measured to pass through it. The sensor then measures the
amount of gas that is present. These devices will be used in monitoring indoor air quality and in
detecting dangerous gases, such as carbon monoxide.
Gravity may affect many properties of the polymer while it is being made. As early as 1984, it was
suggested that these effects may be eliminated or at least reduced if the polymer was made in
the low gravity of space. A better understanding of how these polymers are formed can also be
learned under these conditions. These experiments must be carried out on the Space Shuttle with
the assistance of the astronaut crew because the rates at which the polymers are formed are very
slow. If these polymers are very different as expected, many new and improved products will
result from them.
4.6
Effect of Weightlessness on Bone Histology, Physiology, and Mechanics (Bone
and Calcium Physiology)24
Degenerative changes observed in the musculoskeletal systems of both astronauts and animals
during prolonged exposure to weightlessness parallel the slower changes in bone and muscle
mass seen during the aging process on Earth. This experiment used this similarity to test the
effectiveness of a Merck & Co. proprietary compound (MK-217) in preventing bone loss, for
possible future use in treating disuse osteoporosis. The morphological and physiological effects
of MK-217 on bone formation and resorption during a nine day spaceflight were measured. The
experiment also used the data collected to analyze the effectiveness of the bone unloading
experienced during microgravity exposure as a model for disuse osteoporosis.
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4.7
Pulmonary Physiology in Weightlessness (Physiology)25
The human lung is very sensitive to gravity; consequently, on Earth there are large differences in
gas flow, blood flow and gas exchange between the upper and lower portions of the lung. For
example, on Earth, pulmonary blood flow (perfusion) is greater near the bottom of the lung and
relatively smaller toward the top. Gas flow (ventilation) is similarly distributed, although there are
still large differences in the two patterns. Scientists once believed that these differences were
primarily the result of the pull of the Earth's gravity. Comprehensive studies of pulmonary function
performed on the Spacelab Life Sciences-1 and -2 missions (Figure 4.4) and the German D-2
Spacelab mission indicated, however, that much of the imbalance in lung ventilation and
perfusion was maintained in the microgravity environment.
A better understanding of the effects of gravity on the human pulmonary system ultimately may
benefit clinical medicine on Earth. Also, a comprehension of pulmonary function in microgravity is
important for long-term space flight.
Figure 4.4 – Space Shuttle Crew Member Using the Pulmonary Physiology Hardware
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Endnotes
1
Research and Space Medicine on the International Space Station (International Astronautical
Federation (IAF) paper (https://postdoc.arc.nasa.gov/postdoc/t/folder/main.ehtml?url_id=50589)
2
http://hrf.jsc.nasa.gov/hrf_hardware_home.htm
3
Text and images from this section extracted from the Space Station Biological Research Project
Web Site http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/
4
Text and images from this section extracted from the Space Station Biological Research Project
Web Site http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/
5
Text and images from this section extracted from the Space Station Biological Research Project
Web Site http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/
6
Text and images from this section extracted from the Space Station Biological Research Project
Web Site http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/
7
Text and images from this section extracted from the Space Station Biological Research Project
Web Site http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/
8
Text and images from this section extracted from the Space Station Biological Research Project
Web Site http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/
9
Text and images from this section extracted from the Space Station Biological Research Project
Web Site http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/
10
Text and images from this section extracted from the Space Station Biological Research
Project Web Site http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/
11
Text and images from this section extracted from the Space Station Biological Research
Project Web Site http://brp.arc.nasa.gov/
12
From the LSLE Catalog (http://lifesci.arc.nasa.gov:591/lsle/)
13
http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hardconfig.cfm?hardware_index=339&exp_index=0
14
From the LSLE Catalog (http://lifesci.arc.nasa.gov:591/lsle/)
15
Flight Hardware information resources
(http://fundamentalbiology.arc.nasa.gov/PI/PI_flthdw.html)
16
From the LSLE Catalog (http://lifesci.arc.nasa.gov:591/lsle/)
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17
http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hardw.cfm?hardware_id=254
18
http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hardw.cfm?hardware_id=189
19
http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov
20
http://www1.msfc.nasa.gov/NEWSROOM/background/facts/stesdcam6.html
21
http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hw_search_start_adv.cfm
22
http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hw_search_start_adv.cfm
23
http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hw_search_start_adv.cfm
24
http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hw_search_start_adv.cfm
25
http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov/scripts/cf/hw_search_start_adv.cfm
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