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PubMedDate not supplied

New challenges for Life Sciences flight project management.

Scientists have conducted studies involving human spaceflight crews for over three decades. These studies have progressed from simple observations before and after each flight to sophisticated experiments during flights of several weeks up to several months. The findings from these experiments are available in the scientific literature. Management of these flight experiments has grown into a system fashioned from the Apollo Program style, focusing on budgeting, scheduling and allocation of human and material resources. While these areas remain important to the future, the International Space Station (ISS) requires that the Life Sciences spaceflight experiments expand the existing project management methodology. The use of telescience with state-the-art information technology and the multi-national crews and investigators challenges the former management processes. Actually conducting experiments on board the ISS will be an enormous undertaking and International Agreements and Working Groups will be essential in giving guidance to the flight project management Teams forged in this matrix environment must be competent to make decisions and qualified to work with the array of engineers, scientists, and the spaceflight crews. In order to undertake this complex task, data systems not previously used for these purposes must be adapted so that the investigators and the project management personnel can all share in important information as soon as it is available. The utilization of telescience and distributed experiment operations will allow the investigator to remain involved in their experiment as well as to understand the numerous issues faced by other elements of the program The complexity in formation and management of project teams will be a new kind of challenge for international science programs. Meeting that challenge is essential to assure success of the International Space Station as a laboratory in space.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1999

Some characteristics of photosynthetic apparatus under conditions of spaceflight.

During colonization of space by humans, the bioregenerative life-support systems on board the space ships will require the plants with a highly efficient photosynthesis, a process producing food and O2 and removing CO2-Therefore, in recent years the scientists increasingly focus the their attention to study on photosynthetic apparatus of plants grown in space. Although the available data are quite scanty and, at times, controversial, it is Considered that the space grown plants differ from around control plants by growth and development, many structural and functional indices and metabolism. Data exist showing changes in the chlorophyll (Chl) content, structure and number of chloroplasts in the cell, swelling of thylakoids and decrease in the number and size of starch grains in the chloroplasts (for reviews, see Halstead and Dutcher, 1987; Kordyum, 1997). The decrease of shoot fresh weight and reduction of CO2-saturated photosynthetic rate at saturating light intensities in space grown wheat plants in comparison with ground control have been reported by Tripathy et al. (1996). The thylakoids isolated from space grown plants displayed lower rates of electron transport through photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII) and in a whole chain. This study aimed to examine the electron transport rates through PSI and PSII in the isolated thylakoids, to elucidate if there are any differences in accumulation of thylakoid membranes between space grown Brassica rapa plants and ground control plants (based on Chl quantity) and to measure the Chl a/b ratio in isolated thylakoids. These studies were part of the Collaborative US/Ukrainian program during the STS-87 mission (1997).

Brassica↗
PubMed1976

Quantitative electrocardiography during extended space flight: the second manned Skylab mission.

To assess the effects of space flight on cardiac electrical properties, vectorcardiograms (VCG) were obtained on the Skylab crew at regular intervals during the 59-d flight (SL3) and during the pre- and postflight periods. The Frank lead system was used and observations were made at rest; during 25%, 50%, and 75% of maximum exercise; during a short pulse of exercise (150 W, 2 min); and after exercise. Data from 47 in-flight tests were analyzed by computer and compared to preflight and postflight values. A statistically significant increase in QRS maximum vector magnitude (all SL3 crewman); and an increase in resting PR interval (all SL3 crewmen) occurred. During exercise, the PR interval did not differ from preflight. Exercise heart rates in flight were same as preflight, but increased in the immediate postflight period. No major changes in QRS, T, or ST vector direction occurred. The scientist pilot had premature ventricular beats sporadically during the flight. This astronaut also had intermittent periods of atrioventricular junctional rhythm throughout the flight. The increase in QRS maximum vector magnitude resembles the electrocardiographic changes associated with athletic conditioning and may be related to increased ventricular volume secondary to centripetal shifts of fluid and/or the in-flight isotonic exercise program. Prolongation of the PR interval at rest with normalization of exercise suggests that there was increased vagal tone or suppressed sympathetic influence during the flight.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Radiation transport modeling and assessment to better predict radiation exposure, dose, and toxicological effects to human organs on long duration space flights.

NASA is very interested in improving its ability to monitor and forecast the radiation levels that pose a health risk to space-walking astronauts as they construct the International Space Station and astronauts that will participate in long-term and deep-space missions. Human exploratory missions to the moon and Mars within the next quarter century, will expose crews to transient radiation from solar particle events which include high-energy galactic cosmic rays and high-energy protons. Because the radiation levels in space are high and solar activity is presently unpredictable, adequate shielding is needed to minimize the deleterious health effects of exposure to radiation. Today, numerous models have been developed and used to predict radiation exposure. Such a model is the Space Environment Information Systems (SPENVIS) modeling program, developed by the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronautics. SPENVIS, which has been assessed to be an excellent tool in characterizing the radiation environment for microelectronics and investigating orbital debris, is being evaluated for its usefulness with determining the dose and dose-equivalent for human exposure. Thus far. the calculations for dose-depth relations under varying shielding conditions have been in agreement with calculations done using HZETRN and PDOSE, which are well-known and widely used models for characterizing the environments for human exploratory missions. There is disagreement when assessing the impact of secondary radiation particles since SPENVIS does a crude estimation of the secondary radiation particles when calculating LET versus Flux. SPENVIS was used to model dose-depth relations for the blood-forming organs. Radiation sickness and cancer are life-threatening consequences resulting from radiation exposure. In space. exposure to radiation generally includes all of the critical organs. Biological and toxicological impacts have been included for discussion along with alternative risk mitigation methods--shielding and anti-carcinogens.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An overview of the cosmic dust analogue material production in reduced gravity: the STARDUST experience.

The formation, properties and chemical dynamics of microparticles are important in a wide variety of technical and scientific fields including synthesis of semiconductor crystals from the vapour, heterogeneous chemistry in the stratosphere and the formation of cosmic dust surrounding the stars. Gravitational effects on particle formation from vapors include gas convection and buoyancy and particle sedimentation. These processes can be significantly reduced by studying condensation and agglomeration of particles in microgravity. In addition, to accurately simulate particle formation near stars, which takes place under low gravity conditions, studies in microgravity are desired. We report here the STARDUST experience, a recent collaborative effort that brings together a successful American program of microgravity experiments on particle formation aboard NASA KC-135 Reduced Gravity Research Aircraft and several Italian research groups with expertise in microgravity research and astrophysical dust formation. The program goal is to study the formation and properties of high temperature particles and gases that are of interest in astrophysics and planetary science. To do so we are developing techniques that are generally applicable to study particle formation and properties, taking advantage of the microgravity environment to allow accurate control of system parameters.

Astronomy↗
PubMed2005

Evolution of the Behavioral Sciences Branch of the Space Medicine and Health Care Systems Office at the Johnson Space Center.

This paper presents a brief history of psychology and psychiatry roles in psychological selection and how these roles have evolved into the Behavioral Sciences Branch at the Johnson Space Center USC), Houston, TX. Since the initial selection of the Mercury Seven, the first United States astronauts, psychologists and psychiatrists have been involved in astronaut selection activities. Initially very involved in psychological selection of astronauts, the role of behavioral health specialists waned during the Gemini and Apollo years. With the onset of the NASA/Mir/International Space Station Program, the introduction of payload and mission specialists, and international collaboration, the evolving need for behavioral health expertise became apparent. Medical and psychological selection processes were revisited and the Johnson Space Center developed a separate operational unit focused on behavioral health and performance. This work unit eventually became the Behavioral Sciences branch of the Space Medicine and Health Care Systems Office. Research was allocated across groups at JSC, other NASA space centers, and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, and was funded by NASA Headquarters. The current NASA focus on human space exploration to the Moon and beyond re-emphasizes the importance of the human-centered approach.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1991

Waste streams in a crewed space habitat.

A compilation of generation rates and chemical compositions of potential waste streams in a typical crewed space habitat was made in connection with the waste-management aspect of NASA's Physical/Chemical Closed-Loop Life Support Program. Waste composition definitions are needed for the design of waste-processing technologies involved in closing major life support functions in future, long-duration, human space missions. Data for the constituents and chemical formulae of the following waste streams are presented and/or discussed: human urine, feces, hygiene (laundry and shower) water, cleansing agents, trash, humidity condensate, dried sweat, and trace contaminants. Data on dust generation are also presented and discussed.

Dust↗
PubMed1995

Cosmic dust analog simulation in a microgravity environment: the STARDUST program.

We have undertaken a project called STARDUST which is a collaboration with Italian and American investigators. The goals of this program are to study the condensation and coagulation of refractory materials from the vapor and to study the properties of the resulting grains as analogs to cosmic dust particles. To reduce thermal convective currents and to develop valuable experience in designing an experiment for the Gas-Grain Simulation Facility aboard Space Station Freedom we have built and flown a new chamber to study these processes under periods of microgravity available on NASA's KC-135 Research Aircraft. Preliminary results from flights with magnesium and zinc are discussed.

Cosmic Dust↗
PubMed2001

[Prospect of the Advanced Life Support Program Breadboard Project at Kennedy Space Center in USA].

The Breadboard Project at Kennedy Space Center in NASA of USA was focused on the development of the bioregenerative life support components, crop plants for water, air, and food production and bioreactors for recycling of wastes. The keystone of the Breadboard Project was the Biomass Production Chamber (BPC), which was supported by 15 environmentally controlled chambers and several laboratory facilities holding a total area of 2150 m2. In supporting the Advanced Life Support Program (ALS Program), the Project utilizes these facilities for large-scale testing of components and development of required technologies for human-rated test-beds at Johnson Space Center in NASA, in order to enable a Lunar and a Mars mission finally.

Biomass↗
PubMed1965

The NASA Biosatellite Program.

The United States Biosatellite Program includes critical and sophisticated experiments to study the effects of weightlessness and decreased gravity at the cellular, tissue, organ, and organism levels during orbital periods of 3 to 30 days. The experiments involve a wide variety of plants and animals from single-celled organisms to primates. The effects of weightlessness combined with a known source of radiation will be studied to determine if there are any antagonistic or synergistic genetic or somatic effects on various organisms. Experiments are included to study the effect of removal from the Earth's rotation in relation to biological rhythms of organisms. The experimental test organisms have been exposed to the simulated dynamic forces of launch and flight profiles.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1987

Exploring flight crew behaviour.

A programme of research into the determinants of flight crew performance in commercial and military aviation is described, along with limitations and advantages associated with the conduct of research in such settings. Preliminary results indicate significant relationships among personality factors, attitudes regarding flight operations, and crew performance. The potential theoretical and applied utility of the research and directions for further research are discussed.

Attitude↗
PubMed1980

Anaerobic microbiology in the NASA space program.

After briefly reviewing the earlier methods used to monitor the microbial load of returned lunar material, the author reports the more accurate research on the ability of terrestrial organisms to grow under simulated Martian environments. The possible importance of anaerobic microbiology can readily be seen because of the low level of O2 found on Mars. The question of whether any of the experiments on board the Viking landers show any indication of life on Mars is discussed in detail.

Anaerobiosis↗
PubMed2007

NASA--has its biological groundwork for a trip to Mars improved?

In a 1991 editorial in The FASEB Journal, Robert W. Krauss commented on a recent report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S. Space Program (Augustine report). He concluded that, although a manned mission to Mars with life sciences as the priority was endorsed by the Committee, it failed to deal realistically with one huge gap; biological sciences have never been given high priority. According to Krauss, this left a void that will cripple, perhaps fatally, any early effort to ensure long-term survival on any mission of extended duration. The gap included insufficient flight time for fundamental biological space research and insufficient funds. Krauss expressed his opinions 15 years ago. Have we better knowledge of space biology now? This question becomes more acute now that President George W. Bush recently proposed a manned return to the moon by 2015 or 2020, with the moon to become our staging post for manned missions to Mars. Will we be ready so soon? A review of the progress in the last 15 years suggests that we will not. Because of the Columbia disaster, flight opportunities for biological sciences in shuttle spacelabs and in Space Station laboratories compete with time for engineering problems and construction. Thus, research on gravity, radiation, and isolation loses out to problems deemed to be of higher priority. Radiation in deep space and graded gravity in space with on board centrifuges are areas that must be studied before we undertake prolonged space voyages. Very recent budgetary changes within National Aeronautics and Space Administration threaten to greatly reduce the fundamental space biology funds. Are we ready for a trip to Mars? Like Krauss 15 years ago, I think not for some time.

Biological Science Disciplines↗
PubMed1998

Evaluating the feasibility of biological waste processing for long term space missions.

Recycling waste products during orbital (e.g., International Space Station) and planetary missions (e.g., lunar base, Mars transit mission, Martian base) will reduce storage and resupply costs. Wastes streams on the space station will include human hygiene water, urine, faeces, and trash. Longer term missions will contain human waste and inedible plant material from plant growth systems used for atmospheric regeneration, food production, and water recycling. The feasibility of biological and physical-chemical waste recycling is being investigated as part of National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Advanced Life Support (ALS) Program. In-vessel composting has lower manpower requirements, lower water and volume requirements, and greater potential for sanitization of human waste compared to alternative bioreactor designs such as continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTR). Residual solids from the process (i.e. compost) could be used a biological air filter, a plant nutrient source, and a carbon sink. Potential in-vessel composting designs for both near- and long-term space missions are presented and discussed with respect to the unique aspects of space-based systems.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed1992

Effects of head-down tilt for 10 days on the compliance of the leg.

The purpose of this investigation was to measure lower leg compliance before, during and after a 10-day period of bedrest at head-down tilt to test the hypothesis that leg compliance and the capacity for venous pooling is increased by the adaptation to stimulated microgravity. Venous occlusion plethysmography with multiple proximal occlusion pressures was used to obtain compliance measurements in six male subjects. Calf circumference decreased significantly during the tilt (corresponding to a decrease in cross sectional area of 7%) and had not returned to baseline seven days after the end of tilt. Compliance post-tilt was significantly greater than pre-tilt, probably mainly due to a reduction in muscle mass. This study supports the need for investigations to define: (a) the degree of protection against orthostatic hypotension that can be achieved by maintaining leg muscle mass and tone, and (b) efficient and specific exercise programs to prevent loss of muscle mass and function-particularly during spaceflight.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Communicating bioastronautics research to students, families and the nation.

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) is supporting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) education mission through a comprehensive Education and Public Outreach Program (EPOP) that communicates the excitement and significance of space biology to schools, families, and lay audiences. The EPOP is comprised of eight academic institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Rice University, and the University of Washington. This paper describes the programs and products created by the EPOP to promote space life science education in schools and among the general public. To date, these activities have reached thousands of teachers and students around the US and have been rated very highly.

Biological Science Disciplines↗
PubMed2004

Animal habitats for space experiments.

There has been little opportunity for flight experiments using small animals, due to delay of construction of the International Space Station. Therefore, proposals using small animals have been unfortunately excepted from International Space Life Sciences Experiment application opportunity since 2001. Moreover, NASA has changed their development plan of animal habitats for space experiments according to changes of the U.S. space policy and the outlook is not so bright. However, international researchers have been strongly requesting the opportunity for space experiments using small animals. It will be also important for Japanese researchers to make a request for the opportunity. At the same time, researchers have to make an advance in ground based studies toward space experiments and to respond future application opportunities immediately. In this symposium, we explain the AEM (Animal Enclosure Module), the RAHF (Research Animal Holding Facility), and the AAH (Advanced Animal Habitat). It will be helpful for investigators to have wide knowledge of what space experiment is technically possible. In addition, the sample share program will be introduced into our communities. The program will provide many researchers with the organs and tissues from space-flown animals. We will explain the technical aspect of sample share program.

Animals↗