scholarly journals Advantages and Limitations of Current Microgravity Platforms for Space Biology Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Francesca Ferranti ◽  
Marta Del Bianco ◽  
Claudia Pacelli
Keyword(s):  
Gravitational Force ◽  
Space Exploration ◽  
Biological Systems ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Microgravity Environment ◽  
Space Biology ◽  
Human Space Exploration ◽  
Biology Research ◽  
Scientific Return ◽  
Design Experiments

Human Space exploration has created new challenges and new opportunities for science. Reaching beyond the Earth’s surface has raised the issue of the importance of gravity for the development and the physiology of biological systems, while giving scientists the tools to study the mechanisms of response and adaptation to the microgravity environment. As life has evolved under the constant influence of gravity, gravity affects biological systems at a very fundamental level. Owing to limited access to spaceflight platforms, scientists rely heavily on on-ground facilities that reproduce, to a different extent, microgravity or its effects. However, the technical constraints of counterbalancing the gravitational force on Earth add complexity to data interpretation. In-flight experiments are also not without their challenges, including additional stressors, such as cosmic radiation and lack of convection. It is thus extremely important in Space biology to design experiments in a way that maximizes the scientific return and takes into consideration all the variables of the chosen setup, both on-ground or on orbit. This review provides a critical analysis of current ground-based and spaceflight facilities. In particular, the focus was given to experimental design to offer the reader the tools to select the appropriate setup and to appropriately interpret the results.

Analysis of specimens from phase I of the 3D printing in Zero G technology demonstration mission

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 1212-1225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracie Prater ◽  
Quincy Bean ◽  
Niki Werkheiser ◽  
Richard Grguel ◽  
Ron Beshears ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Space Exploration ◽  
Microgravity Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
Deposition Modeling ◽  
Technology Demonstration ◽  
Human Space Exploration

Purpose Human space exploration to date has been limited to low Earth orbit and the moon. The International Space Station (ISS) provides a unique opportunity for researchers to prove out the technologies that will enable humans to safely live and work in space for longer periods and venture farther into the solar system. The ability to manufacture parts in-space rather than launch them from earth represents a fundamental shift in the current risk and logistics paradigm for human space exploration. The purpose of this mission is to prove out the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process in the microgravity environment, evaluate microgravity effects on the materials manufactured, and provide the first demonstration of on-demand manufacturing for space exploration. Design/methodology/approach In 2014, NASA, in cooperation with Made in Space, Inc., launched a 3D printer to the ISS with the goal of evaluating the effect of microgravity on the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process and prove out the technology for use on long duration, long endurance missions where it could leveraged to reduce logistics requirements and enhance crew safety by enabling a rapid response capability. This paper presents the results of testing of the first phase of prints from the technology demonstration mission, where 21 parts where printed on orbit and compared against analogous specimens produced using the printer prior to its launch to ISS. Findings Mechanical properties, dimensional variations, structural differences and chemical composition for ground and flight specimens are reported. Hypotheses to explain differences observed in ground and flight prints are also developed. Phase II print operations, which took place in June and July of 2016, and ground-based studies using a printer identical to the hardware on ISS, will serve to answer remaining questions about the phase I data set. Based on Phase I analyses, operating the FDM process in microgravity has no substantive effect on the material produced. Practical implications Demonstrates that there is no discernable, engineering significant effect on operation of FDM in microgravity. Implication is that material characterization activities for this application can be ground-based. Originality/value Summary of results of testing of parts from the first operation of 3D printing in a microgravity environment.

Consideration of a Grass-Roots Space Program

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-35
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Space Exploration ◽  
Space Program ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Grass Roots ◽  
Economic State ◽  
New Space ◽  
Human Space Exploration

Human space exploration has historically provided a great many people with a positive vision of the future. At this time, society faces many 21st century problems (global warming, sea level rise, etc.) and could use some of that vision. The economic state of the nations that historically paid for this exploration does not currently allow for a large and expensive new space initiative, like Apollo to the Moon or a trip to Mars. Nevertheless, there have been great strides in computing and resulting social media. Could a very large number of dedicated people self-organize into a grassroots human space program? This story envisions such a movement and the lessons today's students could learn from the attempt.

A robust model developed by LCWR combined with uniform design for the determination of hydrogen peroxide in water used in a microgravity environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 514-519
Author(s):  
Hai-Sheng Dong ◽  
Wei Zhao ◽  
Ping Cao ◽  
Shu-Juan Li ◽  
Tong-Fang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Space Exploration ◽  
Uniform Design ◽  
Liquid Core ◽  
Design Strategy ◽  
Wave Guide ◽  
Microgravity Environment ◽  
Robust Model ◽  
Manned Space

Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in manned space exploration missions. A liquid core wave guide Raman apparatus was developed for the determination of hydrogen peroxide concentration in water coupled with uniform design strategy.

Methods for onboard monitoring of silver biocide during future human space exploration missions

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (25) ◽  
pp. 3205-3209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Sergio Ferreira Santos ◽  
Aaron Craig Noell ◽  
Maria Fernanda Mora
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Space Exploration ◽  
Human Space Exploration

Electrophoretic methods for monitoring water quality in future human space exploration vehicle/habitats.

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