2012 International Space Station Research and Discovery Highlights

HOUSTON, TX, January 03, 2013 (Press-News.org) This past year has been a busy one for the International Space Station. With a variety of new investigations, facilities, researchers, data and results, the space station Program Science Office has had much to share. These investigations benefit life on Earth, inform future space exploration and advance fundamental scientific understanding.

"This has been an amazing year for the space station," said International Space Station Program Scientist Julie Robinson, Ph.D. "We have achieved and exceeded our research goals for the first year of full research use."

Two ongoing investigations that continue to stimulate interest are Robonaut and the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-02, or AMS. Robonaut's "human" capabilities are being tested methodically, expanding robotics technology. AMS is collecting charged particles for scientists to sift through to find dark matter and anti-matter. This data could help unlock the secrets of our universe - and possibly change the world of physics. AMS already has measured over 26 billion charged particles.

Human research studies have shown that during their stay aboard the space station, astronauts can combat bone loss by using the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device, or ARED, for high intensity workouts in addition to a proper diet and an intake of vitamin D. This countermeasure also aids in rebuilding their bones once they return to Earth. These studies could have profound effects on future space exploration, as well as the aging population on Earth.

Education investigations, like the YouTube Space Lab competition and others, are part of every expedition and work to inspire students of all ages. YouTube Space Lab had an international following this year, culminating in a live webcast of the winning student investigations performed by Expedition 33 Commander Sunita Williams. More than 2,000 entries focusing on the subjects of physics and biology were received from more than 80 countries.

Physical science investigations - crystal growth, colloid and flame investigations - continue. Each study is adding to the knowledge database. This knowledge expansion provides benefits for future exploration, as well as life on Earth. Some interesting results were discovered in the Flame Extinguishment Experiment, or FLEX. For the first time, researchers observed low-temperature, soot-free "cool" flames - proving two different modes of fuel combustion and flame extinction in microgravity, one was visible to the naked eye and one was not.

Earth and space science investigations include observational studies that look at changes involving pollution; sea levels; urban sprawl and population growth; climate and temperature, along with storms, floods, fires and volcanic eruptions; and other dynamic events. Images taken during these observations provide researchers with data important to understanding the planet from a different perspective and provide a way to track these changes over long periods of time. The information learned from these studies enhances our understanding of Earth science. The International Space Station SERVIR Environmental Research and Visualization System, or ISERV, was delivered to the station last July. It is a remote-controlled Earth imaging system designed to capture imagery of identified areas for environmental studies and disaster analysis from the vantage point of the station.

Researchers are always working to increase the understanding of biological processes in microgravity and how this information can help people on Earth. Two highlights from the past year include studies of fish and yeast organisms. The Aquatic Habitat received its first inhabitants in 2012 - Medaka fish. These translucent fish allow for easy observation of their skeletal systems, providing more insight into bone and muscle atrophy (medical issues for astronauts and the aging population) and radiation effects.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Responses of Candida albicans to Spaceflight, or Micro-6, is studying the health risks of the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans. This yeast is naturally occurring in humans, and researchers want to understand why it becomes more powerful (rapidly reproducing in the human body) and infectious when the human immune system is under stress. What is learned from this study will not only benefit people on Earth who battle this opportunistic pathogen, but it also will benefit future space travelers.

Technology demonstrations also are part of the suite of investigations being examined on the orbiting outpost. One of the many highlights this year is the Robotic Refueling Mission. This mission intends to validate technologies, tools and procedures needed to robotically repair and refuel satellites in orbit. This ability is particularly helpful for extending the service life of many satellites, particularly those not originally built for servicing, referred to as non-cooperative satellites.

Several new facilities were delivered to the space station and allow for an array of new research projects. The Japanese Experiment Module Small Satellite Orbital Deployer, changed the way mini-satellites can be deployed to their optimal orbit, allowing for greater flexibility, operational control and significant monetary savings. A Gravitational Biology Lab also was delivered to the orbiting laboratory. The centrifuge allows for biological experimentation in artificial gravity - from zero gravity to twice Earth's normal gravity - for prolonged periods of time. This lab is useful for biological organism research, and it could lead to advances in medications and vaccines, agricultural controls and discoveries in genetics.

The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, or CASIS, the nonprofit organization in charge of promoting and managing research aboard the space station's U.S. National Laboratory segment, announced several requests for solicitations. Its current focus is on advancing protein crystallization, materials science and Earth observational science.

With its first commercial resupply service mission, SpaceX has increased the capability to return science samples, among other items, to Earth. The return of these samples expedites research results. This ability also frees up stowage space on the station.

This year also saw the release of the Space Station Benefits for Humanity book, as well as the Space Station Education publication. These publications help the public understand how research in orbit helps people on Earth, and they provide many educational activities to engage students of all ages.

The research carried out aboard the space station continues to provide new insights for scientists. "We see a dramatic increase in scientific publications and their quality," said Robinson. "Extraordinary benefits from this research are developing. The International Space Station is helping to save lives and make our economy stronger." The next ten years should prove to be very exciting regarding new discoveries that will advance human space travel and benefit people on Earth in a host of different arenas.

You can read more about these investigations, and others, on the space station latest news page:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news.html

For more information on past, ongoing, and future ISS research activities, including research results and publications, please visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/index.html

If you are interested in subscribing to updates from the ISS Program Science Office, please visit:

https://lists.nasa.gov/mailman/listinfo/iss-program-science-group

For more information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov