NASA International Space Station Research Highlights Weeks of Nov. 15 and Nov. 22, 2010
DEvice for the study of Critical LIquids and Crystallization — Directional Solidification Insert (DECLIC-DSI) has completed four successful solidifications, meeting all scientific objectives. DECLIC-DSI studies transparent alloys that freeze like metals under microgravity conditions. The team captured 7000 images during the final solidification session Nov. 22.
Three test points of Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus — Flame Extinguishment Experiment (MDCA FLEX) were successfully performed on Nov 16. The experiment will assess the effectiveness of fire suppressants in microgravity. The team observed radiative extinction and pre-extinction flame instabilities with these tests.
Two crew members completed all of their on-orbit sessions with the Evaluation of Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Submaximal estimates of VO2max before, during and after long-duration space station missions (VO2max). The experiment documents changes in maximum oxygen uptake over long-duration missions.
The Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5 (BCAT-5) completed a second run with sample 8. Analysis of the sample shows growth of the phase separating regions against time, as seen previously in samples 6 and 7. The experiment photographs colloidal samples to determine their resulting structure over time.
The third and final session for the ESA-sponsored Vascular Echography (Vessel Imaging) investigation was completed. This investigation evaluates the changes in central and peripheral blood vessel wall properties — thickness and compliance — and cross sectional areas of long-duration crew members during and after long-term exposure to microgravity.
The 15th run of the JAXA sponsored Chaos, Turbulence and its Transition Process in Marangoni Convection (Marangoni) was completed. This physics experiment analyzes the behavior of a surface-tension-driven flow in microgravity.
