Weekly Recap From the ISS Expedition Lead Scientist 30 July 2015
In a week highlighted by the arrival of three more crew members on the International Space Station — growing their number from three to six — orbiting astronauts also concentrated on growing protein crystals and vegetables in space.
Further work on the VEGGIE hardware validation test (VEG-01) began on Monday when NASA astronaut Scott Kelly photographed the progress of the plants thus far and watered them the next day. VEGGIE provides lighting and nutrient supply for plants in the form of a low-cost growth chamber and planting “pillows” — helping provide nutrients for the root system. It supports a variety of plant species that can be cultivated for educational outreach, fresh food and even recreation for crew members on long-duration missions. On Friday, new crew member and NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren took over watering duties and photographic documentation of the plants. Knowledge from this investigation could benefit agricultural practices on Earth by designing systems that use valuable resources, such as water, more efficiently.
Another new crew member, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, installed two canisters containing 47 protein samples into the Protein Crystal Research Facility (PCRF). The crystals will grow for about seven weeks as part of the High Quality Protein Crystal Growth Experiment (JAXA PCG). The investigation aims to look more closely at the structures of protein crystals grown in microgravity and search for methods to improve their quality.
Protein crystals have been grown in space for many years and the benefits are widespread. Detailed analysis of high quality protein crystal structures is useful in designing new pharmaceuticals for diseases and contributes to a range of commercial aspects including industrial and energy sectors.
Kelly, with assistance from Roscosmos (Russian Federal Space Agency) cosmonaut Gennady Padalka, configured video, the Ultrasound 2 machine, and donned the calf and thigh reference guides for his Flight Day 120 Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study (Sprint) Ultrasound. Kelly then performed his thigh and calf scan. Crew members on the station spend more than two hours a day exercising to try to stay healthy, but may still come back to Earth with medical issues. Program scientists want to find a more efficient method to prevent muscle atrophy, cardiovascular deconditioning and bone loss associated with long-duration spaceflight.
Sprint investigators expect to provide an integrated resistance and aerobic exercise program capable of maintaining health while reducing total exercise time during spaceflight. As part of the one year mission, Kelly will provide invaluable information in support of the investigation’s long-term goal of protecting human fitness for longer space exploration missions. Scientists may also use this data to develop or enhance training protocols to aid in muscle, bone and cardiovascular health on Earth.
Other human research investigations on the orbiting laboratory continuing this week include Fine Motor Skills, Habitability, Journals, Microbiome, Reaction Self Test, Space Headaches, and the Twins Study.
Jorge Sotomayor, Lead Increment Scientist
Expedition 43/44
