NASA Publishes Report about International Space Station Science

Sept. 10, 2009

Michael Curie
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100


Kelly Humphries
Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-483-5111


RELEASE: 09-203

NASA PUBLISHES REPORT ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION SCIENCE

HOUSTON -- Advances in the fight against food poisoning, new methods
for delivering medicine to cancer cells, and better materials for
future spacecraft are among the results published in a NASA report
detailing scientific research accomplishments made aboard the
International Space Station during its first eight years.

The report includes more than 100 science experiments ranging from
bone studies to materials' research.

"This report represents a record of science accomplishments during
assembly and summarizes peer-reviewed publications to date," said
Julie Robinson, program scientist for the station at NASA's Johnson
Space Center in Houston. "As we enter the final year of station
assembly, this report highlights the capabilities and opportunities
for space station research after assembly is complete."

One of the most compelling results reported is the confirmation that
the ability of common germs to cause disease increases during
spaceflight, but that changing the growth environment of the bacteria
can control this virulence. The Effect of Spaceflight on Microbial
Gene Expression and Virulence experiment identified increased
virulence of space-flown Salmonella typhimurium, a leading cause of
food poisoning. New research on subsequent station missions will
target development of a vaccine for this widespread malady.

Another experiment produced a potential medical advance,
demonstrating
a new and powerful method for delivering drugs to targets in the
human body. Microgravity research on the station was vital to
development of miniature, liquid-filled balloons the size of blood
cells that can deliver medicine directly to cancer cells. The
research was conducted for the Microencapsulation Electrostatic
Processing System experiment.

One of the most prolific series of investigations aboard the station
tests how spacecraft materials withstand the harsh space environment.
The results of the Materials International Space Station Experiment
already have been used to develop solar cells for future commercial
station cargo ships. This experiment has significantly reduced the
time needed to develop new satellite systems, such as solar cells and
insulation materials, and paved the way for materials to be used in
new NASA spacecraft such as the Orion crew capsule.

The report compiles experiment results collected from the first 15
station missions, or expeditions, from 2000 to 2008. Results of some
of the summarized investigations are complete. Preliminary results
are available from other continuing investigations.

NASA's research activities on the station span several scientific
areas, including exploration technology development; microgravity
research in the physical and biological sciences; human physiology
research; Earth science and education.

The report details 22 different technology demonstrations; 33
physical
science experiments; 27 biological experiments; 32 experiments
focused on the human body; Earth observations and educational
activities. In addition to science important to long-duration human
spaceflights, most findings also offer new understanding of methods
or applications relevant to life on Earth.

In 2008, station laboratory space and research facilities tripled
with
the addition of the European Space Agency's Columbus Laboratory and
the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's three Kibo scientific
modules, adding to the capabilities already provided in NASA's
Destiny Laboratory. In 2009, the number of crew members increased
from three to six, greatly increasing crew time available for
research.

The stage is set for increased station scientific return when
assembly
and outfitting of the research facility is completed in 2010 and its
full potential as a national and international laboratory is
realized. Engineers and scientists from around the world are working
together to refine operational relationships and build on experiences
to ensure maximum use of the expanded capabilities.

The International Space Station Program Scientist Office at NASA's
Johnson Space Center published the report. A link to the full NASA
Technical Publication, which provides an archival record of
U.S.-sponsored research through Expedition 15, is available at:

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/ca...2009030907.pdf

For more information about the space station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

-end-