The work of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 is set to launch at the International Space Station on Saturday, April 23, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch features three NASA astronauts – Kjell Lindgren, Robert Hines, and Jessica Watkins – and ESA (European Space Agency) star Samantha Cristoforetti. This spacecraft is the first of the Hines and Watkins and the second of Lindgren and Cristoforetti.
Here are some of the other studies that have been carried out with crews aboard the SpaceX Dragon Freedom cable into low-Earth orbit.
Changing the retina
The artificial retina can restore a sense of purpose to the millions of people around the world who suffer from degenerative retinal diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. A study sponsored by the ISS National Lab Protein-Based Artificial Retina Manufacturing examines the manufacturing process to improve the human retina using a light-acting protein called bacteriorhodopsin, which can replace the function of light-sensitive cells in the eye.
The process creates tumors by applying a layer after a thin layer of film. Microgravity can improve the quality and stability of films by limiting the composition and immersion of particles to Earth. Investigators for a U.S. based company Lambda Vision conducted preliminary tests on the space station to determine if the layering process worked better in microgravity. This investigation builds on that work.
The wonders of wireless
Wireless Compose-2, an investigation from ESA, demonstrates the power of wireless networks to support scientific experiments and provide accurate control and navigation of free flying objects. One of these free flights is Cimon, an ESA intelligence intelligence service that is currently testing the space station. Wireless Compose-2 combines the experimental performance of the German Space Agency (DLR), Ballisto cardiography for Extraterrestrial Applications and long-term equipment (BEAT), which uses sensors built into the fabric to monitor and measure cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure.
Generally, scientists can only access this data using sonograms and computer tomography or computer X-ray imaging. These technologies can provide further insight into the functioning of the cardiovascular system in the atmosphere and how it changes during long-term local activity.
Crew-4 also continues the ongoing testing of the space station, which includes Student software in space
Kibo-RPC allows students to develop Astrobee control systems, one of the free-flying robots at the station. Sponsored by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the program provides participants with more information on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, helping to inspire the next generation of explorers.
During his previous flight, Cristoforetti worked on a similar student program, SPHERES-VERTIGO. In that investigation, students wrote software to use multiple flying satellites to create 3D object models. The ability to create such models of celestial objects using one or two smaller satellites that have the potential for many space applications. Listen to Cristoforetti talk about some of the research he has done on his previous missions.
Look Ma, no soil!
XROOTS uses hydroponic (liquid-based) and aeroponic (air-based) techniques to grow plants without soil or other common growth media. Researchers plan to use video and still images to test plant growth throughout the life cycle. Current space-based plant systems are small and use media-based systems to deliver water and nutrients. This does not grow well in space due to overcrowding, storage, storage, and sanitation problems. Hydroponic and aeroponic techniques can significantly increase crop production for future exploration.
The components of the system used for this study may improve the planting of vegetation in terrestrial areas such as seedling storage areas, which in turn contributes to the food security of the world’s population. In her previous mechanics, Lindgren worked on Veg-01, a plant-based system using pillows, small expandable units containing growing area and seeds. The experiment produced a red Roman lettuce, and Lindgren was one of the first people to taste a plant planted in space. Crew-4 members are not expected to eat XROOTS plants, which will be returned to Earth for analysis.
Medical monitoring
Monitoring the health of workers in deep spatial surveys poses unique challenges, including limited space for medical equipment and the inability to return samples to Earth for analysis. The rHEALTH display is tested using a modified, commercially off-the-shelf device to diagnose specific medical conditions. The device uses flow cytometry, a method that uses lasers to filter and identify cells, and can analyze cell numbers and cell characteristics; see microorganisms, biomarkers, and proteins; and check for health problems such as leukemia. The display ensures that the hardware can operate in the space environment and check its accuracy. These technologies can provide timely, inexpensive, reliable, and convenient testing to patients in the world who do not have access to robust health care infrastructure.
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