Julie A. Robinson

Exploration-Related Research on ISS: Connecting Science Results to Future Missions

In January, 2004, the U.S. President announced The Vision for Space Exploration, and charged the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with using the International Space Station (ISS) for research and technology targeted at supporting U.S. space exploration goals. This paper describes: What we have learned from the first four years of research on ISS relative to the exploration mission; The on-going research being conducted in this regard; and Our current understanding of the major exploration mission risks that the ISS can be used to address. Specifically, we discuss research carried out on the ISS to determine the mechanisms by which human health is affected on long-duration missions, and to develop countermeasures to protect humans from the space environment. These bioastronautics experiments are key enablers of future long duration human exploration missions. We also discuss how targeted technological developments can enable mission design trade studies. We discuss the relationship between the ultimate number of human test subjects available on the ISS to the quality and quantity of scientific insight that can be used to reduce health risks to future explorers. We discuss the results of NASAs efforts over the past year to realign the ISS research programs to support a product-driven portfolio that is directed towards reducing the major risks of exploration missions. The fundamental challenge to science on ISS is completing experiments that answer key questions in time to shape design decisions for future exploration. In this context, exploration relevant research must do more than be conceptually connected to design decisions - it must become a part of the mission design process.

Synergies between Space Research and Space Operations— Examples from the International Space Station

Primary objectives for the International Space Station (ISS) in support of the Vision for Space Exploration include conducting research to counteract the harmful effects of space on human health, test new space technologies, and learn to operate long-duration space missions. In pursuit of these objectives, NASA is interested in closer cooperation between the ISS operational community, scientists, and engineers. To develop the exploration vehicles for missions to the moon and Mars, NASA must test materials, foods, and medicines to ensure their performance in the space environment. These results will enable important decisions on the materials to be used for future space vehicles. Another critical factor for the success on future missions beyond Earth orbit is the capability for repairs of equipment. On the ISS, the practice of crewmembers performing repairs in microgravity will increase our understanding of the repair processes in space; when these capabilities are needed during future space exploration missions, we will have the knowledge and experience to perform them. The ISS is a unique and irreplaceable training ground for building the operational knowledge required to safely conduct future exploration missions, and the growing links within the science, engineering and operations communities are reinforcing the value of that training. Current interactions between the communities that support the ISS have already produced many synergies that are significantly accelerating NASAs advancement towards future exploration missions in support of the Vision.

Recent research accomplishments on the International Space Station

Astronauts have conducted more than four years of continuous space research aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The US laboratory module, Destiny, is outfitted with a robust suite of scientific equipment to support spaceflight research. Research, albeit limited, is ongoing in spite the grounding of the Space Shuttle fleet as a result of the loss of the Columbia in February 2003. Results from the last four years of research on ISS are now appearing in the scientific literature. Indeed, scientific articles are now being submitted to peer-reviewed journals from the ISS by the Science Officer on board. This paper addresses the recent research results and accomplishments; and discusses the unique challenges faced in these early years of ISS assembly, including the methods for conduct of research while the Space Shuttle is unavailable as a resource for deploying and returning experiments for the ISS. We also discuss how the research portfolio is being realigned to support the use of ISS to enable NASAs Exploration Mission.

Research on the International Space Station - An Overview

The International Space Station (ISS) celebrates ten years of operations in 2008. While the station did not support permanent human crews during the first two years of operations November 1998 to November 2000 it hosted a few early science experiments months before the first international crew took up residence. Since that time and simultaneous with the complicated task of ISS construction and overcoming impacts from the tragic Columbia accident science returns from the ISS have been growing at a steady pace. As of this writing, over 162 experiments have been operated on the ISS, supporting research for hundreds of ground-based investigators from the U.S. and international partners. This report summarizes the experimental results collected to date. Today, NASAs priorities for research aboard the ISS center on understanding human health during long-duration missions, researching effective countermeasures for long-duration crewmembers, and researching and testing new technologies that can be used for future exploration crews and spacecraft. Through the U.S. National Laboratory designation, the ISS is also a platform available to other government agencies. Research on ISS supports new understandings, methods or applications relevant to life on Earth, such as understanding effective protocols to protect against loss of bone density or better methods for producing stronger metal alloys. Experiment results have already been used in applications as diverse as the manufacture of solar cell and insulation materials for new spacecraft and the verification of complex numerical models for behavior of fluids in fuel tanks. A synoptic publication of these results will be forthcoming in 2009. At the 10-year point, the scientific returns from ISS should increase at a rapid pace. During the 2008 calendar year, the laboratory space and research facilities were tripled with the addition of ESAs Columbus and JAXAs Kibo scientific modules joining NASAs Destiny Laboratory. All three laboratories, together with external payload accommodations, support a wide variety of research racks and science and technology experiments. In 2009, the number of crewmembers will increase from three to six, greatly increasing the time available for research. The realization of the international scientific partnership provides new opportunities for scientific collaboration and broadens the research potential on the ISS. Engineers and scientists from around the world are working together to refine their operational relationships and build from their experiences conducting early science to ensure maximum utilization of the expanded capabilities aboard ISS. This paper will summarize science results and accomplishments, and discuss how the early science utilization provides the foundation for continuing research campaigns aboard the ISS that will benefit future exploration programs.

NASA Utilization of the International Space Station and the Vision for Space Exploration

In response to the U.S. President’s Vision for Space Exploration (January 14, 2004), NASA has revised its utilization plans for ISS to focus on (1) research on astronaut health and the development of countermeasures that will protect our crews from the space environment during long duration voyages, (2) ISS as a test bed for research and technology developments that will insure vehicle systems and operational practices are ready for future exploration missions, (3) developing and validating operational practices and procedures for long-duration space missions. In addition, NASA will continue a small amount of fundamental research in life and microgravity sciences.