 |
| NASA |
For scientists around the world, the ISS is a laboratory. A place where one can carry out experiments of all kinds, in often unique conditions. This time, they are foam samples and stem cells that are about to be sent to the station.
Thus, three of the forthcoming experiments concern organic cells, including stem cells. Another is named Space Moss, a sufficiently evocative name. Others, finally, involve bringing new experimental equipment aboard the ISS.
Cells in orbit
The ISS needs to be regularly supplied with food and spare parts. Commercial trips take care of it. But SpaceX's 18 th CRS (for Commercial Resupply Service ) also provides equipment for organic experiments. Launched on July 21, this CRS will deposit, among others, stem cells and moss.
An experiment thus directly concerns stem cells. It will consist of observing their behavior and their growth in three-dimensional cultures, under the effect of microgravity (in other words, in a medium with greatly reduced gravity). The challenge: to modify the treatments of people sent for long missions in space. But also give pointers on the functioning of certain evils, in particular, Parkinson's disease and certain sclerosis.
Still, in the cell sector, a second experiment should test the regenerative capacity of bone cells. Here again, it will be necessary to develop treatments for broken bones in space. Fortunately, these cases are very rare.
Finally, a third experiment concerns the 3D printing of synthetic organs in space. If this technology is already well engaged on Earth, one hypothesis is that such impressions would be easier in space.
 |
| UK Center for Astrobiology / University of Edinburgh |
Between moss and microbes
On the foam side, the Space Moss experiment must study the growth of such organisms in a microgravity environment. If we know that the foam grows faster in a situation of hypergravity, will it, conversely, prosper more slowly in the case of microgravity? Space Moss will compare the evolution of the foam of the ISS with that of others, tested on Earth.
Let us add that the 18 th CRS should also bring other experiences. An experiment called BioRock should test the potential of three microbes in the bio-mining sector. This method should help explorers find useful materials on the Moon, and even on Mars.
The ISS will also take the opportunity provided by the 18 th CRS to add a new element to its installation: an IDA-3. IDAs are mooring pieces: they include elements useful for departures and arrivals on the station.
0 Comments