Station Science Top News: Aug. 18, 2022

On August 19, the SpaceX-25 Dragon capsule splashes down off the coast of Florida carrying scientific samples and hardware. Included aboard Dragon are:

• Key components of the spacesuit European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer wore during a spacewalk on March 23, 2022. They will be further analyzed and any needed fixes addressed. After crew members successfully completed the spacewalk, they discovered a thin layer of moisture on the inner surface and on an absorption pad inside the helmet following airlock re-pressurization. 
• The MISSE-15-NASA experiment examined how the low-Earth orbit environment affects new materials and components. Results could have applications for uses in the harsh environments of both space and Earth.
• Samples from the BioSentinel study. These return to Earth for optical measurements to examine radiation damage accumulated by yeast cells during their time in space. BioSentinel also was chosen to fly aboard the Artemis I mission as a secondary payload. Results could potentially reduce the risks associated with long-term human exploration.

Click here to read more about the scientific hardware and samples that returned on SpaceX-25.

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Matthias Maurer demonstrates the Bioprint FirstAid prototype during a training session. This investigation demonstrates a handheld bioprinter that prints viable cells, biomaterials, and biological molecules for skin reconstruction. The technology could be used to treat crew injuries on future space exploration missions. Credits: OHB/DLR/ESA

The Neurospat study monitored astronauts with an electroencephalogram (EEG) while they completed a virtual docking task. Results show that the averaged EEG signal peaked earlier during self-evaluation of good dockings than bad dockings. A deeper understanding of the effect of emotion processing on decision-making in microgravity allows researchers to improve crew procedures.

Cognitive neuroscientists investigated astronaut brain activity before, during, and after spaceflight via EEG recordings. The averaged EEG signal is known as the event-related potential (ERP). Notably, a smaller ERP wave was detected in microgravity relative to pre- and post-flight, potentially reflecting a reduced emotional response in space. This increased understanding of EEG brain responses could also help high performers (like astronauts) make adaptations more efficiently, potentially even before behavioral adaptations occur in microgravity. 

View of European Space Agency (ESA) Andre Kuipers,Expedition 30 Flight Engineer (FE),during his first orbital NEUROSPAT session. Andre is wearing an Electroencephalogram (EEG) electrode cap and optimizing channel impedance of the electrodes before starting measurements. NeuroSpat investigates the ways in which crew members' three-dimensional visual and space perception is affected by long-duration stays in weightlessness. Photo was taken during Expedition 30. Credits: NASA

Scientists examined reproductive health in fruit flies after 12 days in microgravity. Results showed sperm motility decreased by 35% compared to a control group on Earth, but that adding specific protein synthesis inhibitors restored motility speed. Understanding the factors involved in sperm cell motility can lead to the development of countermeasures to protect reproductive health in space.

The  Poligen study, sponsored by the State Space Corporation ROSCOSMOS (ROSCOSMOS), was conducted aboard the International Space Station. Because several other studies that controlled gravity forces during launch, orbit, and landing showed significant motility decreases during landing, researchers believe that hypergravity during descent could be the cause of reduced motility in sperm cells. Despite motility changes, researchers reported that cellular respiration, the content of proteins of the respiratory chain, and the expression of their genes did not change.

Social scientists examined the items and procedures involved in the return of supplies back to Earth as part of the SQuARE archaeology study. Scientists discovered that the process of item return is elaborate, well-defined, and well-orchestrated, though some additional steps remain unrecorded. These results provide new information to improve the design of future space stations.

Researchers also found that time sensitivity of items establishes a hierarchy wherein strict operational guidelines are followed. The processes reveal a highly regulated and scheduled lifestyle on station with little room for autonomy. Nonetheless, the large-scale team effort creates a shared feeling about the station and a sense of community among all NASA workers. Researchers obtained both quantitative and qualitative data.

NASA astronaut and expedition 66 Flight Engineer Kayla Barron snaps pictures of a sample “pit” aboard the International Space Station as part of the SQuARE experiment. This study is adapted from the standard archaeological technique on Earth called the “shovel test pit” and tracks the use and movement of objects in several sample sites throughout the orbiting laboratory. Crew members marked off the sample sites and took pictures at approximately the same every day, and then at randomly selected times. Scientists on the ground will analyze the images to understand how astronauts use objects and spaces over an extended period of time. What we learn could inform design of future space habitats. Credits: International Space Station Archeological Project.