Station Science Top News: Oct. 11, 2024

Researchers verified that 3D micro-computed tomography scans can map the orientation of plant roots in space and used the method to demonstrate that carrots grown in actual and simulated microgravity both had random root orientation. These findings suggest that simulated microgravity offers a reliable and more affordable tool for studying plant adaptation to spaceflight.

MULTI-TROP evaluated the role of gravity and other factors on plant growth. Plant roots grow downward in response to gravity on Earth, but in random directions in microgravity, which is a challenge for developing plant growth facilities for space. Results from this investigation could help address this challenge, advancing efforts to grow plants for food and other uses on future space missions as well as improving plant cultivation on Earth.

For climate model simulations, researchers developed four parameters of electrical discharges from thunderclouds that produce visual emissions known as Blue LUminous Events or BLUEs. BLUEs are thought to affect regional atmospheric chemistry and climate. The parameters reported by this study could inform models that help test the global and regional effects of thunderstorm corona discharges, including how their geographic distribution and global occurrence rate will change as the atmosphere warms.

ASIM, an investigation from ESA (European Space Agency), studies high-altitude lightning in thunderstorms and the role it plays in Earth’s atmosphere and climate. Scientists need to understand processes occurring in Earth’s upper atmosphere to determine how lightning is connected to Earth’s climate and weather so they can develop better atmospheric models to guide weather and climate predictions.

A technique to detect sounds generated by the inner ear could be used as a non-invasive tool for monitoring changes in fluid pressure in the head during spaceflight. Increased fluid pressure in the head that occurs in microgravity can cause visual impairment and may also affect the middle and inner ear. Insight into fluid pressure changes could help scientists develop ways to protect astronauts from these effects.

The ESA and ASI investigation Acoustic Diagnostics monitored hearing function in astronauts on long-term missions using otoacoustic emissions (sounds generated by the inner ear in response to specific tones). Researchers compared these measurements before and during flight to indirectly detect changes in fluid pressure in the head. Different body position and fit of the ear probes affected results of the test and the authors note that these issues need to be addressed.

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Sumer Loggins

Dr. Rickey Shyne Named Crain’s Notable Black Leader 

Dr. Rickey J. Shyne, director of Research and Engineering at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, has been named one of Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2024 Notable Black Leaders.  

Shyne is responsible for leading a staff of approximately 1,100 engineers and scientists, and managing research and development in propulsion, communications, power, and materials and structures for extreme environments in support of the agency’s missions. He is on the board of Southwest General Health Center and a former board member of Cleveland Engineering Society. 

Crain’s Notable Black Leaders represent all industries and communities. From magnates to mentors, they are working to enrich their companies, communities and city. Nominees must serve in a senior leadership role at their company or organization; have at least five years of experience in their field; and demonstrate significant accomplishments within their industry, professional organizations, and civic and community groups. They must live and work in the Northeast Ohio area.  

Shyne is featured in the Crain’s September 30 issue, online and in print.  

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Kelly M. Matter

Dr. Rickey Shyne Named Crain’s Notable Black Leader 

Dr. Rickey J. Shyne, director of Research and Engineering at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, has been named one of Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 2024 Notable Black Leaders.  

Shyne is responsible for leading a staff of approximately 1,100 engineers and scientists, and managing research and development in propulsion, communications, power, and materials and structures for extreme environments in support of the agency’s missions. He is on the board of Southwest General Health Center and a former board member of Cleveland Engineering Society. 

Crain’s Notable Black Leaders represent all industries and communities. From magnates to mentors, they are working to enrich their companies, communities and city. Nominees must serve in a senior leadership role at their company or organization; have at least five years of experience in their field; and demonstrate significant accomplishments within their industry, professional organizations, and civic and community groups. They must live and work in the Northeast Ohio area.  

Shyne is featured in the Crain’s September 30 issue, online and in print.  

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Kelly M. Matter

$1.5 Million Awarded at Watts on the Moon Finals 

Great Lakes Science Center, home of the visitor center for NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, hosted the final phase of NASA’s Watts on the Moon Challenge on Sept. 20. NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen attended to help acknowledge the top winners.  

NASA awarded a total of $1.5 million to two U.S. teams for their novel technology solutions addressing energy distribution, management, and storage as part of the challenge. The innovations from this challenge aim to support NASA’s Artemis missions, which will establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. 

This two-phase competition challenged U.S. innovators to develop breakthrough technologies that could enable long-duration Moon missions to advance the nation’s lunar exploration goals. 

The winning teams are: 

• First Prize ($1 million): Team H.E.L.P.S. (High Efficiency Long-Range Power Solution) from University of California, Santa Barbara , won the grand prize for their hardware solution, which featured the lowest mass and highest efficiency of all competitors.  

• Second prize ($500,000): Orbital Mining Corporation, a space technology startup in Golden, Colorado, earned the second prize for its hardware solution that also successfully completed the 48-hour test with high performance. 

Four teams were invited to refine their hardware and deliver full system prototypes in the  final stage of the competition, and three finalist teams completed their technology solutions for demonstration and assessment at NASA Glenn.  

NASA Glenn’s Mary Wadel, director of Technology Integration and Partnerships, recognized the work involved to bring this challenge to its conclusion. Rob Button, deputy chief of Glenn’s Power Division and his team of experts, formulated and executed the challenge and oversaw testing. 

The technologies were the first power transmission and energy storage prototypes to be tested by NASA in a vacuum chamber mimicking the freezing temperature and absence of pressure found at the permanently shadowed regions of the Lunar South Pole.  

The Watts on the Moon Challenge is a NASA Centennial Challenge led by NASA Glenn. As the agency’s lead center for power systems technologies, NASA Glenn has been involved in the Watts on the Moon Challenge from its inception.  

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Kelly M. Matter

Ohio State Marching Band Performs Tribute to NASA 

The Ohio State University (OSU) teamed up with NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland for a multi-faceted tribute to NASA on Sept 21. During a home football game against Marshall University, OSU’s Marching Band recognized the agency with a NASA-themed halftime show, in-game salute, and tribute to Glenn and two alums who play significant roles in NASA’s spaceflight operations.  

The event kicked off in the morning during the Skull Session (pep rally) at St. John Arena on OSU’s campus. Public Address Announcer Wes Clark talked with Center Director Dr. Jimmy Kenyon, who shared information about Glenn and thanked OSU for the honor. During a special spotlight, Kenyon and OSU alums who now work at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center – Jeff Radigan, a NASA flight director, and Molly Radigan, deputy chief of Space Flight Systems – came onto the field to be recognized. 

At halftime, a special astronaut video from the International Space Station introduced the NASA-themed show. The band then blasted off with its space-themed performance that included several songs — from “Fly Me to the Moon” to “Starman.” The talented band members marched in formations that included an astronaut and spaceship blasting off, garnering excitement for NASA and cheers from the audience. 

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Kelly M. Matter