NASA and the agency\u2019s international partners are sending scientific investigations to the International Space Station on the 30th SpaceX commercial resupply services mission, including tests of technologies to monitor sea ice, automate 3D mapping, and create nanoparticle solar cells. The company\u2019s Dragon cargo spacecraft is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida in early March.<\/p>\n
Read more about some of the research making the journey to the orbiting laboratory:<\/p>\n
Plants off the Planet<\/strong><\/h2>\nPlants can be used in regenerative life support systems, to provide food, and to contribute to the well-being of astronauts on future deep space exploration missions. C4 Photosynthesis in Space (APEX-09<\/a>) examines how microgravity affects the mechanisms by which two types of grasses, known as C3 and C4, capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.<\/p>\n\u201cPlants respond to stressful conditions based on their genetic makeup and the environment,\u201d said Pubudu Handakumbura, principal investigator with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. \u201cWe aim to uncover the molecular changes involved in plants exposed to spaceflight stressors and develop an understanding of the mechanisms of photosynthesis in space.\u201d Results could clarify plant responses to stressful environments and inform the design of bio-regenerative support systems on future missions, as well as systems for plant growth on Earth.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Small](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/apex-seedlings-img-2526.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/figure>\nSeedlings germinating for the APEX-09 C4 Space investigation. <\/div>\nPubudu Handakumbura<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSensing the Sea<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ocean significantly affects the global climate. A technique called Global Navigation Satellite System reflectometry (GNSS-R), which receives satellite signals reflected from the surface of Earth, shows promise as a way to monitor ocean phenomena and improve climate models. Killick-1: A GNSS Reflectometry CubeSat for Measuring Sea Ice Thickness and Extent (Nanoracks KILLICK-1<\/a>) tests using this technique to measure sea ice. The project supports development of space and science capabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, by providing hands-on experience with space systems and Earth observation. More than 100 undergraduate and graduate engineering students participated in the project.<\/p>\n\u201cThe most exciting aspect of this project is that students have the opportunity to launch a mission into space,\u201d said Desmond Power, a co-investigator with C-CORE of Canada. \u201cIt is also exciting to build a tiny satellite that does different things, including contributing to our knowledge of climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n
GNSS-R technology is low-cost, light, and energy efficient. Its potential applications on Earth include providing data for weather and climate models and improving the understanding of ocean phenomena such as surface winds and storm surge.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/killick-1-ready-to-be-packed-away-for-launch.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/figure>\nThe KILLICK-1 CubeSat ready to pack for launch. <\/div>\nMemorial University, Canada<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAutomated Autonomous Assistance<\/strong><\/h2>\nMulti-resolution Scanner (MRS) Payload for the Astrobee (Multi-Resolution Scanning<\/a>) tests technology to automate 3D sensing, mapping, and situational awareness systems.<\/p>\n\u201cOur MRS on an Astrobee free-flying robot will create 3D maps inside the space station,\u201d said Marc Elmouttie, project lead with the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. \u201cThe technology combines multiple sensors, which compensates for weaknesses in any one of them and provides very high-resolution 3D data and more accurate trajectory data to understand how the robot moves around in space.\u201d<\/p>\n
The technology could be used for autonomous operation of spacecraft with minimal or no human occupancy where robots must sense the environment and precisely maneuver, including the lunar Gateway<\/a> space station. Other uses could be to inspect and maintain spacecraft and for autonomous vehicle operations on other celestial bodies. Results also support improvements in robotic technologies for harsh and dangerous environments on Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/elmouttie-astrobee-mrs6.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/figure>\nProject Lead Marc Elmouttie with the MRS hardware housed in an Astrobee robot. <\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPlacement of Particles<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Nano Particle Haloing Suspension<\/a> investigation examines how nanoparticles and microparticles interact within an electrical field. A process called nanoparticle haloing uses charged nanoparticles to enable precise particle arrangements that improve the efficiency of quantum-dot synthesized solar cells, according to Stuart J. Williams, principal investigator with the University of Louisville Department of Mechanical Engineering.<\/p>\nQuantum dots are tiny spheres of semiconductor material with the potential to convert sunlight into energy much more efficiently. Conducting these processes in microgravity provides insight into the relationship between shape, charge, concentration, and interaction of particles.<\/p>\n
The investigation is supported by NASA\u2019s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which partners with government, higher education, and industry on projects to improve a research infrastructure and research and development capacity and competitiveness.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Inside](\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/nanoparticlehaloingsuspension-img-7632.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/figure>\nA capstone student assembles part of the Nano Particle Haloing Suspension hardware.<\/div>\nUniversity of Louisville<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDownload high-resolution photos and videos<\/a><\/strong> of the research mentioned in this article.<\/p>\nMelissa Gaskill
International Space Station Program Research Office<\/em><\/strong>
Johnson Space Center<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nSearch this database<\/strong><\/a> of scientific experiments to learn more about those mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nKeep Exploring<\/div>\nDiscover More Topics<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n
\u201cPlants respond to stressful conditions based on their genetic makeup and the environment,\u201d said Pubudu Handakumbura, principal investigator with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. \u201cWe aim to uncover the molecular changes involved in plants exposed to spaceflight stressors and develop an understanding of the mechanisms of photosynthesis in space.\u201d Results could clarify plant responses to stressful environments and inform the design of bio-regenerative support systems on future missions, as well as systems for plant growth on Earth.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>Sensing the Sea<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe ocean significantly affects the global climate. A technique called Global Navigation Satellite System reflectometry (GNSS-R), which receives satellite signals reflected from the surface of Earth, shows promise as a way to monitor ocean phenomena and improve climate models. Killick-1: A GNSS Reflectometry CubeSat for Measuring Sea Ice Thickness and Extent (Nanoracks KILLICK-1<\/a>) tests using this technique to measure sea ice. The project supports development of space and science capabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, by providing hands-on experience with space systems and Earth observation. More than 100 undergraduate and graduate engineering students participated in the project.<\/p>\n\u201cThe most exciting aspect of this project is that students have the opportunity to launch a mission into space,\u201d said Desmond Power, a co-investigator with C-CORE of Canada. \u201cIt is also exciting to build a tiny satellite that does different things, including contributing to our knowledge of climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n
GNSS-R technology is low-cost, light, and energy efficient. Its potential applications on Earth include providing data for weather and climate models and improving the understanding of ocean phenomena such as surface winds and storm surge.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\nThe KILLICK-1 CubeSat ready to pack for launch. <\/div>\nMemorial University, Canada<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAutomated Autonomous Assistance<\/strong><\/h2>\nMulti-resolution Scanner (MRS) Payload for the Astrobee (Multi-Resolution Scanning<\/a>) tests technology to automate 3D sensing, mapping, and situational awareness systems.<\/p>\n\u201cOur MRS on an Astrobee free-flying robot will create 3D maps inside the space station,\u201d said Marc Elmouttie, project lead with the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. \u201cThe technology combines multiple sensors, which compensates for weaknesses in any one of them and provides very high-resolution 3D data and more accurate trajectory data to understand how the robot moves around in space.\u201d<\/p>\n
The technology could be used for autonomous operation of spacecraft with minimal or no human occupancy where robots must sense the environment and precisely maneuver, including the lunar Gateway<\/a> space station. Other uses could be to inspect and maintain spacecraft and for autonomous vehicle operations on other celestial bodies. Results also support improvements in robotic technologies for harsh and dangerous environments on Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nProject Lead Marc Elmouttie with the MRS hardware housed in an Astrobee robot. <\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPlacement of Particles<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Nano Particle Haloing Suspension<\/a> investigation examines how nanoparticles and microparticles interact within an electrical field. A process called nanoparticle haloing uses charged nanoparticles to enable precise particle arrangements that improve the efficiency of quantum-dot synthesized solar cells, according to Stuart J. Williams, principal investigator with the University of Louisville Department of Mechanical Engineering.<\/p>\nQuantum dots are tiny spheres of semiconductor material with the potential to convert sunlight into energy much more efficiently. Conducting these processes in microgravity provides insight into the relationship between shape, charge, concentration, and interaction of particles.<\/p>\n
The investigation is supported by NASA\u2019s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which partners with government, higher education, and industry on projects to improve a research infrastructure and research and development capacity and competitiveness.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\nA capstone student assembles part of the Nano Particle Haloing Suspension hardware.<\/div>\nUniversity of Louisville<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDownload high-resolution photos and videos<\/a><\/strong> of the research mentioned in this article.<\/p>\nMelissa Gaskill
International Space Station Program Research Office<\/em><\/strong>
Johnson Space Center<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nSearch this database<\/strong><\/a> of scientific experiments to learn more about those mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nKeep Exploring<\/div>\nDiscover More Topics<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n
\u201cThe most exciting aspect of this project is that students have the opportunity to launch a mission into space,\u201d said Desmond Power, a co-investigator with C-CORE of Canada. \u201cIt is also exciting to build a tiny satellite that does different things, including contributing to our knowledge of climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n
GNSS-R technology is low-cost, light, and energy efficient. Its potential applications on Earth include providing data for weather and climate models and improving the understanding of ocean phenomena such as surface winds and storm surge.<\/p>\n
<\/figure>Automated Autonomous Assistance<\/strong><\/h2>\nMulti-resolution Scanner (MRS) Payload for the Astrobee (Multi-Resolution Scanning<\/a>) tests technology to automate 3D sensing, mapping, and situational awareness systems.<\/p>\n\u201cOur MRS on an Astrobee free-flying robot will create 3D maps inside the space station,\u201d said Marc Elmouttie, project lead with the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. \u201cThe technology combines multiple sensors, which compensates for weaknesses in any one of them and provides very high-resolution 3D data and more accurate trajectory data to understand how the robot moves around in space.\u201d<\/p>\n
The technology could be used for autonomous operation of spacecraft with minimal or no human occupancy where robots must sense the environment and precisely maneuver, including the lunar Gateway<\/a> space station. Other uses could be to inspect and maintain spacecraft and for autonomous vehicle operations on other celestial bodies. Results also support improvements in robotic technologies for harsh and dangerous environments on Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nProject Lead Marc Elmouttie with the MRS hardware housed in an Astrobee robot. <\/div>\nNASA<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nPlacement of Particles<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Nano Particle Haloing Suspension<\/a> investigation examines how nanoparticles and microparticles interact within an electrical field. A process called nanoparticle haloing uses charged nanoparticles to enable precise particle arrangements that improve the efficiency of quantum-dot synthesized solar cells, according to Stuart J. Williams, principal investigator with the University of Louisville Department of Mechanical Engineering.<\/p>\nQuantum dots are tiny spheres of semiconductor material with the potential to convert sunlight into energy much more efficiently. Conducting these processes in microgravity provides insight into the relationship between shape, charge, concentration, and interaction of particles.<\/p>\n
The investigation is supported by NASA\u2019s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which partners with government, higher education, and industry on projects to improve a research infrastructure and research and development capacity and competitiveness.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\nA capstone student assembles part of the Nano Particle Haloing Suspension hardware.<\/div>\nUniversity of Louisville<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDownload high-resolution photos and videos<\/a><\/strong> of the research mentioned in this article.<\/p>\nMelissa Gaskill
International Space Station Program Research Office<\/em><\/strong>
Johnson Space Center<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nSearch this database<\/strong><\/a> of scientific experiments to learn more about those mentioned above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nKeep Exploring<\/div>\nDiscover More Topics<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n
\u201cOur MRS on an Astrobee free-flying robot will create 3D maps inside the space station,\u201d said Marc Elmouttie, project lead with the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. \u201cThe technology combines multiple sensors, which compensates for weaknesses in any one of them and provides very high-resolution 3D data and more accurate trajectory data to understand how the robot moves around in space.\u201d<\/p>\n
The technology could be used for autonomous operation of spacecraft with minimal or no human occupancy where robots must sense the environment and precisely maneuver, including the lunar Gateway<\/a> space station. Other uses could be to inspect and maintain spacecraft and for autonomous vehicle operations on other celestial bodies. Results also support improvements in robotic technologies for harsh and dangerous environments on Earth.<\/p>\n The Nano Particle Haloing Suspension<\/a> investigation examines how nanoparticles and microparticles interact within an electrical field. A process called nanoparticle haloing uses charged nanoparticles to enable precise particle arrangements that improve the efficiency of quantum-dot synthesized solar cells, according to Stuart J. Williams, principal investigator with the University of Louisville Department of Mechanical Engineering.<\/p>\n Quantum dots are tiny spheres of semiconductor material with the potential to convert sunlight into energy much more efficiently. Conducting these processes in microgravity provides insight into the relationship between shape, charge, concentration, and interaction of particles.<\/p>\n The investigation is supported by NASA\u2019s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), which partners with government, higher education, and industry on projects to improve a research infrastructure and research and development capacity and competitiveness.<\/p>\n Download high-resolution photos and videos<\/a><\/strong> of the research mentioned in this article.<\/p>\n Melissa Gaskill Search this database<\/strong><\/a> of scientific experiments to learn more about those mentioned above.<\/p>\n<\/figure>Placement of Particles<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/figure>
International Space Station Program Research Office<\/em><\/strong>
Johnson Space Center<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nDiscover More Topics<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n