Topic outline

  • Human Research

    Human Research


    1. The effect of long-term microgravity exposure on cardiac autonomic function by analyzing 48-hour electrocardiograms Cardiogram icon by iconfinder.com

      1. The experiment will examine how the body’s natural biological clock affects cardiac function during spaceflight.

      2. Crew members wear a watch that monitors rest and activity for 96 hours. The electrocardiograph is a built-in function that can measure heart activity for 48 hours. Measurements are taken 3 times - before flight, during flight, and after flight.

      3. This experiment is important for improving crew health technology during long-duration spaceflight, and may provide insight on how the general public could achieve a more healthy daily lifestyle.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/2115.html

    2. Medical Consumables Tracking

      1. The investigators will use radio-frequency identification codes to track what medicines and medical supplies aboard the ISS have been used, and what remains available to the crew.

      2. Each item has a unique identifier attached. Upon removal from the shelf, the tag automatically transmits its information to the ground team on Earth.

      3. This experiment will provide information on cargo decisions for future long-duration missions by determining which supplies are necessary, and in what quantities. It could also be useful in warehouses, hospitals, and other locations where remotely monitoring inventory is important.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/1259.html

    3. Stability of Nutritional Compounds

      1. This experiment studies the effect of a spaceflight environment on complex organic molecules by collecting data on select foods flown in space for varied lengths of time.

      2. Upon return the Earth, the samples will undergo a number of physical and chemical evaluations to determine the shelf-life and degradation rates of vitamin and amino acid contents.

      3. This research will help develop more stable and reliable foods that are suitable for long duration missions beyond low-Earth orbit. It will also assist explorers on Earth to make healthy choices for long-term explorations of inhospitable habitats like the Antarctic.