An expedition sponsored by International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory has officially launched into space with more than 25 payloads.
According to certain reports, these payloads happen to concern technology demonstrations, in-space manufacturing, student experiments, and multiple projects funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). More on the same would reveal how these components were launched on SpaceX’s 31st Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission for NASA, and assuming they do end up achieving their desired objective, they will significantly improve life on Earth through space-based research, and at the same time, foster a sustainable economy in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Talk about the given payloads on a slightly deeper level, we begin from Bristol Myers Squibb’s (BMS) project, which will crystallize model small molecule compounds to support the manufacturing of more effective therapeutics. You see, crystals grown in microgravity are often larger and better-ordered than those grown on the ground, proposing the possibility of an improved morphology (geometric shape). Hence, by gaining a better understanding of the mechanism, BMS will build on its already-established legacy in regards to protein crystallization, and this it will do in collaboration with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Redwire Space.
Next up, we must touch on a quadrant of investigations funded by NSF, including a collaborative project from Oregon State University and Texas Tech University focused on cardiac health. The stated project, in particular, will leverage the power of 3D-bioprinted cardiac organoids to study microgravity-induced heart muscle atrophy, with results potentially leading to an increased understanding of heart muscle atrophy which can occur in several conditions, such as cancer, muscle disease, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, sepsis, and heart failure etc.
Then, there are multiple projects sponsored by the ISS National Lab and NASA. These projects, on their part, are built around the concept of in-space manufacturing. In fact, one such investigation by Sachi Bioworks, who is actively working with ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Space Tango, can tread up a long distance to help advance the development of new therapeutics for neurodegenerative conditions. The project in question will basically bank upon brain organoids in microgravity to test the effects of a novel drug on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.
Apart from that, the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology is launching a project, with support from ISS National Lab Commercial Service Provider Voyager Space, to test a cold method of welding. This technique happens to make up a process that bonds similar metallic materials using force or pressure instead of heat. Markedly enough, the stated method is expected to be used one day for safely repairing space platforms and ensuring their long-term viability, something which should help to eventually address the growing concern of space debris. As for next steps in the new technique’s development, they will see the researching team testing remote-operated, cold welding to apply metal patches across simulated spacecraft hull samples.
Finally, the payloads will include a total of 39 student-led experiments from the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program (SSEP). SSEP’ goal here is to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers by actively involving school communities throughout the development of scientific investigations that are to be conducted in microgravity. To give you some context, more than 35 communities took part in this SSEP mission, thus engaging hundreds of students in grades 5-12, junior college, and undergraduate studies.
Founded in 1998, International Space Station (ISS) happens to be a one-of-a-kind laboratory set up to empower a brand research and technology development which is not possible on Earth. The station, at present, allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Making it all the important is how ISS’ research resources can also be used to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, as well as the private sector.
