Fundamental Biology Program for Shuttle/MIR

Ames Research Center

Contents:

Science Overview
Fundamental Biology Program
Incubator Experiment
Greenhouse Experiment

Science Overview

Throughout its evolution, life on Earth has been exposed to the constant force of gravity. Gravity helped shape and continues to influence the structure, function, and ongoing evolution of all living organisms. Because of its pervasive influence, under standing the effects of gravity on life is a fundamental question in our quest to understand life. Knowledge of the effects of gravity on lower organisms, plants, humans, and other animals will be of direct benefit to: (1) the quality of life on Earth th rough applications in medicine, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, environmental management, and other human activities dependent on understanding biological processes; (2) understanding the impact of, and providing countermeasures for, long-term expo sure of humans to the microgravity of space flight and (3) the development of bioregenerative life support systems.

The international cooperation that has been initiated in the Shuttle/Mir program offers tremendous opportunities. The two Fundamental Biology experiments, "Incubator Ò and "Greenhouse", that are currently part of the Joint Shuttle/Mir program are exce llent examples of the cooperative effort.

The purpose of the "Incubator Experiment " is to determine the effect of micro-gravity environment on the fundamental developmental biology of avians. The influence of gravity on gametogenesis, fertilization, embryonic development, and maturation of avia ns is basically unknown. Some studies have been performed by the Russians , however, long term, second-generation studies have not been performed. Changes in ovulating females could have significant indirect influences on all phases of reproduction and development that depend on avian-ova interaction. Direct effects of microgravity might also occur and could include effects on the development and maturation of the musculoskeletal, vestibular, neurological, and cardiovascular systems, as well as effects on metabolism, behavior, sexual maturation, and development of normal circadian rhythms.

Greenhouse Experiment-

All food production, air revitalization and water purification functions of plants depend on proper photosynthesis and transpiration and proper completion of a series of developmental phases. Identifying and quantifying any microgravity influences on pla nt performance is essential prior to engineering properly sized and optimized life support systems.

The primary objective of the "Greenhouse Experiment" is to conduct seed-to-seed experiments in space and determine the effect of the microgravity environment on productivity and sexual reproductive capability of crop plants. Additional objectives includ e the identification of the chemical, biochemical and structural changes in plant tissues and organs induced by microgravity and the determination of how microgravity affects the gas exchange processes essential for utilization of plants in advanced life support systems.