187709main NASA Research and Utilization Plan For The ISS PDF

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Research and Utilization Plan for the International Space
Station (ISS)
A Report to the Committee on Science of the United States House of Representatives and
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the United States Senate
Table of Contents
Section Page
Executive Summary iii

Legislative Language v
The ISS and Implementation of the Vision for Space Exploration 1
Human Research 9
Technology Development 15
Non-Exploration Research 21
Operations Demonstrations and Development 27
Commercial Opportunities 31
Education and Public Outreach 33
Other U.S. Government Agency Participation 35
International Partners 37
ISS Life Science Centrifuge 39
Figures
Figure 1: ISS Configuration Evolution 5

Figure 2: ISS Post Assembly Complete Payload Accommodations 6
Figure 3: Countermeasure Development Process 11
Figure 4: ISS Medical Project 13
Figure 5: Vehicle Cabin Air Monitor 19
Figure 6: New Oxygen Generation and Water Recovery System for ISS 20
Figure 7: The Product Development Funnel 21
Appendices
Appendix A: ISS Configuration A-1

Appendix B: Synopsis of U. S. Experiments on ISS (Expeditions 0 – 12) B-1
Appendix C: ISS Research Websites of Interest C-1
Appendix D: ISS Results - - Scientific Publications D-1
Appendix E: ISS Research Facilities and Hardware E-1
Appendix F: NASA Technical Report, “Exploration-Related Research F-1
on ISS: Connecting Science Results to Future Missions”
Appendix G: Acronym List G-1
Appendix H: Report Team H-1
An electronic copy of this report may be found at:

www.exploration.nasa.gov
i
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ii
Executive Summary
This Research and Utilization Plan presents the mission of the International Space Station
(ISS), and describes the scientific investigations, strategic research, commercial
opportunities, and technology developments to be accomplished. This plan was prepared
in response to Congressional direction (Public Law No: 109-155) for a “research plan for
NASA utilization of the ISS and the proposed final configuration of the ISS, including an
identification of microgravity research that can be performed in ground-based facilities
and then validated in space, and an assessment of the impact of having or not having a
life science centrifuge aboard the ISS.” It should be noted that this report does not
address the plan for operating a segment of the ISS as a “national laboratory” (ref. section
507 of Public Law No: 109-155); that topic will be addressed in a separate report to
Congress. Also, this report is not intended to address the comments and
recommendations made by the National Research Council in their publication, Review of
NASA Plans for the International Space Station (2006). Those items will be addressed in
a separate response to the Council.
In January 2004, the announcement of the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) focused
the Agency on a bold new mission: implementing a sustained and affordable human and
robotic program to explore the solar system.
The ISS mission objectives corresponding directly to these VSE objectives are as
follows:
1. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation of Biomedical Protocols for

Human Health and Performance on Long-Duration Space Missions.
2. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation of Systems Readiness for Long-
Duration Space Missions.
3. Development, Demonstration, and Validation of Operational Practices and
Procedures for Long-Duration Space Missions.
This Research and Utilization Plan provides a top-level description of the NASA
approach to meet these objectives and fulfill our mission. A systematic approach,
utilizing a combination of Government, academic, international, and industrial resources
(both on Earth and in space) and a stable investment strategy are planned.
Completing assembly of the ISS by the end of the decade, including meeting the
commitments to our international partners, is a first step in NASA’s implementation of
the VSE. NASA will use the Space Shuttle to complete the ISS assembly prior to its
retirement in 2010. The final configuration will support a six-person crew beginning in
2009 with the delivery of additional crew quarters, galley, and waste management
systems. NASA will also use the commercial sector and the flexibility in the partner
agreements to provide supplies and crew transport to the ISS.
iii
The ISS is NASA’s long-duration flight analog; the six-month ISS mission increments
are temporal and operational analogs for Mars transit. At the completion of assembly, the
ISS will be capable of supporting research and technology development programs which
meet the Agency’s needs for crew health and safety, technology advancement, and for
operational experience essential for long-duration missions beyond low-Earth orbit.
NASA is using the ISS as a laboratory for research in human health and countermeasures
as well as applied physical science. Beyond technical and research applications, the ISS
is providing NASA with experience in managing international partnerships for long-
duration human missions.
NASA’s ISS research portfolio has always focused on developing knowledge,

technologies, and countermeasures that ensure the safety, health, and optimum
performance of astronauts and their space vehicles. Prior to the VSE, the portfolio
consisted of a mix of both high technology readiness level (TRL) and countermeasure
validation studies with near-term applications and usage, as well as lower TRL and
fundamental research for which the potential benefits and impacts to spaceflight vehicles
and operations may be years, even decades, in the future. With the transition to VSE,
NASA’s plans for research and utilization of the ISS have undergone significant changes.
The resulting approach is still evolving and in active transition to focus available
resources on risk reduction associated with the NASA exploration architecture. However,
at assembly complete, NASA will be well positioned to take maximum advantage of the
window of opportunity provided by the ISS to continue both exploration and non-
exploration research and operations development as humanity becomes truly space-faring.
iv
Legislative Language
Public Law No: 109-155
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION

ACT OF 2005
SEC. 506. ISS RESEARCH.
The Administrator shall--

(1) carry out a program of microgravity research consistent with section 305;
(2) consider the need for a life sciences centrifuge and any associated holding
facilities; and
(3) not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, transmit to the
Committee on Science of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate the research plan for NASA
utilization of the ISS and the proposed final configuration of the ISS, which shall
include an identification of microgravity research that can be performed in
ground-based facilities and then validated in space and an assessment of the
impact of having or not having a life science centrifuge aboard the ISS.
SEC. 305. MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH.
The Administrator shall--

(1) transmit the report required by section 506;
(2) ensure the capacity to support ground-based research leading to space-based
basic and applied scientific research in a variety of disciplines with potential
direct national benefits and applications that can be advanced significantly from
the uniqueness of microgravity and the space environment; and
(3) carry out, to the maximum extent practicable, basic, applied, and commercial
ISS research in fields such as molecular crystal growth, animal research, basic
fluid physics, combustion research, cellular biotechnology, low-temperature
physics, and cellular research at a level that will sustain the existing United States
scientific expertise and research capability in microgravity research.
SEC. 204. ISS RESEARCH.
Beginning with fiscal year 2006, the Administrator shall allocate at least 15
percent of the funds budgeted for ISS research to ground-based, free-flyer, and
ISS life and microgravity science research that is not directly related to supporting
the human exploration program, consistent with section 305.
v
vi
The ISS and Implementation of the Vision for Space Exploration
Introduction
In January 2004, the announcement of the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) focused
the Agency on a bold new mission: implementing a sustained and affordable human and
robotic program to explore the solar system.
Two years later, NASA is well on the way to turning the Vision into reality. NASA has
unveiled plans for the next generation spacecraft, the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV),
which builds on the best of Apollo and Space Shuttle technology. NASA is returning the
Space Shuttles to flight and has celebrated the fifth anniversary of continuous crew
operations on the ISS.
Completing assembly of the ISS by the end of the decade, including meeting the
commitments to our international partners, is a crucial first step in NASA’s
implementation of the VSE. NASA has refocused ISS research to meet Agency mission
needs. As humans venture further into space, the next generation of long-duration human
exploration missions will need crew that can sustain the rigors of space, spacecraft
systems with high reliability, and operational experience at the crew-systems interface.
The ISS mission objectives corresponding directly to these Agency needs are
summarized as follows:
1. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation of Biomedical Protocols for

Human Health and Performance on Long-Duration Space Missions.
2. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation of Systems Readiness for Long-
Duration Space Missions.
3. Development, Demonstration, and Validation of Operational Practices and
Procedures for Long-Duration Space Missions.
The ISS also serves as a training ground in areas ranging from systems engineering and
development, to research planning and implementation, technology development, and
real-time operations. ISS provides valuable lessons for current and future engineers and
managers -- real-world examples of what works and what does not work in space. The
international collaboration provides valuable insights into how our Partner countries
approach building, operating, and maintaining spacecraft. As such, the ISS is a
cornerstone in advancing knowledge about how to live and work in space for long,
continuous periods of time and will remain critical to our future exploratory journeys.
Background
It should be noted that even before the VSE was formally implemented, much of NASA’s
research portfolio conducted on the ISS focused on developing knowledge, technologies,
and countermeasures that ensure the safety, health, and optimum performance of
astronauts and their space vehicles. The portfolio consisted of a mix of both high TRL
The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS 1

and countermeasure validation studies, with near-term applications and usage, as well as
lower TRL and fundamental research with potential benefits and impacts to spaceflight
vehicles and operations that will occur years, even decades, in the future.
Prior to the VSE, the NASA research program content underwent a series of reviews,
including reviews by the National Academies and other NASA advisory committees, to
ensure that ISS utilization focused on the highest priorities for the Agency. A committee
formed from the non-NASA community of researchers performed a major content review
of NASA’s life and physical sciences research priorities during the Research
Maximization and Prioritization Task Force (ReMap) in 2002 and provided
comprehensive rankings and recommendations at that time.
Beginning in the fall of 2004 and concluding in early 2005, in direct response to the VSE,
a Zero Based Review (ZBR) was conducted of the Human Systems Research &
Technology (HSRT) portfolio. The ZBR was conducted to reprioritize HSRT content to
support the VSE. All research tasks were collected and subdivided, rated with weighting
factors and criteria for exploration-relevant research, and a series of nonadvocate panels
then examined the ZBR process. As a result of the ZBR, research not directly supporting
exploration priorities was shifted to a lower priority ranking, targeted for gradual
phaseout of the program.
The ZBR created a research baseline that was employed in the Exploration Systems
Architecture Study (ESAS). The ESAS Technology Assessment Report was a further
narrowing of the ZBR priorities to very specific requirements emphasizing near-term
needs for a return to the Moon. These reviews indicate that much of NASA’s pre-VSE
utilization of ISS was already serving to implement the Agency’s new priorities.
Mission Need - Exploration
When he announced the VSE, the President declared that “the United States will launch a
refocused research effort on board the ISS to better understand and overcome the effects
of human space flight on astronaut health, increasing the safety of future space missions.”
The ISS is NASA’s long-duration testbed for lunar missions as well as a flight analog for
Mars transit. The six-month ISS mission increments are temporal and operational
analogs for Mars transit. NASA is using the ISS as a laboratory for research with direct
applications to exploration requirements in human health and countermeasures as well as
applied physical sciences for fire prevention, detection, and suppression; multiphase flow
for fluids such as propellant; life support; and thermal control applications. Beyond
technical and research applications, the ISS is providing NASA and its partners with
experience in managing international partnerships for long-duration human missions.
NASA’s biomedical research activities have always focused on the understanding and
development of risk management solutions for coping with human limitations in the
space environment and protecting health consequences after space flight exposure. With
the realignment of the Agency’s mission to the VSE and the logistical and operational
2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS

realities for ISS utilization resulting from Space Shuttle retirement in 2010, the
biomedical research activities have required some modification in order to continue
providing these solutions. These activities have been refocused under the ISS Medical
Project (ISSMP). The ISSMP maximizes return of essential human risk-reduction
information from ISS, including developing, demonstrating, and verifying effective space
flight countermeasures and medical technologies.
NASA is also conducting advanced technology evaluations onboard the ISS to help
further the state-of-the-art in areas such as structural engineering and battery technology,
which will have direct impact on exploration vehicle and habitat designs. For example,
strain gauges are being added to the truss structure planned for future assembly missions
to provide verification of structural loads predicted by computer programs. The ISS
program plans to fly batteries incorporating advanced technology to provide improved
performance and longer life. Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting systems will replace
existing lighting technologies on ISS. A new state-of-the art system for monitoring cabin
air in the ISS will demonstrate new technologies and ensure astronaut safety. Much of
this work is a continuation of, or a refocusing of, technology developments and
evaluations that preceded the VSE.
ISS is demonstrating new capabilities to sustain spacecraft operations over long time
periods, which will be critical for lunar/planetary habitats and Mars transit vehicles.
Periodic photographic surveys of the outside of the ISS are performed and compared with
previous pictures to understand the degradation of the vehicle over time. The ISS team is
performing and logging preventive maintenance on spacecraft systems to better
understand the slow decay of vital systems. The team is also demonstrating repair of
systems in space that were previously thought to be not repairable. The Expedition crews
recently successfully repaired a malfunctioning space suit, replaced treadmill bearings,
and replaced an Elektron subassembly. These repairs were thought not feasible in space
and are a testimony to both ground and flight teams that developed procedures and
training for these events.
Additional ongoing exploration-enabling demonstration and development activities on

the ISS include: flight demonstration and operation of new space vehicles; remote
maintenance and sustainability procedures; Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) technology
and capability; autonomous rendezvous and docking; life support systems; robotics and
human systems displays and controls; and crew health and safety improvements.
The ISS is providing knowledge and skills to overcome the inevitable contingencies that
will arise in exploration missions beyond low-Earth orbit. Challenges in returning the
Space Shuttle to flight have taught NASA engineers and scientists to adapt their ISS
research to new operations realities, and the ISS partners have learned how to overcome
challenges within an international partnership.
The ISS provides real-world examples on what works and what does not, creating
valuable lessons for current and future engineers and managers. The ISS gives us a
glimpse at how our partners approach building spacecraft, and NASA is learning many

lessons from our Partner countries in building, operating, and maintaining spacecraft as
cooperative endeavors.
Non-Exploration Utilization
The ISS has been and will continue to be used, although at a reduced level, for non-
exploration-related life and microgravity science research when the uniqueness of the
microgravity and space environment unmask phenomena that cannot be observed or
studied in the normal Earth environment. While exploration-related research typically
investigates mature Countermeasure Readiness Level (CRL) or TRL questions directly
linked to the VSE, non-exploration research investigates fundamental scientific
phenomena (biological and physical) associated with microgravity in the space
environment. The knowledge gained from fundamental research has the potential of
uncovering information that may lead to novel applications both on Earth and in space
exploration. NASA’s research portfolio includes both to ensure continuing advances in
the scientific and technical goals of both the VSE and the search for basic microgravity
and space environment effects in the life and physical sciences.
To maximize the capabilities and depth of the non-exploration fundamental research,

NASA’s research portfolio includes ground-based, free flyer and ISS research. The
ground-based research content includes microgravity and space flight environment
simulations and the supporting research facilities, as well as ground research directly
linked to flight research. The utilization of free flying (uncrewed) research platforms has
the potential to expand the number of microgravity and space environment research
opportunities and allows for independent verification of fundamental results observed on
the ISS.
ISS Configuration
The ISS has been continuously crewed for more than five years and is about 50 percent
complete with approximately 180 metric tons of mass on orbit. There are 15 elements on
orbit today, nine elements ready for launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and
seven elements in process. With the completion of assembly there will be approximately
457 metric tons of mass on orbit, including the international partner elements: the
Japanese Experiment Module, the European Columbus Module, the Canadian Special
Purpose Dexterous Manipulator robotic manipulator, and the Russian Multipurpose
Laboratory Module.
NASA will use the Space Shuttle to complete the ISS assembly prior to its retirement in
2010. During the assembly period, Russian Progress vehicles will be used to fill
expected logistics shortfalls, and Russian Soyuz vehicles will be used for crew exchange.
Assembly priorities are to complete the truss segments and power infrastructure, deploy
the international partner elements, and provide logistics to sustain the ISS. The final
configuration will support growth to six crew in 2009 with the addition of crew quarters,
galley, and waste management systems.

ISS Configuration Evolution
Today
Mass: ~180 MT
Vol: ~449 m3
Mass: ~230 MT
Vol: ~449 m3
5 flights ULF1.1 – 13A.1

Provide power system capability to support
infrastructure and utilization
Mass: ~457 MT* Mass: ~301 MT

Vol: ~1092 m3 Vol: ~917 m3
4 flights 17A – 20A

7 flights 10A – 2J/A
Complete Assembly and
Accommodate core IP elements
six-crew capability
with robust power system
(early 2009)
*Two Shuttle-equivalent flights for contingency
Figure 1: ISS Configuration Evolution
NASA will also use the commercial sector and the flexibility in the partner agreements to
provide supplies and crew transport to the ISS. This multicapability approach will
include potential Commercial Orbital Transportation Services capabilities, purchase of
international partner transportation services, and the CEV. The European Automated
Transfer Vehicle (ATV) and Japanese H-II Transport Vehicle (HTV) will conduct initial
flight demonstrations to the ISS during the assembly period.
Research Capabilities
At the completion of assembly, the ISS will support science and technology programs
which meet the Agency’s needs for crew health and safety, technology advancement, and
for operational experience essential for long-duration missions beyond low-Earth orbit.
The ISS research capabilities will include physical accommodations for internal
pressurized rack sites and external unpressurized attachment sites, and utility resources
such as power and thermal, data transmission, and crew time.
The ISS currently has eight U.S. research facility racks on orbit, including two Human
Research Facility racks, five multiuser racks, and the Microgravity Sciences Glovebox.
(For more information on these facilities, refer to Appendix E.) Seven additional U.S.
research facilities, four European facilities, and three Japanese facilities will be delivered

throughout the remaining assembly period. The external unpressurized accommodations
will be phased in later during the assembly period with delivery of the external
logistics/payload carriers. ISS payloads are controlled and operated through the Payload
Operation Integration Center located at the Marshall Space Flight Center. From their
home sites, researchers can monitor and control their payloads using the Telescience
Resource Kit, a PC-based telemetry and command system.
ISS Post Assembly Complete Payload Accommodations
Internal Pressurized Rack Sites Station-Wide U.S. Share

U.S. Laboratory 13 ISPRs * 13 ISPRs
Japanese Experiment Module 11 ISPRs 6 ISPRs
European Columbus Orbital Facility 10 ISPRs 5 ISPRs
Total 34 ISPRs 24 ISPRs
External Un-pressurized Attachment Sites

U.S. Truss 10 sites 10 sites
Japanese Exposed Facility 10 sites 5 sites
European Columbus Orbital Facility 4 sites 0 sites Microgravity Science Glovebox &
Total 24 sites 15 sites EXPRESS Rack 3A
Utility Resources
Power/thermal: 25 kWavg
Data Transmission**: 150 Mbps downlink (Ku band)
Transmission coverage: 70 – 75% of orbit
Crew time: 35 hours/week
Transportation: In work
*ISPR: International Standard Payload Rack

**research usage shared with system operations
Figure 2: ISS Post Assembly Complete Payload Accommodations
Space Transportation and Crew Time
Utilization of the ISS is constrained by transportation of upmass and downmass to and

from the ISS and crew time available for payload operations. Since the Columbia
accident, the ISS program has relied on the Russian Soyuz and Progress vehicles to
transport crews, supplies, and experiments to ISS. Upmass and downmass opportunities
have been limited and have impacted NASA’s ability to perform research on the ISS.
The Space Shuttle flight, STS-114, in August 2005 brought vital research supplies, spare
parts, and experiments to the ISS. Equally as important, the Space Shuttle returned
samples, hardware, and other items from the ISS. The approaching Space Shuttle flight,
STS-121, will reestablish regular Space Shuttle flights to the ISS.
Crew size and crew time limitations have also constrained utilization of the ISS. Since
the Columbia accident, the ISS has operated with a crew of two due to logistical
constraints. The reduced crew has had less time available to perform utilization activities

because of the level of operations and maintenance overhead associated with the routine
operations of ISS. Crews have volunteered their time on weekends to perform science in
an effort to boost utilization. Overhead tasks are being reviewed and reduced in an effort
to increase utilization time. As regular Space Shuttle flights resume, the crew
complement will return to three, and utilization activities will increase to pre-accident
levels. With the addition of crew quarters, galley, and waste management systems, crew
size will have the potential to increase to six by 2009.
Detailed Discipline Research & Utilization Plans
The remainder of this document is broken into discipline-specific sections: Human

Research, Technology Development, Non-Exploration Research, Operations
Demonstrations and Development, Commercial Opportunities, and Education and Public
Outreach. Each of these sections goes into a more detailed description of the research,
exploration-enabling development, and utilization activities planned in these areas. In
addition, there are sections describing non-NASA utilization of the ISS, specifically by
other U.S. Government agencies and the ISS international partners. Finally, the last
section contains a discussion of the ISS life sciences centrifuge as specifically requested
in Section 506 of the 2005 NASA Authorization Act.


Human Research
Introduction
The risks to humans traveling, living, and working in space increase with the duration of
the mission and its distance from Earth; exploration missions with destinations to the
surface of the Moon and Mars pose new and unique challenges to ensuring the health,
safety, and productivity of those individuals. The Human Research Program (HRP) was
formed in response to NASA’s alignment with and implementation plan for the VSE and
to focus its biological research investment on the
highest risks to astronaut health and performance in
support of exploration missions. The HRP contains
the evolution of biological research activities initiated
prior to the VSE and new initiatives designed to
produce deliverables that specifically enable NASA’s
exploration architecture. The goal of the HRP is to
provide human health and performance research,
knowledge, technologies, and tools to enable safe,
reliable, and productive human space exploration.
HRP meets these goals through an integrated
Cosmonaut Alexander Y. Kaleri, Soyuz flight
engineer, after Soyuz capsule landing on April program of intramural and extramural research using
30, 2004. both ground analogs and research on the ISS.
This section will give an overview of the process by which the HRP utilizes the ISS as
part of the overall countermeasure development process. It begins with an overview of
the sources for research and countermeasure development requirements, with particular
emphasis on the Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer (OCHMO) Space Flight
Health Standards. Then, the process by which countermeasures evolve from concepts,
through ground analog testing and to final flight validation on ISS, is described. Finally,
the section ends with an outline of NASA’s future approach for HRP utilization of the
ISS.
Research and Countermeasure Development Requirements
One of the primary sources for HRP technical and research requirements is the Space
Flight Health Standards developed and controlled by the OCHMO. The Chief Health and
Medical Officer (CHMO) is charged with ensuring the health and safety of NASA
employees in space and on the ground by developing health and medical policy,
establishing guidelines for health and medical practice in the Agency, providing oversight
of health care delivery, assuring professional competency Agency-wide, and reviewing
and approving research requirements and deliverables. The CHMO also monitors human
and animal research and clinical practice to ensure that the Agency adheres to the highest
medical and ethical standards and satisfies all regulatory and statutory requirements.

The OCHMO has established Space Flight Health Human Performance Standards which
establish acceptable medical risk from the harmful health and performance effects of
space flight. These standards drive operational and vehicle design requirements, aid in
medical decision making during space missions, and guide the development of
countermeasures, interventions, and procedures to amend and prevent the negative health
and performance effects of space flight. The process by which OCHMO developed the
standards was modeled on that used by the United States Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA). Standards are based on the best available scientific and clinical
evidence, including research findings, lessons learned from previous space missions,
analog environments, current standards of medical practice, risk management data, and
expert recommendations. Crew health-related standards address all mission phases and
target physiological and behavioral and performance systems at risk from exposure to the
space environment. An initial set of standards are in the development and approval
process, and it is anticipated that additional standards may be developed as needed.
An assessment of each standard is underway using a risk management approach that

addresses whether further research is needed to meet a standard with confidence. This
assessment is a methodical review of the evidence base behind each standard, associated
uncertainties, and planned approaches for meeting the standard. These assessments may
identify research requirements associated with refining standards or requirements aimed
at providing countermeasures and capabilities to maintain crew health within the
established limits. All standards will be periodically and regularly reviewed and may be
updated as new evidence emerges.
In addition, the HRP derives requirements from Design Reference Mission definitions
and Concept of Operations documents associated with the exploration architecture. HRP
seeks to reduce or eliminate risks to completion of the exploration missions and to
astronaut health during and long after the missions. The Bioastronautics Roadmap
(http://bioastroroadmap.nasa.gov/index.jsp) defines and categorizes the specific science
discipline risks that affect exploration missions. Design Reference Missions and
Concepts of Operation provide a baseline of mission activities and durations for
determining mission risks, operational requirements, required countermeasures, and
needed medical care capabilities. With the Space Flight Health Standards, these
documents provide the framework upon which the HRP research and technology
development requirements are determined. Successful implementation of HRP
requirements will result in countermeasures and other needed capabilities for ensuring
crew health and safety for each class of exploration mission.
Countermeasure Development and Maturation
This section describes the overall countermeasure development process and the linkage
of ground-based research to ISS research and utilization. The development of
countermeasures follows a pathway of maturation, or countermeasure readiness levels
(CRL), by which ideas and concepts emerging from basic research are developed into
flight operations. The countermeasure development process begins with the

identification of the biomedical issues and priorities identified from the HRP technical
and research requirements. This includes basic and applied research to develop
countermeasure concepts (Levels 1–3); evaluation of those concepts and initial
demonstration of effectiveness through standardized studies and ground analogs (Levels
4–6); countermeasure validation in spaceflight on the ISS (Levels 7-8); and finally,
operational implementation and transition to use by the flight surgeons and astronauts
(Level 9).
CRL 9
IMPLEMENTATION Reviews
Operations (OCHMO Transition
to Medical Practice)
CRL 7-8
VALIDATION ISS Flight Studies Reviews

(HRP Science
Management)
CRL 4 - 6
Standardized Studies
EVALUATION Reviews
Ground Analogs
(HRP Science
Management)
Program Scientists
CRL 1 - 3
DEVELOPMENT
NSBRI Individual Directed
Teams Investigators Research
Teams
Figure 3: Countermeasure Development Process
HRP activities focus on operational issues and solutions to operational problems to

support an outcome-oriented approach. HRP research is primarily focused on evaluation
of countermeasure concepts at CRLs of 4 through 8. To best meet the VSE goals and
objectives, the HRP will move away from the historical model of individual investigator-
driven research acquired through broad research announcements to a more focused and
timely approach to ensure success. HRP will follow a new paradigm of appropriate,
directed research with greater integration between operations and research communities.
Directed research may take the form of assigned tasks through the National Space
Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI), other external researchers, in-house research,
and focused solicitations through NSBRI or other external researchers. NASA Research
Announcement (NRA) and Announcement of Opportunity (AO) processes will be used in
nontime-critical situations. All research (in-house and external) will be subject to
independent peer review/nonadvocate review, using the established NASA processes for
research acquisition, reviewing for scientific merit, and likelihood of providing the
desired outcome. Existing research in work prior to the VSE that is well aligned and
leading to capabilities for reducing exploration risks has been retained and will be
supplemented by research into other strategic areas.

Countermeasure Evaluation – Ground Analogs
NASA has increased its reliance on ground-based analogs that simulate the effects of
microgravity on human systems for countermeasure evaluation, including analog
environments, computer simulations, lunar dust
simulations, and longitudinal studies. The
primary analog for human physiology research is
head-down bed rest. In this analog, test subjects
are placed in bed at a 6 degree head down tilted
position for anywhere from a few days to a few
months, depending on which physiological
system or which countermeasure is under study.
The studies are conducted in a standardized
manner, including the collection of a standard set
Bed rest test subject performing an exercise protocol.
of clinical and physiological measurements on
every test subject, in order to obtain an accurate
assessment of the integrated physiological response to bed rest and for the assessment of
the effects of system-specific countermeasures on other systems. By this approach,
NASA is able to evaluate countermeasures in larger sample sizes, perform preliminary
evaluations of possible in-flight protocols, and identify the details of individual strategies
before flight resources are requested.
Countermeasure Validation - ISS Utilization and Research
The ISS provides a unique, important opportunity for collection of data on human health
and performance and for validation of countermeasures after they have been evaluated in
an appropriate ground analog. ISS human research is being focused under the ISSMP.
ISSMP is designed to maximize the opportunity provided by the ISS for human health
and performance evaluations and is highly integrated with NASA’s medical operations
for both support of ISS crew and planning for exploration. It is the HRP’s “go-forward”
approach for ISS utilization given the resource realities -- most significantly, a reduced
number of Space Shuttle flights and Space Shuttle retirement in 2010 which limits
available up and down mass, and a delay in crew size increase to six, which reduces the
total number of available space flight test subjects and the available crew time.
The goals of ISSMP are to perform human research on the ISS to:
• Address the highest risks to mission success and to long-term crew health
associated with exploration missions.
• Understand the significant effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human
body so that medical standards and protocols to manage exploration risks can
be developed.
• Determine “Space Flight Normal” for relevant body systems during long-
duration flight by conducting longitudinal monitoring with standard measures,
including the initial period, first month, and at significant intervals thereafter
(including pre- and postflight periods).

These standard measures enable exploration medical standard development, and an
integrated assessment of physical (exercise), pharmacological, and/or nutritional
countermeasures against effects of spaceflight which impact mission success or crew
health. These countermeasures will include concepts to ensure adequate neurosensory
function during all mission phases, approaches to offset decreased bone and muscle
strength (combining physical, pharmacological, and nutritional components, as
appropriate), reliable and effective exercise equipment and protocols, and protection
against circulatory orthostatic intolerance. HRP also intends to develop and verify
optimized shielding, procedural, pharmacological, and/or nutritional countermeasure(s) to
protect crews from radiation exposures, and devise and verify strategies to ensure optimal
crew (individual and group) behavior and performance.
ISS Medical Project

Every Ongoing Clinical Evaluation (medical normal measures):
Expedition -Supports medical standards development.
-Supports ongoing assessment of countermeasure
progress.
Specific Countermeasures and Risk Reduction

-Development of an integrated physical,
pharmacological, and nutritional countermeasure
suite.
-Radiation countermeasures.
As Resources -Behavioral Health and Performance.
are Available
Technology Evaluation
-Food and support systems.
-Medical monitoring, diagnostic, and treatment
capabilities.
-Environmental monitoring technologies.
Figure 4: ISS Medical Project
NASA is also heavily engaged with our international partners in the area of human
research and countermeasure development. NASA and Russia have renewed their
interest in a stronger human research partnership. NASA’s membership and participation
in the International Space Life Sciences Working Group (ISLSWG),
http://exploration.nasa.gov/about/islswg.html, continues to be an important avenue for
collaboration on shared research goals. One of the guiding principles of the ISLSWG is
to optimize the utilization of flight resources by avoiding unnecessary duplication of
equipment, by sharing equipment and flight opportunities, and by cooperating with all
partners whenever possible. Several of our ISLSWG partners, including the European

Space Agency (ESA), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency (JAXA), have contributed flight hardware to the Human Research
Facility suite of equipment. (For more information on HRF, see Appendix E.) ESA and
JAXA have ISS laboratory modules with life sciences facilities scheduled for launch after
2007. Both have facilities that HRP will find useful in implementing its research goals,
and HRP intends to take advantage of NASA’s already good ISLSWG working
relationship with ESA and JAXA to negotiate future utilization of those facilities. In
addition, cooperation with ESA and Russia on a countermeasure evaluation proposal is
being defined, and a draft charter for a research working group to collaborate with the
Countermeasures subpanel to the ISS Multilateral Medical Operations Panel is under
review by NASA, ESA, and Russia.
Countermeasure Operations – Transition to Medical Practice
At several key points in the countermeasure development process, a candidate

countermeasure will go through scientific management reviews before advancing into the
next phase of maturation. The final review is governed by the CHMO and is defined as
the Transition to Medical Practice (TMP) review. The TMP review process is designed
to assess the effectiveness and operational readiness of medical research and technology
products and deliverables. It provides a clear channel for human health and medical-
related flight and ground research results for transition to tools available to support
Agency human space flight programs. The TMP review process is applied to newly
proposed medical procedures, practices, processes, countermeasures, or technologies
resulting from NASA-sponsored research that are designed to maintain the health and/or
support the medical care of space flight crews.
Conclusion
NASA’s life sciences research program has undergone significant changes with the
transition to VSE. The resulting HRP portfolio is still evolving and in active transition to
focus available resources on risk reduction associated with the NASA exploration
architecture. The plan to pursue appropriate directed research and to focus deliverables
on capabilities to set and meet Space Flight Health Standards will position HRP to
effectively meet exploration objectives. In the newly formed ISSMP, HRP is well
positioned to take maximum advantage of the window of opportunity provided by the ISS.

Technology Development
Introduction
As humans travel far from Earth on long-duration space missions and live for increasing
periods on the Moon and other planetary surfaces, new technologies will be necessary to
ensure mission success and mission safety. While most technology development projects
and supporting research are performed in Earth-based laboratories, a significant number
are conducted on the ISS. The ISS is a unique testbed for research requiring long-
duration exposure to the space environment and for technology development as it
provides the ability to demonstrate functionality and resolve performance problems in
reduced gravity. NASA’s Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) will
focus research and technology investments on those areas that support the development
of enabling technology for the CEV and lunar missions.
The ETDP uses a maturation process following Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
At lower TRLs, the technology concept is formulated, and proof of concept for the
critical function is demonstrated. At mid TRLs, component and subsystem validation is
completed in a relevant environment, either ground or space. At the high TRLs, system
prototype and, ultimately, flight-qualified demonstrations are completed in ground or
space. This leads to an actual system that is flight proven. Several needed technologies
for the VSE are currently at mid TRLs, but many more technologies still must be
developed. Applied research in the physical sciences provides the necessary building
block information to inform future technology developers of novel ways to develop
necessary systems, thus reducing overall spacecraft mass and improving performance (e.g.
Thermal Control and Propellant Storage). While most work in ETDP focuses on mid to
high TRL where specific technologies will be delivered (e.g. Environmental Monitoring
Control, and Oxygen Generation and Water Recovery), additional applied research
activities will also be conducted.
The projects in the ETDP have been guided by recommendations from the National
Research Council (NRC) and internal NASA program assessments, notably the
Exploration Systems Architecture Study. Several important vehicle technologies, such as
propellant storage, fire safety, and thermal control, have been recommended as higher-
priority research in the NRC reports, Microgravity Research in Support of Technologies
for the Human Exploration and Development of Space and Planetary Bodies (2000);
Engineering Research and Technology Development on the Space Station, Committee on
Use of the International Space Station for Engineering Research and Technology
Development, Aeronautics (1996); and Space Engineering Board and Assessment of
Directions in Microgravity and Physical Sciences Research at NASA (2003). Also, the
National Research Council report, Advanced Technology for Human Support Technology
in Space (1997), calls for the development of technologies that reduce the dependence on
resupply (approaching closed loop) for life support systems and space flight

demonstration tests of environmental monitoring and control devices. These systems are
under development in the ETDP and will be tested on the ISS.
ISS facilities, including the Fluids and Combustion Facility and the Microgravity Science
Glovebox, were developed to conduct experiments that will provide engineering data and
scientific knowledge supporting technologies needed for exploration. The currently
funded experiments are planned to be launched by 2010 or earlier. A formulation and
selection process for future experiments will be defined and implemented to make
optimal use of the ISS. A detailed description of the facilities is provided in Appendix E.
This section describes the ETDP areas that require the ISS for either applied research or
technology demonstration. In applied research, the areas include: Fire Prevention,
Detection and Suppression, Thermal Control, Propellant Storage, and Structural
Response of the ISS. Technology demonstrations include: Materials Survivability,
Inspection and Repair in the Space Environment, Environmental Monitoring and Control,
and Oxygen Generation and Water Recovery Systems.
Applied Research
Fire Prevention, Detection and Suppression (FPDS)
The FPDS program will develop technology that will improve the prevention, detection,
and suppression of fires in space. This technology area will develop hardware, design
rules and requirements, and procedures that include fire prevention and characterization
of material flammability, fire signatures and detection, and fire suppression and response.
Each of these areas has knowledge and products that will be delivered to exploration
systems developers to ensure crew health and safety.
ISS experiments which will support the activities of FPDS include the Droplet Flame
Extinguishment Experiment (FLEX) which will investigate fire suppression and the
Smoke Aerosol Measurement Experiment (SAME) which will investigate smoke
detection in space. The FLEX investigation will provide the initial screening of fire
suppressants in varying atmospheric (O2 concentration and pressure) and flow conditions.
The FLEX investigation will use the Multi-User Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA)
facility, which is a multiuser “mini-facility” designed to be inserted into the combustion
chamber of the Combustion Integrated Rack on the Fluids and Combustion Facility of the
ISS. The objective of the SAME investigation is to improve the reliability of future
spacecraft smoke detectors by making measurements of the smoke particulate size
distribution to enable rational design of smoke detectors. SAME will operate in the ISS
Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG).
Thermal Control (TC)
The TC program will develop two-phase (liquid-vapor) energy transport systems to

reduce space craft mass and volume. Studies have shown that two-phase thermal
management systems are lighter for higher heat rejection needs. Furthermore, they

provide the ability to have isothermal temperature control for thermal busses which
provides designers additional flexibility, in terms of placement of temperature-sensitive
heat sources, and can significantly reduce the size of radiators that are governed by their
absolute temperature raised to the fourth power.
Several ISS research and utilization activities are planned for TC. Two are pool boiling
experiments, the Microheater Array Boiling Experiment (MABE) and the Nucleate Pool
Boiling Experiment (NPBX). Boiling is an effective means of cooling because most of
the heat transfer is from the latent heat of vaporization as opposed to heating and
pumping a single-phase fluid which is typically used in for space-based thermal control,
energy conversion, and water recovery systems. Pool boiling is the limiting case of flow
boiling, hence the pool boiling will provide significant information in determining flow
boiling characteristics, including the heat transfer coefficient and limiting cases of flow
boiling that are critical towards safe operation of devices such as in the event of a pump
failure and subsequent loss of flow. The Constrained Vapor Bubble (CVB) experiment
will study flow induced by capillary forces. The CVB experiment uses an innovative
design that will enhance the performance of future heat pipe systems by eliminating the
need for wicks and by enabling volume and mass-efficient packing geometry (from
cylindrical to honeycomb design). Heat pipes currently designed for space are
conservative because of the lack of understanding of the thermal performance limit and
capacity to recover from thermal overloads (dry out and rewetting).
Propellant Storage (PS)
The PS program will conduct investigations that will lead to the design of lighter weight
cryogenic storage tanks. The state-of-the-art for propellant transfer and management has
not advanced significantly since the 1960s. To compensate for uncertainty in design,
high pressure, heavy, oversized tanks are used to accommodate supercritical storage and
propulsion (thruster resettling) or positive displacement techniques (bladders) are used to
force propellant to a specific location. Propellant systems for space exploration
applications, such as an extended stay on the Moon or a Mars transit mission, will require
an order of magnitude larger propellant storage than in present spacecraft. Stored
propellants may include cryogenic liquids, such as methane, oxygen, or hydrogen. Zero
boil off technologies will be important to ensure long-term storage of these propellants.
A suite of fluid physics flight experiments, the Capillary Flow Experiments (CFE), have
been developed to investigate capillary flows and phenomena in low gravity. The CFE
data will be useful to future spacecraft designs, particularly pertaining to fluids
management systems such as fuels/cryogen storage systems, thermal control systems,
water recycling, and materials processing in the liquid state. NASA’s current plans for
exploration missions assume the use of larger liquid propellant masses than have ever
flown on interplanetary missions. Under low-gravity conditions, capillary forces can be
exploited to control fluid orientation so that such large mission-critical systems perform
predictably. CFE investigates capillary flow in complex containers, critical wetting in
discontinuous structures, and large-scale length contact line damping. CFE will provide
first-ever flight validation of “Surface Evolver”, the only code that predicts surface

shapes in microgravity. This code is used by Lockheed Martin-Denver, for example, in
propellant tank design.
Structural Response of the ISS
This activity will measure the structural response of the ISS trusses and modules as it
progresses through the assembly sequence. Both strain gauges and accelerometers are
used for this purpose. Accelerometers measure responses on the inboard and outboard
trusses and pressurized modules during docking and other loading events, while the strain
gauges measure loading on inboard trusses and in Node 1 ("Unity"). Both the U.S. and
Russian segments are instrumented. The data are used for model validation. These
models are used to predict loads and structural life of the ISS and will be valuable in the
design of the CEV and other future human spacecraft.
Technology Demonstrations
Materials Survivability, Inspection, and Repair in the Space Environment (MSIR)
The MSIR program will test and evaluate new materials, components and processes that
need an in-space environment evaluation. The space environment poses many hazards to
the exposed surfaces of spacecraft, including intense ultraviolet radiation, corrosive
attacks from atomic oxygen, radical
temperature swings, and strikes from
micrometeoroids and orbital debris.
NASA studies of the exposure of
materials to the space environment for
long periods of time have taken
advantage of the Russian Space Station
Mir and the ISS as a location to place,
mount, and retrieve sets of test materials.
The Materials International Space

MISSE Station Experiment (MISSE) has two
Passive Experiment Carriers (PECs)
with approximately 900 specimens that were mounted outside the ISS airlock in August
2001 and returned in August 2005. A new PEC was mounted on the ISS in August 2005.
Two more PECs will be brought up by Space Shuttle flight STS-121/ULF1.1, and two
additional PECs are planned to be brought to ISS on a subsequent Space Shuttle flight.
Analyses of exposed sample survivability will be conducted upon return of samples.
Environmental Monitoring and Control (EMC)
Currently, there are limited capabilities on ISS to perform real-time monitoring of air and
water quality. This limitation stems to a certain degree from the failure of specific
systems on orbit. Lack of timely chemical and microbial detection in the crew
atmosphere, or elsewhere in the air processing system, can lead to delayed response by

the crew or by automated response equipment, leading to increased hazards to the crew.
The EMC Program will provide more reliable and capable, compact, real-time
monitoring technology for
microbial, air, and water
contaminants. The program will
develop a suite of miniaturized
integrated electronics sensors for environmental
monitoring of crewed vehicles and
habitats. These sensors will
operate autonomously with
minimal or no crew intervention.
The ISS will be utilized to
demonstrate and validate that the
sensor vacuum developed technologies will
consumables chamber operate in a “Relevant
Environment” autonomously and
preconcentrator maintenance-free for period of
gas chromatograph greater than three months. The
Vehicle Cabin Air Monitor (VCAM) focus is on EMC technologies that
Figure 5: Vehicle Cabin Air Monitor
have been matured to a
Technology Readiness Level
appropriate for “Technology Demonstration” on the ISS. Specific sensors will be carried
forward beyond a technology demonstration to operational status. Sensors being
developed include the following: Vehicle Cabin Air Monitor (VCAM); Electronic Nose,
which is an event detector for ISS air quality; Colorimetric Solid Phase Extraction Water
Monitor, which will measure silver and iodide in ISS water; and Lab-On-a-Chip, which is
a portable test system that will monitor surfaces on ISS for bacterial contamination.
Oxygen Generation and Water Recovery Systems
This technology demonstration will develop, operate, and sustain a “closed-loop” life
support system on the ISS similar to a system necessary for future, long-duration human
spaceflight missions to the Moon and Mars. The new system will generate oxygen from
water and recover water on the ISS from condensate and urine. This will sustain
additional crew members onboard.
The oxygen generation system will be launched on the upcoming STS-121 Space Shuttle
mission, and the water recovery system will be completed and delivered in 2007, with a
launch planned for 2008. These regenerative environmental control and life support
systems will be packaged into three racks and initially installed in the ISS Destiny lab
module.
The oxygen generation system will use water to generate breathable oxygen for
crewmembers, replacing oxygen lost due to crewmember metabolic consumption, as a
consequence of experiments, and during airlock depressurization. During normal
operations, it will provide enough oxygen to support six crewmembers. The system is

designed to operate with little monitoring. Current operational capabilities for water
recovery include the recycling of humidity condensate which accounts for less than 50
percent of the wastewater stream. With the deployment of the advanced water recovery
system, which includes the Vapor Catalytic Distillation assembly and multifiltration beds,
both the humidity condensate and urine can be recovered on the ISS. This will increase
the recovery to greater than 80 percent of the wastewater.
WRS Rack 1 WRS Rack 2 OGS Rack
Figure 6: New Oxygen Generation and Water Recovery System for ISS
Conclusion
The Exploration Technology Development activities on the ISS will deliver critical
components for future exploration systems and will also provide engineers the knowledge
to design efficient space technologies that will reduce mass and improve reliability.
Near-term deliverables in life support technologies are a focus of the current program. In
the longer term, as human space exploration widens in scope, the engineering design
knowledge and data that are produced by applied research on the ISS will enable the
design and delivery of integrated space flight systems that can function reliably in
mission-critical roles.

Non-Exploration Research
Introduction
This section covers NASA’s non-exploration ground-based, free flyer, and ISS life and
microgravity science research portfolio and represents an investment portfolio that is
consistent with the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 (Public Law No. 109-155).
The relationship between fundamental and applied research is in reality fairly seamless
rather than sharply divided. However, NASA has found need to divide its ISS research
portfolio into the general groupings of exploration and non-exploration research.
Exploration research focuses on application-driven research that is directly linked to the
VSE. Non-exploration research focuses on hypothesis-driven research that has the
potential for advancing life and physical science not directly linked to the VSE.
Exploration research typically focuses on higher TRL/CRL activities, while non-
exploration research investigates more fundamental life and physical sciences phenomena
associated with the space environment. NASA’s research and development investment
program is similar to the investment portfolios of mature technology and pharmaceutical
corporations. While this portfolio model relies on a diverse investment in fundamental
research that can lead to future applications, the bulk of the capital investment is in
developing and bringing to fruition a few select goals. This process is illustrated in the
pharmaceutical product development figure below:
Figure 7: The Product Development Funnel
To maximize the capabilities and depth of the fundamental research, NASA’s non-
exploration ISS research portfolio includes ground-based, free flyer, and ISS research.
The ground-based research includes microgravity and spaceflight environment
simulations as well as activities directly supporting ISS research. The utilization of free-
flying (uncrewed) research platforms expands the number of microgravity and space

environment research opportunities and allows for independent verification of
fundamental results observed on the ISS. NASA has a long history of leveraging its
resources to expand its fundamental research portfolio and plans to continue to pursue
these collaborations to the maximum extent possible.
The remainder of this section will describe the process for determining the non-
exploration research content, and how that portfolio will be implemented on the ISS,
ground, and free flyer platforms.
Non-Exploration Research Content Approach
NASA’s non-exploration research represents a wide array of scientific disciplines

covering the biological and physical sciences. A strategic approach has been devised that
leverages previous investments and increased collaborative partnerships between diverse
groups in Government (such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National
Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of
Energy (DOE)), industry, academia, and NASA’s international partners. This planned
approach should result in significant near- and long-term benefits that complement, but
are not duplicative of, other aspects of NASA ISS utilization research. This plan includes
a rigorously managed program of basic, applied, and commercial research in fields such
as animal research, basic fluid physics, combustion research, cellular biotechnology, and
cellular research. The research will be supported at a much lower level than in the past,
but it should help to sustain the existing U.S. scientific expertise and research capability
in microgravity research.
The implementation plan for NASA’s non-exploration ISS research utilizes existing
fundamental research in NASA’s portfolio and develops future opportunities and
advancements in non-exploration research. The primary selection pool of candidate
investigations consists of peer-reviewed, fundamental, non-exploration research that was
part of NASA’s portfolio prior to the ZBR and ESAS reviews.
Research Platforms
The ISS will be utilized to the maximum extent possible, and to adjust for Space Shuttle
utilization limitations, ground-based and free flyer research opportunities will also be
pursued. This approach will sustain, to the maximum extent feasible, national
capabilities to conduct fundamental non-exploration research and preserve and promote
commercial, small business, and international collaborations. Each of these platforms is
discussed below.
ISS Research
Non-exploration ISS research will initially focus on completing a core group of small and
diverse microgravity experiments that are near completion and are, or are ready to be,
manifested for flight on Space Shuttle to the ISS. In addition, NASA plans on continuing
its current international partner research collaborations. This will maximize return from

the ISS by sharing international partner facilities in the U.S. laboratory Destiny and also
sharing ISS facilities in the Columbus Laboratory Facility, and the Japanese
Experimental Module (JEM) Facility and the JEM Exposed Facility.
Life sciences research on ISS will include investigations

ranging from microorganism and cellular research to plant
and animal (nonrodent) research. Currently manifested
experiments include microgravity and space environment
effects on microorganisms using molecular, cellular, and
virulence investigations and plant and animal research
using molecular, cellular, and organismal-level
investigations.
Physical science research on ISS will include

ISS Expedition 8 Astronaut Mike Foale
performing the Yeast GAP-1 experiment.
investigations ranging from basic fluid physics to
combustion and materials science. Planned investigations
include the study of phase separation in the area of colloids, flammability with liquid
fuels, and analysis of microstructure changes during solidification in the microgravity
environment.
Existing NASA and international partner facilities on the ISS that support exploration-
related research will also be leveraged to support non-exploration research. These
facilities include, for example, the Fluids and Combustion Facility, the MSG, and the
European Modular Cultivation System, which will support plant experiments.
Ground-Based Research
The ground-based research portfolio will ensure that a solid base of diverse nonhuman
research efforts will be funded and conducted. This ground-based research will be linked
to and will lead to space-based basic and applied research in a variety of areas that are not
directly related to supporting the human exploration program.
Life and physical sciences ground-based research will focus on a range of topics that are
required for investigations using the unique microgravity and space environment afforded
by the ISS. The topics covered in life science will include research in areas such as
microbiology, virology, immunology, molecular biology, cellular research and
biotechnology, genetics, physiology, and animal research. The topics covered in physical
science will include research in areas such as interfacial phenomena, granular flow,
dynamics and stability, complex fluids, flammability, ignition characteristics, other
combustion research, and materials science research areas of metals, glasses, ceramics,
and semiconductors. NASA is funding over 70 peer-reviewed grants ending in 2006 that
have fundamental non-exploration life and physical sciences focus. In addition, NASA
will maintain animal non-exploration microgravity and space environment analog-based
ground research capability.

Free Flyer Research
The Free Flyer program can provide cost-effective flight opportunities for fundamental,
non-exploration payloads that cannot be flown on ISS due to transportation limitations or
safety concerns. The planned free flyer research approach involves implementation of a
free flyer microgravity research program based on a variety of collaborative partnerships
between Government, industry, academia, and our international partners. This free flyer
research effort will range from research missions involving international collaborations
that utilize spacecraft such as the Russian Foton, to potential multidisciplinary
microsatellite experiments launched on U.S. commercial or DOD vehicles. The free flyer
efforts will be space-based basic and applied scientific research covering disciplines with
potential direct national benefits and applications that can be advanced significantly from
the uniqueness of microgravity and the space environment.
Free flyer opportunities as secondary payloads on U.S. launch vehicles are anticipated
and have the potential for resulting in a readily available, low-cost alternate approach to
carry small scientific payloads into space that would complement utilization of Space
Shuttle and ISS. This approach would also address a diversity of collaborative
opportunities between Government, industry, and academia to provide reasonable access
to space and might substantially reduce the wait time for new instruments and
experiments. These secondary payloads include use of small modular instruments for a
variety of life or physical science experiments ranging from 2 to 20 kg.
Other ongoing free flyer collaborative efforts involve larger instruments and payload
capability and could support much larger research efforts, such as those needed to
conduct rodent experiments.
NASA is collaborating on the
Russian Foton M2 and Foton M3
missions by sharing life sciences
biospecimens. Such collaborations
are made possible by our
participation in the U.S.-Russian
Joint Working Group on Space
Biomedicine, Life Support Systems,
and Microgravity Sciences. In
addition, NASA is working with
Recovery of a Russian Bion Free Flyer that contained Russian-U.S.
collaboration experiments.
ESA on Foton M3 physical science
collaborative research. As national
and international free flyer opportunities develop, NASA will continue to develop
collaborations and partnerships that will maximize fundamental life and/or physical
sciences return for the particular opportunity. Such collaborations will maximize the
space flight opportunities available for fundamental research. They also allow for
independent verification of results obtained on the ISS by allowing for a comparison
between space vehicle effect and space environment effect.

Conclusion
NASA’s non-exploration investment portfolio is limited, but seeks to preserve existing

U.S. scientific expertise and research capability in microgravity research and provide
results that will feed into ISS and/or free flyer experiments. The knowledge gained from
non-exploration fundamental research has the potential of uncovering information that
may lead to novel applications both on Earth and in space exploration.


Operations Demonstrations and Development
ISS - Experienced in Exploration
Through the Shuttle-Mir and ISS programs, NASA has acquired experience in building
and operating complex space vehicles. In areas ranging from space systems engineering,
assembly, operations, and maintenance, to international partner relationships and
management, the knowledge gained from this experience can be applied directly to future
mission needs.
The ISS is an ideal platform to test protocols and procedures that will enable greater crew
autonomy and reduce dependence on the ground support team. Training tools, crew and
robotic operations, time delayed or intermittent ground communications, and on-orbit
repair and maintenance can be demonstrated and validated in space. The ISS can support
demonstrations of new capabilities and tools required for sustaining spacecraft operations,
including remote vehicle management, logistics management, in-space assembly and
inspections, and flight demonstrations of new crew and cargo transportation vehicles.
The ISS also provides a unique opportunity to flight test components and systems in the
space environment and to optimize subsystem performance. It is the only space-based
test bed available for critical exploration spacecraft systems such as closed-loop life
support, EVA suit components and assemblies, advanced batteries and energy storage,
and automated rendezvous and docking.
The ISS provides valuable lessons for current and future engineers and managers -- real
world examples of what works and what does not work in space.
Crew Operations
High performing crews are critical to successful long-duration missions. Specialized

skills and training of international crewmembers, as well as advanced protocols,
procedures and tools will reduce the risks to future exploration missions.
Mission Capabilities Needed Capabilities Needed ISS Role

Objective for Moon for Mars
Crew Operations • Integrated international • Integrated • Develop and demonstrate protocols and
and Training crews. international procedures with international crews.
• Evolved operations tools crews. • Develop and demonstrate skills-based and
and processes. • Streamlined onboard training tools.
• Skills based operations tools
intravehicular activity and processes.
(IVA) and EVA training; • Computer-based
evolved onboard training IVA and EVA
tools. training.
Extra Vehicular • Improved EVA suit • Highly reliable, • Prototype new EVA suit materials,
Activity (EVA) materials and on-orbit maintainable suits; components, and subassemblies.
maintainability. resilient to Mars • Verify procedures for on-orbit repair and
• Enhanced suit dust. maintenance, self donning/doffing, and
mobility/flexibility; self • Reduced crew prep airlock management.
don/doff. times for EVAs.

Effective on-board training is one of the keys to future long-duration exploration
missions. The ISS provides a platform to develop efficient methods to convey new
information to crewmembers and influence the volume and types of preflight crew
training. The interaction of the crew with mission control is also a significant element
that can make a space mission highly successful. The ISS provides an environment to
improve the interaction between crew and ground and make missions safer and more
effective. Working for months with crewmembers from other countries and cultures is an
important aspect of the ISS program. Developing methods to work with our partners on
the ground and in space is critical to providing additional capabilities and solutions to
design challenges.
Spacecraft Systems Operations
Efficient, reliable spacecraft systems are critical to reducing crew and mission risks.
Optimizing systems performance and characterizing system performance in space will
reduce mission risks and advance capabilities in long distance and autonomous vehicle
and systems management.
Mission Objective Capabilities Needed Capabilities Needed ISS Role

for Moon for Mars
Advanced Habitation and • Closed-loop life • Long-duration crew • Evolve crew
Life Support Operations support and accommodations. accommodations and
environmental control. • Long distance crew planning systems for
• Evolved medical care provisioning and provisioning, food, and
and countermeasures. resupply. clothing.
• Long-distance crew • Advanced • Characterize operating
provisioning and environmental control conditions for next-
resupply. and life support. generation closed-loop
• Long-distance medical life support.
care and long-duration • Validate advanced health
countermeasures. care and
countermeasures.
Communications • Remote systems • Remote systems • Develop operations
Operations Protocols management. management. procedures for remote
• Systems monitoring • Radiation-hardened vehicle management and
tools for reduced hardware. intermittent
ground support. • Autonomous crew communications.
• Autonomous crew operations. • Characterize operating
operations. • Autonomous systems conditions for radiation-
monitoring tools. hardened hardware and
networks.
• Validate autonomous
crew operations and
reduce ground support.
Advanced Power Systems • Improved batteries and • Next-generation power • Validate and test
and Energy Management power systems. systems. advanced battery cells,
• Efficient energy • Efficient energy solar energy, photovoltaic
generation storage. generation and storage. arrays, and improved
energy storage.
Propulsion • Next-generation • Demonstrate and test
propulsion systems. advanced concepts and
prototypes.

Demonstrating and developing confidence in systems for water and waste recovery,
oxygen generation, and environmental monitoring technologies are important as the
distance and time away from Earth is extended. The ISS is NASA’s closed-loop life
support test bed for demonstrating these advanced capabilities in the space environment.
Maintaining crew health is key for long-duration flights, and the ISS provides
demonstration and continuous operation of these systems. Already, much has been
learned about developing exercise equipment and its effectiveness for maintaining crew
fitness. More must be learned before long-duration missions on the Moon or to Mars are
attempted.
The ISS has the largest solar arrays ever deployed for a spacecraft. Understanding how
the ISS solar arrays and the other power system components perform is key in moving
toward longer stays on the Moon and en route to Mars.
Crew-System Interface Operations
Demonstration and validation of the human-machine interfaces will enable sustained

spacecraft operations over long periods of time. Advances in crew and robotic
operations, on-orbit maintenance and repair, in-space assembly, and demonstrations of
new crew and cargo transportation vehicles are essential to expand beyond low-Earth
orbit.
Mission Objective Capabilities Needed Capabilities Needed ISS Role

for Moon for Mars
Automation, Robotics and • Combined crew and • Autonomous crew and • Validate robotic designs,
Human-Machine Interface robotic operations. robotic operations with concepts, tools, and
• Robotic exploration aids time delayed operational scenarios for
and EVA support. communications. long-distance assembly
• Ground-controlled • Combined airlock and and maintenance tasks.
robotic operations. robotic operations.
Advanced Transportation, • Highly reliable docking • Next-generation • Demonstrate and test
Rendezvous and Docking mechanisms. transportation systems. tools and ground-
Operations • Autonomous rendezvous • Highly reliable controlled robotic
and docking systems. autonomous rendezvous operations to improved
and docking systems. crew efficiency.
Assembly Operations • Reliable in-space • Autonomous in-space • Demonstrate procedures

assembly operations. assembly operations. for in-space assembly
systems; self-deploying
systems; inspection and
control.
Systems Maintenance; • Component commonality • Maximum component • Demonstrate test, repair
Repair; Logistics Re- to support field repair commonality to support and maintenance
supply and Sparing without logistics on-orbit maintenance and operations on orbit.
resupply. repair. • Evolve logistics
• Reduced resupply • Reduced in-route and management,
requirements and trash onsite resupply maintenance and sparing
generation. requirements. concepts.
• Evolved logistics and • Autonomous logistics and
inventory management. inventory management
tools.

The Canadarm 2 robotic arm provides the ability to assemble large ISS elements in flight.
Ground control of certain robotic activities is enabling more efficient use of valuable
crew time. Development of displays and control are important for future spacecraft
systems’ designs. Software tools play a role in helping crews virtually practice EVA or
robotic tasks before ever donning a spacesuit or powering up the robotic arm.
ISS also provides a real-world laboratory for logistics and maintenance concepts for
future spacecraft. ISS crews have had to demonstrate repair capabilities due to the
Columbia accident and the reduced flow of logistics for the ISS. Crews and their ground
maintenance counterparts have devised unique solutions that have kept the ISS
functioning despite logistic shortfalls.

Commercial Opportunities
Introduction
The goals for commercial utilization of the ISS are to help sustain space exploration, by
making it affordable, and to foster a market for commercial services. In the past,
“commercial utilization” has been defined as research supported in full or in part by
private companies for purposes related to commerce either in space or on Earth, with the
expectation that eventually, companies would fully fund their research. This goal of full
support for commercial ISS research has not been realized as was originally envisioned
due to several factors, such as lack of crew time and long development time between the
initiation of an experiment and its eventual flight on the ISS. Principal among these
reasons has been a lack of sufficient and reliable transportation for crew and cargo to the
ISS.
Objectives
One of the goals of the VSE is to “pursue commercial opportunities for providing
transportation and other services supporting the ISS.” To support this goal, NASA is
developing a diversified approach to alternative vehicles that would service the ISS once
the Space Shuttle is retired in 2010. The CEV and its cargo variants will provide crew
and cargo transportation to the ISS. In addition, an alternative, commercial means to
provide crew and cargo transportation services is being pursued through the Commercial
Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) project.
Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS)
On January 18, 2006, NASA released the Space Act Announcement for Phase I of the
COTS Project. The project has a $500 million commitment in the budget through
FY 2009 to develop a commercial space transportation capability. Over 90 companies
have expressed interest in COTS. If the Space Act Agreements produce successful
demonstrations, NASA could start purchasing commercial cargo and eventually crew
services as early as 2010.
The Commercial Crew/Cargo Project consists of two phases. During Phase I, NASA will
enter into funded Space Act Agreements with one or more U.S. companies to develop
and demonstrate the vehicles, systems, and operations to support a human space facility,
such as the ISS. Under Phase I, NASA seeks proposals for Earth-to-orbit demonstrations
of any one or a combination of four capabilities:
• Unpressurized external cargo delivery and disposal.
• Pressurized external cargo delivery and disposal.
• Pressurized internal cargo delivery and return.
• Crew transport.

Alternative Options
Planning for the future, NASA intends to extend its use of commercially developed
capabilities and services to other NASA needs, such as in-space fuel delivery to support
human exploration missions.
NASA is also negotiating with the Russians for Progress flights through 2009 and Soyuz
flights through 2011. The necessary resources to pay for these flights are reflected in the
FY 2007 ISS crew/cargo budget request.
As mentioned in the non-exploration research section, free flyer opportunities as

secondary payloads on U.S. launch vehicles are anticipated and have the potential for
resulting in a readily available, low-cost alternate approach to carry small scientific
payloads into space that would complement utilization of the Space Shuttle and the ISS.
This approach would also address a diversity of collaborative opportunities between
Government, industry, and academia to provide reasonable access to space and might
substantially reduce the wait time for verification of new instruments and experiments.
Implementation Plan
Implementation of commercial utilization will be guided by an assessment of need to

support the VSE and the ISS mission objectives discussed earlier in this document.
Commercial research and development projects are currently focused in the areas of
autonomous medical care and monitoring, biotechnology, fire suppression, in situ
resource utilization, pharmaceutical development, synthesis of advanced materials, and
spacecraft systems technology. Some of the facilities under review are described in
Appendix E. An assessment of fit and need into the current missions will be conducted.
In all cases, the commercial research will be coordinated closely with NASA’s
exploration and non-exploration research to ensure relevance to NASA’s needs and to
look for opportunities to leverage NASA resources with those of the commercial partners.
Conclusion
The VSE has brought a new emphasis to alternate access to space with the development
of the CEV and COTS projects. It has also brought about a focused alignment and
prioritization of our research and technology investment dollars, including future
commercial research funding. Commercial utilization program funding is currently under
assessment to ensure alignment with NASA needs.

Education and Public Outreach
The ISS supports a variety of educational and public outreach activities to teach students
about science, math, technology, and engineering principles in the unique environment of
space. Many of the human research, technology
development, and commercial utilization payloads
incorporate educational components which reach thousands
of K–12, undergraduate, and graduate students each year.
These programs are designed to promote science education
and hands-on experience at all levels. Web-based programs,
virtual reality simulations, and actual science experiments
on ISS enable students to conduct and compare their
Students participating in an ground-based experiments with experiments being
educational project. conducted in space.
Cooperative educational programs with museums and science centers around the world
help students discover how familiar objects perform differently in space and learn ways
that humans adapt to use these objects in space. On-orbit educational activities include
demonstrations of Newton’s Law, fluids, magnets, tools, musical instruments, crew living
and working in space, recycling, laboratory safety, and effects of space on tomato seeds.
The ISS crews’ video clip demonstrations supplement science curricula around the world.
Similar educational payload activities are being planned to support the first flight of an
Educator Astronaut.
An image-based educational program allows middle school students to direct and control
a digital camera mounted in a window of the ISS to capture images of the Earth. The
images are archived on the Web and used by educators to support curriculums in physics,
technology, geography, weather, environment, and Earth science. To date, nearly 940
schools and 26,000 students from the United States, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, and
Canada have participated in the middle school program.
The ISS crews participate in live in-flight education video downlinks. Similar to a
videoconference, students pose questions related to classroom studies and watch from
their school or science center as crewmembers discuss and demonstrate science,
technology, engineering, and math concepts in space. Members of the education
communities, NASA Centers, other Government agencies (notably the Department of
Education), and the ISS international partners sponsor these events. The downlinks
support national and state education standards and are provided at no cost to the host
organization. During the last year, over 42,000 students from the U.S. and Japan
participated in downlinks.
An amateur radio program also offers formal and informal opportunities for students and
adults to experience the excitement of talking directly with crewmembers on the ISS.
Amateur radio organizations and space agencies in the U.S., Russia, Canada, Japan, and
Europe sponsor these unique educational experiences. Crew members make school

contacts via ham radio similar to the in-flight education video downlinks. Crewmembers
also make random contacts with Earth-bound ham radios during their breaks, presleep
time, and before and after mealtime. The deorbit of an instrumented Russian space suit,
SuitSAT, captured the attention of students and ham radio operators around the world.
The ISS is a valuable platform for supporting crew photography of the Earth and NASA’s
public outreach program. The astronaut-acquired imagery provides insight into natural
Earth processes and documents human activities on
the planet. This program captures spontaneous
events such as the flooding from the hurricane in
New Orleans, the damage resulting from the tsunami
in Asia, and volcanic eruptions. Images have been
used to map coral reefs, seasonal changes, and
plankton blooms. The handheld photography also
captures human impacts on the Earth – such as
urban land use, agricultural expansion, deforestation,
and destruction of New York City’s Twin Towers
Hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico.
on 9/11. The ISS imagery continues forty-plus
years of time series imagery which has been ongoing since human spaceflight began in
1961. In 2005, NASA’s Web site, “The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth”
(http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/), received an average of 17 million hits per month.

Other U.S. Government Agency Participation
The ISS provides a valuable platform for research and technology development
applications which support other U.S. Government agencies.
The DOD has been utilizing the ISS for technology development experiments since the
early ISS increments. These basic technology development activities take advantage of
the ISS’s on-orbit location and access to the crew
for payload deployment, servicing, and
reconfigurations. These experiments validate new
technologies for current and future space systems
and are consistent with the “peaceful purposes”
objectives of the ISS program. Potential
technology applications include precise and
autonomous timekeeping and space navigation
without Global Positioning System, atmospheric
Artist’s depiction of DOD autonomous flying changes and measurements, first alert sensor
formation technologies. demonstrations, autonomous formation flying
technologies, advanced solar cell technologies,
engine plume modeling, materials exposure sampling, and satellite inspections and
servicing.
The ISS may also serve as a space-based platform for the DOE-sponsored Alpha
Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS). The 16-nation international collaboration is building a
high-energy particle physics and astrophysics experiment designed to search for
previously undetected forms of anti-matter and dark matter. The AMS was originally
scheduled to fly to the ISS on the Space Shuttle. However, due to the need to launch
higher-priority payloads on the limited number of Space Shuttle flights remaining before
its retirement in 2010, AMS was removed from the Shuttle launch manifest. NASA is
exploring the use of alternative expendable launch vehicles to carry the AMS to the ISS,
though an alternative launch is not currently baselined or funded. Preliminary costs
associated with alternative launch options have been developed, but a formal cost
estimate of such alternative launch options still needs to be conducted. NASA has not
determined whether such a launch would be the most effective use of the Agency’s
limited funds.


International Partners
ISS partner utilization is based on the principle of each partner providing ISS elements
and/or resources and receiving an allocation of utilization resources in return. Canada,
Europe, and Japan’s space agencies actively share flight research data and hardware in
the following multilateral forums: the International Space Life Science Working Group
and the International Microgravity Strategic Planning Group. NASA is also responsible
for providing payload launch services and on orbit resources to the Italian Space Agency
(ASI) and ESA resulting from cooperative and offset barter agreements. In exchange for
the ASI contribution of three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules and the ESA contribution
of Nodes 2 and 3, NASA is providing ASI and ESA with Space Shuttle launch services,
crew time, and on-orbit resources for both the pressurized laboratory and the external un-
pressurized attachment sites. ASI and ESA are using these opportunities to pursue
research and technology development activities focused on life sciences and crew
performance, robotics, solar observations, and materials exposure.
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA): Canada’s utilization program focuses on life and
physical science research with a small commercial applications program. In exchange for
providing the Mobile Servicing System currently onboard the ISS, CSA receives 2.3
percent of ESA, JAXA, and NASA user accommodations. Instead of providing rack-
level hardware for ISS research, CSA has arrangements with ESA, JAXA, and NASA to
provide research equipment and ground support in exchange for access to on-orbit
research data.
The European Space Agency (ESA): ESA manages a robust ISS utilization program
focused on life and physical science research with some education programs. ESA is
developing the Columbus Module that will accommodate up to 12 research racks on the
ISS. ESA is currently developing five research racks for the Columbus. NASA will have
access to 46.7 percent of ESA’s Columbus accommodations and plans to install several
research racks in the module, including both HRF racks, the MSG, and an “Expedite the
Processing of Experiments to Space Station” (EXPRESS) Rack. ESA will have rights to
8.3 percent of non-Russian on-orbit resources once the Columbus Module is activated on
orbit. Until then, ESA has entered into numerous arrangements with NASA and the
Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) for launch of ESA hardware as well as for
on-orbit crewtime and utilization resources. ESA also manages the flight program for
individual European national research programs.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA): JAXA’s ISS utilization program is
focused on life science, physical science, commercial applications, and education. JAXA
has developed the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) for conducting its research
program aboard the ISS. The JEM will consist of both pressurized and exposed modules
for research. At present, the JEM will contain three internal racks and three external
research payloads. NASA will have access to 46.7 percent of the JEM research facilities
and plans to install the “Minus Eighty (Degrees Celsius) Laboratory Freezer for ISS”
(MELFI) and 2 to 3 EXPRESS Racks in the module. JAXA will have rights to 12.8
percent of non-Russian on-orbit resources once the JEM is activated on-orbit. Until then,

JAXA has entered into numerous bilateral arrangements with NASA, ESA, and
Roscosmos for launch of experiment equipment as well as for on-orbit crewtime and
resources to conduct their experiments.
The Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos): The Roscosmos utilization program is
focused largely on biomedical research and provision of utilization services via
commercial contracts with the private sector and other space agencies. NASA has no
utilization rights to Russian modules. Likewise, Russia has no utilization rights to U.S.,
European, or Japanese modules.

ISS Life Science Centrifuge
As stated in section 506 of PL109-155, this plan shall include “an assessment of the
impact of having or not having a life science centrifuge aboard the ISS.” That point is
addressed in this section.
Placement of a life science centrifuge, such as the Centrifuge Accommodations Module

(CAM), on ISS would enable NASA to obtain early data on the affect of microgravity on
the health and behavior of living beings during long-duration exposure. These data
would be valuable in studying the effects of chronic exposure to partial gravity, similar to
that of the Moon and/or Mars, on a living organism’s muscles, bones, heart, and other
biomedical body systems and would provide:
• Identification of potential health risks of living in fractional-g.

• Valuable information for predicting medical care needs (such as bone fracture
healing) for humans adapted to “off-Earth” habitation.
• Predictions of how effective partial-g will be as a countermeasure to the
detrimental effects of space flight.
Other important information that could be gained from the CAM includes:
• Determination if there is a gravity “threshold”, or a minimum amount of gravity,

that when applied either intermittently or continuously would alleviate
microgravity physiological effects during spaceflight or upon return to earth; and
• Differentiation of the effects of gravity from other space variables that contribute
to the overall physiological changes observed in the microgravity environment.
This information is not available from any simulation environment on Earth, and if there
is no CAM, this knowledge will not be available before astronauts perform exploration
missions, possibly delaying the informed development of medical countermeasures.
The benefit to life sciences was one of several factors NASA took into account when
making the decision to not continue with the CAM. Those factors included the
following:
• The incompatibility of the resource requirements necessary to implement research

in the CAM (up/downmass, the ability to transport live specimens, cold stowage)
and the resources available with a reduced number of Space Shuttle flights and
Space Shuttle retirement in 2010.
• The costs and financial burden associated with the CAM research and supporting
infrastructure relative to the total available research budget.
• The relative priority of the research that can be accomplished in the CAM
compared to other ISS research and utilization necessary for implementation of
the VSE.
• The schedule requirements for lunar and planetary habitats vs. the availability of
knowledge and deliverables from the CAM research.

The decision to not continue with the CAM is consistent with NASA’s prioritization,
within NASA’s allocated budget, of effective implementation of VSE goals to reduce the
overall critical risks associated with space exploration.
While the full research program centered around the life sciences centrifuge and the
questions it was intended to address will not be fully realized, there will be new, but
reduced, NASA research opportunities in biomedical science. The life sciences research
portfolio content has shifted from lower CRLs to higher CRLs with more specific,
directed outcomes than was required in the past. In addition, 15 percent of the funds
budgeted for ISS research will be allocated to a combination of ground-based, free flyer,
and ISS life and microgravity science research that is more fundamental in nature. In
addition, the research programs of the international partners still contain a large
percentage of more fundamental research, and the intent is to leverage off of their
research results. The ideal program would include a life sciences centrifuge on ISS, but
the logistical realities preclude that. Alternative opportunities, such as those described in
the Non-Exploration Research section of this report can provide some fundamental new
knowledge in biological and biomedical sciences, including information about responses
to fractional gravity.

Appendices
Appendix A: ISS Configuration
Included are the ISS Configuration, Assembly Sequence, and Joint Statement by the
Heads of Agencies at their meeting on March 2, 2006.
The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS A-1
A-2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS
ISS Configuration
Docking Compartment (DC) 1
Zarya Control
Module P1 Truss
Zvezda Service *ESP-3
SO Truss Segment
PMA S1 Truss Segment Port
SM MMOD Shields Segment Mobile Photovoltaic
Servicing
Arrays
System
Research Module (RM) S3/4 Truss
Segment P6 Truss
Multipurpose Laboratory Segment
Module (MLM) and ERA
MLM Outfitting
Starboard MT/ *ELCs
CETA Rails**
S6 Truss P5 Truss
Segment Segment
*ELC P3/4 Truss

Segment
S5 Truss
Segment
Canadarm
Starboard Photovoltaic Arrays SPDM/”Dextre”
Mobile Remote Servicer Base System (MBS), JEM ELM-PS

Mobile Transporter (MT)
Z1 Truss Segment JEM RMS & Exposed Facility
Airlock ESP-2
Node 1 PMA 3 JEM PM
Cupola U.S. Lab ESP-1
Node 3
Elements Currently on Orbit Columbus Node 2 PMA 2
Elements Pending US Shuttle Launch

Elements Pending Russian Launch
* For Reference Only
** Starboard MT/CETA Rail deletion is under review
ISS Assembly
Sequence
Flt Delivered Elements/Milestones
ULF1.1 MPLM-P (OGS, 2 ISPRs, RSPs/RSRs); ICC (PM, TUS RA, 2 FGB); LMC (TPS DTO)
12A P3/4
12A.1 P5; SHAB (Single); ICC (3 SMDPs)
13A S3/S4 w/ PVR
13A.1 S5; SHAB (Single); ESP3 (NTA, BCDU) (P6 move<TBC>)
ATV1 ATV1
10A Node 2 (4 Sys racks, 2 ZSRs, 2 RSRs); Sidewall (PDGF)
1E Columbus Module (3 Sys Racks, 4 RSPs<TBD**>, 5 ISPRs); MPESS-ND (NTA <TBD**>, 2 EPF P/Ls) -- Rtn MPESS-ND
(NTA<TBD**>)
1J/A ELM PS (3 ISPRs, 4 JEM PM System, 1 JEM RSR); SLP-D1 (SPDM/"Dextre", SPDM EOTP) -- Rtn: SLP-D1
1J JEM PM (4 JEM Sys racks, JEM RMS)
15A S6
ULF2 MPLM-P (WRS1, WRS2, WRS 1&2 Outfitting, ARED, ARED Outfitting, 1 JEM ICS Rack, 3 ISPRs, RSR/RSPs); LMC (TBD)
3R Multi-purpose Laboratory Module (MLM) w/ ERA
2J/A JEM EF; ELM ES (EF P/L, ICS, SFA); SLP-D2 (6 Batteries) -- Rtn: SLP-D2
17A MPLM-P (3 Crew Qtrs, JAXA Outfitting, Galley, WHC, TVIS2, TVIS2 Outfitting, CHeCS2, 1 ISPR, RSR/RSPs); LMC (ATA) -- Rtn:
LMC (ATA)
Establish Six Person Crew Capability
HTV1 HTV1
ULF3 ELC1 (MLM Outfitting, Pre-positioned Spares); ELC2 (Utilization, Pre-positioned Spares)
19A MPLM-P (N3 Avionics Rack-2, N3 ARS, JAXA Outfitting, 2 ISPRs, RSR/RSPs); LMC (ATA) -- Rtn: LMC (ATA)
*ULF4 ELC3 (Utilization, Pre-positioned Spares); ELC4 (SM MMOD Wings, Utilization, 6 Batteries) -- Rtn ELC1 (NTA, EPF P/L)
20A Node 3 w/ Cupola (N3 Avionics Rack-1)
*ULF5 ELC5 (Stbd MT/CETA Rails, Utilization, Pre-position Spares); ELC1 (Utilization, Pre-Positioned Spares/Corrective Maintenance)
ISS Assembly Complete
9R Research Module
* Two Shuttle-equivalent flights for contingency

** The number of RSPs and the NTA manifesting on 1E are under review
Joint Statement
International Space Station
Heads of Agency
March 2, 2006
Kennedy Space Center, Florida
The heads of space agencies from Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and the
United States met at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on March 2, 2006, to
review International Space Station (ISS) cooperation and endorse a revision to
the ISS configuration and assembly sequence. At today’s meeting, the Heads of
Agency were also briefed on the status of ongoing ISS operations and flight
hardware development activities across the partnership. The partners reaffirmed
their agencies’ commitment to meet their mutual obligations, to implement six
person crew operations in 2009, and an adequate number of Shuttle flights to
complete the assembly of ISS by the end of the decade. The partners also
affirmed their plans to use a combination of transportation systems provided by
Europe, Japan, Russia, and the United States in order to complete ISS assembly
in a timeframe that meets the needs of the partners and to ensure full utilization
of the unique capabilities of the ISS throughout its lifetime.
The ISS Heads of Agency expressed their appreciation for the outstanding work
being conducted by the ISS on-orbit crews and ground support personnel,
commending them for their creativity in making full use of available resources to
operate the ISS, prepare for assembly missions and carry out scientific research
aboard the ISS. The uninterrupted flow of Russian vehicles, the outstanding
performance of Canadarm2, the successful Shuttle logistics flight, and the
resourcefulness of all of the partners’ ground-based engineers, researchers and
operations personnel have served to highlight the strength of the ISS partnership
and the importance of international cooperation in space operations.
The partners look forward to the upcoming Space Shuttle flight of the STS-121
mission and a return to ISS assembly activity and a permanent crew of three.
They also noted the upcoming launch of key ISS elements such as: three
additional power trusses to support overall ISS needs and the needs of the
partners, the European Space Agency Automated Transfer Vehicle, the U.S.
Node 2, the European Space Agency Columbus Module, the Canadian two-
armed Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator Dextre, the Japanese Experiment
Module Kibo, the Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module and the Japanese H-
2 Transfer Vehicle. These elements of the ISS Program will bring to fruition the
partnership’s goal of operation and utilization of a permanently inhabited civil
International Space Station.
Appendix B: Synopsis of U.S. Experiments on ISS (Expeditions 0 – 12*)
ASSURING THE SURVIVAL OF HUMANS TRAVELING FAR FROM EARTH
Radiation Studies.
Physiological Studies—bone and muscle, pulmonary function.
Physiological Studies—other effects of space flight - telemedicine, countermeasures
immunosuppression, decompression sickness, drug delivery, diagnostic medicine.
Psycho-Social Studies.
EXPANDING UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAWS OF NATURE AND

ENRICHING LIVES ON EARTH
Microgravity Studies - fluids, particle growth, colloids, crystals, proteins, magnetic fields,
enhanced materials, dust particles, biophysical and biochemical processes.
Roll of gravity on living systems - cellular biology, genetic changes, microbes.
Effects of gravity on plant life – tissue growth, food sources.
CREATING TECHNOLOGY TO ENABLE THE NEXT EXPLORERS TO GO

BEYOND WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
Adaptive technologies, materials and coatings, computer networks, vibration

measurements and isolations, fabrication and repair, and rendezvous and docking.
EDUCATING AND INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION TO TAKE THE

JOURNEY
Education demonstrations, Earth photography.
* 90 Investigations as of February 2006
The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS B-1
B-2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS
Appendix C: ISS Research Websites of Interest
ISS Research: From the ISS Program Scientist

http://exploration.nasa.gov/programs/station/
ISS Space Operations News

http://scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov/
ISS Research Status Reports 2003 - 2006

http://www.scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov/statuschron.html
ISS Science: Why do Research off the Planet?

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/science/index.html
The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS C-1
C-2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS
Appendix D: ISS Results -- Scientific Publications
(As compiled by the ISS Program Science Office)

The following are 91 ISS scientific results publications listed by payload or on-orbit
activity.
ADUM: Fincke, E.M., Padalka, G., Lee, D., van Holsbeeck, M., Sargsyan, A.E.,
Hamilton, D.R., Martin, D., Melton, S.L., McFarlin, K., Dulchavsky, S.A. Evaluation of
Shoulder Integrity in Space: First Report of Musculoskeletal U.S. on the International
Space Station. Radiology. 234(2):319-322, 2005.
ADUM: Chiao, L., Sharipov, S., Sargsyan, A.E., Melton, S., Hamilton, D.R., McFarlin,
K., Dulchavsky, S.A. Ocular examination for trauma; clinical ultrasound aboard the
International Space Station. Journal of Trauma. 58(5):885-889, 2005.
ADUM: Foale, C. M., Kaleri, A. Y., Sargsyan, A. E., Hamilton, D. R., Melton, S.,
Margin, D., Dulchavsky, S. A. Diagnostic instrumentation aboard ISS: just in time
training for non-physician crewmembers. Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine
76:594-598, 2005.
ADVASC: Zhou, W., Durst, S.J., DeMars, M., Stankovic, B., Link, B.M., Tellez, G.,
Meyers, R.A., Sandstrom, P.W., Abba, J.R. Performance of the Advanced
ASTROCULTURETM plant growth unit during ISS-6A/7A mission. SAE Technical
Paper Series. Paper # 02ICES-267, 2002.
ADVASC: Link, B. M., Durst, S. J., Zhou, W., Stankovic, B. Seed-to-seed growth of
Arabidopsis Thaliana on the International Space Station. Advances in Space Research.
31(10):2237-2243, 2003.
ADVASC: Zhou, W., Corbin, T. Advanced AstrocultureTM Plant Growth Unit:
Capabilities and Performances. 35th International Conference on Environmental Systems,
Rome, Italy. Jul. 11 - 14, 2005.
ARIS-ICE: Bushnell, G.S., Fialho, I.J., Allen, J.L., Quraishi, N. Microgravity Flight
Characterization of the International Space Station Active Rack Isolation System. AIAA
Microgravity Measurements Group Meeting, The World Space Congress, Houston, TX.
Oct 10 - 11, 2002.
ARIS-ICE: Bushnell, G.S., Fialho, I.J., McDavid, T., Allen, J.L., Quraishi, N. Ground
And On-Orbit Command and Data Handling Architectures For The Active Rack Isolation
System Microgravity Flight Experiment. AIAA 53rd International Astronautical
Congress, The World Space Congress, Houston, TX. IAC-02-J.5.07, Oct 10 - 19, 2002.
ARIS-ICE: Fialho, I.J., Bushnell, G.S., Allen, J.L., Quraishi, N. Taking H-infinity To
The International Space Station: Design, Implementation and On-orbit Evaluation of
Robust Controllers For Active Microgravity Isolation. AIAA Guidance, Navigation and
Control Conference, Austin, TX. Aug 2003.
BBND: Koshiishi, H., Matsumoto, H., Koga, K., Goka, T. Evaluation of Low-Energy
Neutron Environment inside the International Space Station. Technical Report of Institute
The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS D-1
of Electronics, Information, and Communications Engineers SANE2003-79: 11-14, 2003.
[Japanese]
BPS: Musgrave, M.E., Kuang, A., Tuominem, L.K., Levine, L.H., Morrow, R.C. Seed
Storage Reserves and Glucosinolates in Brassica rapa L. Grown on the International
Space Station. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 130(6): 848-
856. 2005
CBOSS-01-Ovarian: Hammond, H.K., Becker, J., Elliot, T.F., Holubec, K., Baker, T.L.,
Love, J.E. Antigenic Protein in Microgravity-Grown Human Mixed Mullerian Ovarian
Tumor (LN-1) Cells Preserved in a RNA Stabilizing Agent. Gravitational and Space
Biology. 18(2):99-100, 2005.
CEO: Quod, J-P., Bigot, L., Blanchot, J., Chabanet, P., Durville, P., Nicet, J-B.,
Wendling, B. Research and monitoring of the coral reefs of the French islands of the
Indian Ocean. Assessment activities in 2002. Mission carried out in Glorieuses. Réunion:
IFRECOR (l'Initiative Française pour les Récifs Corallines). 2, 2002. [French]
CEO: Robinson, J.A., Evans, C.A. Space Station Allows Remote Sensing of Earth to
within Six Meters. Eos, Transactions of the American Geophysical Union. 83:185-188,
2002.
CEO: Cembella, A.D., Ibarra, D.A., Diogene, J., Dahl, E. Harmful Algal Blooms and
their Assessment in Fjords and Coastal Embayments. Oceanography. 18(2):160-173,
2005
CEO: Stumpf, R.P., Holderied, K., Robinson J.A., Feldman, G., Kuring, N. Mapping
water depths in clear water from space. Proceedings of the 13th Biennial Coastal Zone
Conference. 2003.
CEO: Stefanov, W.L., Robinson J.A. Vegetation Density Measurements From Digital
Astronaut Photography. International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing,
and Spatial Information Sciences. 34:185-189, 2003.
CEO: Andrefouet, S., Gilbert, A., Yan, L., Remoissenet, G., Payri, C., Chancerelle, Y.
The remarkable population size of the endangered clam Tridacna maxima assessed in
Fangatau Atoll using in situ remote sensing data. ICES Journal of Marine Science. 2005.
CEO: Andréfouët, S., Robinson J.A., Hu, C., Salvat, B., Payri, C., Muller-Karger F.E.
Influence of the spatial resolution of SeaWiFS, Landsat 7, SPOT and International Space
Station data on landscape parameters of Pacific Ocean atolls. Canadian Journal of
Remote Sensing. 29:210-218, 2003.
CEO: Lulla, K. 2003 Nighttime Urban Imagery from International Space Station:
Potential Applications for Urban Analyses and Modeling. Photogrammetric Engineering
and Remote Sensing. 69:941-942, 2003.
CFE: Weislogel, M.M. Preliminary Results from the Capillary Flow Experiment Aboard
ISS: The Moving Contact Line Boundary Condition. Proceedings of the 43rd AIAA
Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 2005-1439, Jan 10-13, 2005.
CGBA-APS: Benoit, M.R., Li, W., Stodieck, L.S., Lam, K.S., Winther, C.L., Roane,
T.M., Klaus, D.M. Microbial antibiotic production aboard the International Space Station.
Applied Microbiology Biotechnology. Online: 1-9 2005.
D-2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS
CPCG-H: Vallazza, M., Banumathi, S., Perbandt, M., Moore, K., DeLucas, L., Betzel,
C., Erdmann, V. Crystallization and Structure Analysis of Thermus flavus 5S rRNA helix
B. Acta Crystallographica. Section D, Biological Crystallography. 58:1700-1703, 2002.
CPCG-H: Krauspenhaar, R., Rypniewski, W., Kalkura, N., Moore, K., DeLucas, L.,
Stoeva, S., Mikhailov, A., Voelter, W., and Betzel, C. Crystallization under microgravity
of mistletoe lectin I from Viscum album with adenine monophosphate and the crystal
structure at 1.9Å resolution. Acta Crystallographica. Section D, Biological
Crystallography. 58:1704-1707, 2002.
CPCG-H: Nardini M., Spano S., Cericola C., Pesce A., Damonte G., Luini A., Corda D.,
Bolognesi M. Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of brefeldin A-
ADP ribosylated substrate (BARS). Acta Crystallographica. Section D, Biological
Crystallography. 58:1068-1070, 2002.
CPCG-H: Miele, A.E., Federici, L., Sciara, G., Draghi, F., Brunori, M., Vallone, B.
Analysis of the effect of microgravity on protein crystal quality: the case of a myoglobin
triple mutant. Acta Crystallographica. Section D, Biological Crystallography. D59: 928-
988, 2004
DAFT: Urban, D., Griffin, D., Ruff, G., Cleary, T., Yang, J., Mulholland, G., Yuan, Z.
Detection of Smoke from Microgravity Fires. Proceedings of the International
Conference on Environmental Systems. 2005-01-2930, 2005.
DOSMAP: Reitz, G., Beaujean, R., Dachev, Ts., Deme, S., Luszik-Bhadra, M. Heinrich,
W., Olko, P. Dosimetric Mapping. Conference and Exhibit on International Space Station
Utilization, Cape Canaveral, FL. AIAA-2001-4903, Oct 15-18, 2001.
EPO: National Aeronautics and Space Administration Educational Product.
International Toys in Space - Science on the Station DVD. ED-2004-06-001-JSC, 2004.
EXPPCS: Manley, S., Cipelletti, L., Trappe, V., Bailey, A.E., Christianson, R.J., Gasser,
U., Prasad, V., Segre, P.N., Doherty, M.P., Sankaran, S., Jankovsky, A.L., Shiley, B.,
Bowen, J., Eggers, J., Kurta, C., Lorik, T., Weitz, D.A. Limits to Gelation in Colloidal
Aggregation. Physical Review Letters. 93(10):108302, 2004.
EXPPCS: Manley, S., Davidovitch, B., Davies, N.R., Cipelletti, L., Bailey, A.E.,
Christianson, R.J., Gasser, U., Prasad, V., Segre, P.N., Dohert, M.P., Sankaran, S.,
Jankovsky, A.L., Shiley, B., Bowen, J., Eggers, J., Kurta, C., Lorik, T., Weitz, D.A.
Time-Dependent Strength of Colloidal Gels. The American Physical Society - Physical
Review Letters. 95(4); 048302(4), 2005.
EXPPCS: Weitz, D., Bailey, A., Manley, A., Prasad, V., Christianson, R., Sankaran, S.,
Doherty, M., Jankovsky, A., Lorik, T., Shiley, W., Bowen, J., Kurta, C., Eggers, J.,
Gasser, U., Serge, P., Cipelletti, L., Schofield, A., Pusey, P. Results From the Physics of
Colloids Experiment on ISS. NASA TM. 2002-212011: IAC-02-J.6.04, 2002.
EarthKAM: Hurwicz, M. Case Study: Attack Of The Space Data -- Down To Earth
Data Management At ISS EarthKAM. New Architect 38, Aug 1, 2002.
Education-SEEDS: Levine, H.G., Norwood, K.L.L., Tynes, G.K., Levine, L.H.
Soybean and Corn Seed Germination in Space: The First Plant Study Conducted on
Space Station Alpha. Proceedings of the 38th Space Congress, Cape Canaveral, FL. 181-
187, May 2001.
Environmental Monitoring: Castro, V.A., Thrasher, A.N., Healy, M., Ott, C.M.,
Pierson, D.L. Microbial Charcterization during the Early Habitation of the International
Space Station. Microbial Ecology. 47:119-126, 2004.
Environmental Monitoring: La Duc, M. T., Sumner, R., Pierson, D., Venkat, P.,
Venkateswaran, K. Evidence of pathogenic microbes in the International Space Station
drinking water: reason for concern? Habitation. 10:39-48, 2004.
Environmental Monitoring: Plumlee, D., Mudgett, P., Schultz, J., James, J. ISS
Potable Water Sampling and Chemical Analysis: Expeditions 4-6. 33rd International
Conference on Environmental Systems, Vancouver, Canada. SAE Technical Paper 2003-
01-2401, July 2003.
Environmental Monitoring: Perry, J., Peterson, B. Cabin air quality Dynamics on
Board the International Space Station. 33rd International Conference on Environmental
Systems, Vancouver, Canada. SAE Technical Paper 2003-01-2650, July 2003.
Environmental Monitoring: James, J. Toxicological Assessment of the International
Space Station Atmosphere with Emphasis on Metox Canister Regeneration. 33rd
International Conference on Environmental Systems, Vancouver, Canada. SAE Technical
Paper 2003-01-2647, July 2003.
Environmental Monitoring: Plumlee, D., Mudgett, P.D., Schultz, J.R. Chemical
Sampling and Analysis of ISS Potable Water: Expeditions 1-3. 32nd International
Conference on Environmental Systems, San Antonio, TX. SAE Technical Paper 2002-
01-2537, 2002.
FMVM: Ethridge, E., Kaukler, W., Antar, B. Preliminary Results of the Fluid Merging
Viscosity Measurement Space Station Experiment. Proceedings of the 44th AIAA
Foot: Cavanagh, P.R., Maender, C., Rice, A.J., Gene, K.O., Ochia, R.S., Snedeker, J.G.
Lower-Extremity Loading During Exercise on the International Space Station.
Transactions of the Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society 0395, 2004.
H-Reflex: Watt, D.G., Lefebvre, L. Effects of altered gravity on spinal cord excitability.
First Research on the International Space Station, Conference and Exhibit on
International Space Station Utilization, Cape Canaveral, FL. AIAA 2001-4939, Oct 15-18,
2001.
H-Reflex: Watt, D.G. Effects of prolonged exposure to microgravity on H-reflex loop
excitability. Proceedings of the 14th IAA Humans in Space Symposium, Banff, Alberta.
May 2003.
H-Reflex: Watt, D.G. Effects of altered gravity on spinal cord excitability (final results).
Proceedings of the Bioastronautics Investigators' Workshop, Galveston, TX. Jan 2003.
ICE-First: Higashitani, A., Higashibata, A., Sasagawa, Y., Sugimoto, T., Miyazawa, Y.,
Szewcyk, N.J., Viso, M., Gassett, G., Eche, B., Fukui, K., Shimazu, T., Fujimoto, N.,
Kuriyama, K., Ishioka, N. Checkpoint and physiological apoptosis in germ cells proceeds
normally in spaceflown Caenorhabditis elegans. Apoptosis. 10(5):949-954, 2005.
ISSI: Grugel, R., Cotton, L.J., Segre, P.N., Ogle, J.A., Funkhouser, G., Parris, F.,
Murphy, L., Gillies, D., Hua, F., Anilkumar, A.V. The In-Space Soldering Investigation
(ISSI): Melting and Solidification Experiments Aboard the International Space Station.
Proceedings of the 44th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV.
AIAA 2006-521, Jan 9-12, 2006.
Interactions: Kanas, N., Ritsher, J. Leadership Issues with Multicultural Crews on the
International Space Station: Lessons learned from Shuttle/Mir. Acta Astronautica.
56:932-936, 2005
Interactions: Ritsher, J., Kanas, N., Ihle, E. Psychological adaptation and salutogenesis
in space: Lessons from a series of studies. 15th Humans in Space Symposium: Benefits
of Human Presence in Space. Graz, Austria, Book of Abstracts. 22, May 22-26, 2005.
Interactions: Ritsher, J. B., Kanas, N., Gushin, V. I., Saylor, S. Cultural differences in
patterns of mood states on board the International Space Station. 56th International
Astronautical Congress. Fukuoka, Japan. Oct. 17-21, 2005.
Interactions: Clement, J., Ritsher, J. B. Operating the ISS: Cultural and leadership
challenges. 56th International Astronautical Congress. Fukuoka, Japan. Oct. 17-21, 2005.
Interactions: Kanas, N., Salnitskiy, V. P., Ritsher, J. B., Gushin, V. I., Weiss, D. S.,
Saylor, S., Marmar, C. Human interactions in space: ISS versus Shuttle/Mir. 56th
International Astronautical Congress. Fukuoka, Japan. Oct. 17-21, 2005.
Interactions: Kanas, N., Salnitskiy, V., Ritsher, J., Gushin, V., Weiss, D., Saylor, S.,
Marmar, C. Psychosocial interactions during ISS missions. 15th Humans in Space
Symposium: Benefits of Human Presence in Space. Graz, Austria, Book of Abstracts. 21,
May 22-26, 2005.
MACE-II: Davis, L. Economical and Reliable Adaptive Disturbance Cancellation.
Requires DOD Clearance to view this paper. AFRL-VS-TR-2002-1118 Vol. I, AFRL-
VS-TR-2002-1118 Vol. II Pt. 1, AFRL-VS-TR-2002-1118 Vol. II Pt. 2, AFRL-VS-TR-
2002-1118 Vol. II Pt. 3, Sep 2002.
MACE-II: Ninneman, R., Founds, D., Davis, L., Greeley, S., King, J. Middeck Active
Control Experiment Reflight (MACE II) Program: Adventures in Space. AIAA Space
2003 Conference and Exhibition, Long Beach, CA. AIAA 2003-6243, 2003.
MAMS: Del Basso, S., Laible, M., O'Keefe, E., Steelman, A., Scheer, S., Thampi, S.
Capitalization of Early ISS Data for Assembly Complete Microgravity Performance.
Proceedings of the 40th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV.
AIAA 2002-606, Jan 14-17, 2002.
MAMS: DeLombard, R., Kelly, E.M., Hrovat, K., Nelson, E.S., Pettit, D.R. Motion of
Air Bubbles in Water Subjected to Microgravity Accelerations. Proceedings of the 43rd
AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 2005-722, Jan 10-13,
2005.
MEPS: Le Pivert, P., Haddad, R.S., Aller, A., Titus, K., Doulat, J., Renard, M.,
Morrison, D.R. Ultrasound Guided, Combined Cryoablation and Microencapsulated 5-
Fluorouracil, Inhibits Growth of Human Prostate Tumors in Xenogenic Mouse Model
Assessed by Fluorescence Imaging. Technology in Cancer Research and Treatment.
3(2):135-42, 2004.
MEPS: Morrison, D.R., Haddad, R.S., Ficht, A. Microencapsulation of Drugs: New
cancer therapies and improved drug delivery derived from microgravity research.
Proceedings of the 40th Space Congress, Cape Canaveral, FL. Apr 2003.
MFMG: Pojman, J.A. Miscible Fluids in Microgravity (MFMG): A Zero-Upmass
Experiment on the International Space Station. Proceedings of the 43rd AIAA Aerospace
Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 2005-718, Jan 10-13, 2005.
MISSE-1 and 2: Finckenor, M.M. The Materials on International Space Station
Experiment (MISSE): First Results from MSFC Investigations. Proceedings of the 44th
AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 2006-472, Jan 9-12,
2006.
Nutritional Status: Smith, S., Zwart, S.R., Block, G., Rice, B.L., Davis-Street, J.E. The
nutritional status of astronauts is altered after long-term space flight aboard the
International Space Station. Journal of Nutrition. 135(3):437-443, 2005.
Other ISS Research: Sargsyan, A.E., Hamilton, D.R., Jones, J.A., Melton, S., Whitson,
P.A., Kirkpatrick, A.W., Martin, D., Dulchavsky, S.A. FAST at MACH 20: Clinical
Ultrasound Aboard the International Space Station. The Journal of Trauma, Injury,
Infection, and Critical Care. 58(1):35-39, 2005.
Other ISS Research: D'Aunno, D.S., Dougherty, A.H., DeBlock, H.F., Meck, J.V.
Effect of Short- and Long-Duration Spaceflight on QTc Intervals in Healthy Astronauts.
The American Journal of Cardiology 91: 494-497 2003
PCG-EGN: Barnes, C.L., Snell, E.H., Kundrot, C.E. Thaumatin crystallization aboard
the International Space Station using liquid-liquid diffusion in the Enhanced Gaseous
Nitrogen Dewar (EGN). Acta Crystallographica. Section D, Biological Crystallography.
58(Pt 5): 751-760, 2002.
PCG-EGN: Ciszak, E., Hammons, A.S., Hong, Y.S. Use of Capillaries for
Macromolecular Crystallization in a Cryogenic Dewar. Crystal Growth & Design
2(3):235-238, 2002.
PESTO: Paul, A., Levine, H.G., McLamb, W., Norwood, K.L., Reed, D., Stutte, G.W.,
Wells, H.W., Ferl, R.J. Plant molecular biology in the space station era: Utilization of
KSC fixation tubes with RNAlater. Acta Astronautica. 56:623-628, 2005.
PESTO: Stutte, G.W., Monje, O., Goins, G.D., Tripathy, B.C. Microgravity effects on
thylakoid, single leaf, and whole canopy photosynthesis on dwarf wheat. Planta 1-11,
2005.
PESTO: Stutte, G.W., Monje, O., Anderson, S. Wheat (Triticum Aesativum L. cv. USU
Apogee) Growth Onboard the International Space Station (ISS): Germination and Early
Development. Proceedings of the Plant Growth Regulation Society of America. 30:66-71
2003.
PESTO: Monje, O., Stutte, G., Chapman, D. Microgravity does not alter plant stand gas
exchange of wheat at moderate light levels and saturating CO2 concentration. Planta.
Online, Jun 2005.
PESTO: Monje, O., Stutte, G.W., Goins, G.D., Porterfield, D.M., Bingham, G.E.
Farming in Space: Environmental and Biochemical Concerns. Advances in Space
Research. 31:151-167, 2003.
PFMI: Strutzenberg, L.L., Grugel, R.N., Trivedi, R. Observation of an Aligned Gas -
Solid Eutectic during Controlled Directional Solidification aboard the International Space
Station - Comparison with Ground-based Studies. Proceedings of the 42nd AIAA
Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 2005-919, 2005.
PFMI: Grugel, R.N., Anilkumar, A.V., Cox, M.C. Morphological Evolution of
Directional Solidification Interface in Microgravity: An Analysis of Model Experiments
Performed on the International Space Station. Proceedings of the 43rd AIAA Aerospace
Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 2005-917, Jan 10-13, 2005.
PFMI: Grugel, R.N., Anilkumar, A.V. Bubble Formation and Transport during
Microgravity Materials Processing: Model Experiments on the Space Station.
Proceedings of the 42th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting & Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA
2004-0627 Jan 5-8, 2004.
PFMI: Cox, M.C., Anilkumar, A.V., Grugel, R.N., and Hofmeister, W.H. Isolated
Wormhole Growth and Evolution during Directional Solidification in Small Diameter
Cylindrical Channels: Preliminary Experiments. Proceedings of the 44th AIAA
PFMI: Grugel, R.N., Anilkumar, A.V., Lee, C.P. Direct Observation of Pore Formation
and bubble mobility during controlled melting and re-solidification in microgravity,
Solidification Processes and Microstructures. A Symposium in Honor of Wilfried Kurz.
The Metallurgical Society, Warrendale, PA. 111-116, 2004.
SAMS-II: DeLombard, R., Hrovat, K., Kelly, E.M., Humphreys, B. Interpreting the
International Space Station Microgravity Environment. Proceedings of the 43rd AIAA
Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 2005-0727, 2005.
SUBSA: Churilov, A.V., Ostrogorsky, A.G. Solidification of Te and Zn doped InSb in
space. 42nd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 200-1388,
2004. (Also published in the Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, 19(4); 547-
547, 2005)
SUBSA: Ostrogorsky, A., Marin, C., Churilov, A., Volz, M., Bonner, W.A., Spivey,
R.A., Smith, G. Solidification Using the Baffle in Sealed Ampoules. 41st Aerospace
Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 2003-1309, 2003.
SUBSA: Spivey, R.A., Gilley, S., Ostrogorsky, A., Grugel, R., Smith, G., Luz, P.
SUBSA and PFMI Transparent Furnace Systems Currently in use in the International
Space Station Microgravity Science Glovebox. 41st Aerospace Sciences Meeting and
Exhibit. AIAA 2003-1362, 2003.
SUBSA: Churilov, A.V., Ostrogorsky, A.G. Model of Tellurium- and Zinc-Doped
Indium Antimonide Solidification in Space. Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer.
19(4); 542-547, 2005. (Also published at the 42nd AIAA Meeting, 2004-1388, 2004)
Subregional Bone: Lang, T., LeBlanc, A., Evans, H., Lu, Y., Gennant, H., Yu, A.
Cortical and Trabecular Bone Mineral Loss from the Spine and Hip in Long-duration
Spaceflight. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 19(6):1006-12, 2004.
ZCG: Akata, B., Yilmaz, B., Jirapnogphan, S. S., Warzywoda, J., Sacco, Jr., A.
Characterization of zeolite Beta grown in microgravity. Microporous and Mesoporous
Materials. 71:1-9, 2004.
ISS Sorties
The following are 6 ISS scientific sorties listed by payload or on-orbit activity.
CBTM: Gridley, D.S., Nelson, G.A., Peters, L.L., Kostenuik, P.J., Bateman, T.A.,
Morony, S., Stodieck, L.S., Lacey, D.L., Simske, S.J., Pecaut, M.J. Genetic models in
applied physiology: selected contribution: effects of spaceflight on immunity in the
C57BL/6 mouse. II. Activation, cytokines, erythrocytes, and platelets. Journal of Applied
Physiology. 94(5):2095-2103, 2003.
CBTM: Bateman, T.A., Morony, S., Ferguson, V.L., Simske, S.J., Lacey, D.L.,
Warmington, K.S., Geng, Z., Tan, H.L., Shalhoub, V., Dunstan, C.R., Kostenuik, P.J.
Molecular therapies for disuse osteoporosis. Gravitational and Space Biology Bulletin. 17
2004.
CBTM: Harrison, B.C., Allen, D.L., Girten, B., Stodieck, L.S., Kostenuik, P.J., Bateman,
T.A., Morony, S., Lacey, D.L., Leinwand, L.A. Skeletal muscle adaptations to
microgravity exposure in the mouse. Journal of Applied Physiology. 95(6):2462-2470,
2003.
CBTM: Pecaut, M.J., Nelson, G.A., Peters, L.L., Kostenuik, P.J., Bateman, T.A.,
Morony, S., Stodieck, L.S., Lacey, D.L., Simske, S.J., Gridley, D.S. Genetic models in
applied physiology: selected contribution: effects of spaceflight on immunity in the
C57BL/6 mouse. I. Immune population distributions. Journal of Applied Physiology.
94(5):2085-2094, 2003.
Latent Virus: Mehta, S.K., Cohrs, R.J., Forghani, B., Zerbe, G., Gilden, D.H., Pierson,
D.L. Stress-induced Subclinical Reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus in Astronauts.
Journal of Medical Virology 72:174-179, 2005.
Latent Virus: Pierson, D.L., Stowe, R.P., Phillips, T.M., Lugg, D.J., Mehta, S.K.
Epstein-Barr Virus Shedding by Astronauts During Space Flight. Brain, Behavior, and
Immunity. 19:235-242, 2004.
ISS Research Summary and Review Publications

The following are review publications summarizing ISS research results.
Rhatigan, J.L., Robinson, J.A., Sawin, C.F. Exploration - Related Research on ISS:
Connecting Science Results to Future Missions. NASA/TP-2005-213166. 1-34, 2005.
(Also published at the 44th AIAA Meeting, 2006-344, 2006)
Pellis, N.R., North, R.M. Recent NASA Research Accomplishments Aboard ISS. 54th
International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the
IAA and the International Institute of Space Law, Bremen, Germany. IAC-03-T.4.07 Sep
29 - Oct 3, 2003.
Rhatigan, J. Research Accomplishments on the International Space Station. AIAA/ICAS
International Air and Space Symposium and Exposition: The Next 100 Years, Dayton,
OH. AIAA 2003-2703, 2003.
Robinson, J.A., Rhatigan, J.L., Baumann, D.K. Recent Research Accomplishments on the
International Space Station. Proceedings of the IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky,
MT. Paper #310, Mar 5 - 12, 2005.
Rhatigan, J.L., Robinson, J.A., Sawin, C.F. Exploration - Related Research on ISS:
Connecting Science Results to Future Missions 44th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting
and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA 2006-344, 2006. (Also published as a NASA/TP 2005-
213166)
ISS Exploration Publications

The following are publications about lessons learned on ISS and how they apply to future
exploration missions.
Walz, C., Uri, J., Baumann, D. Far from home--human presence on the ISS as a
preparation for a lunar base and beyond. Proceedings of the 1st Space Exploration
Conference, Orlando, FL. AIAA 2005-2549, Jan 30 - Feb 1, 2005.
Carrasquillo, R.L. ISS ECLSS Technology Evolution for Exploration Proceedings of the
43rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV. AIAA-200-0337 Jan 10
- 13, 2005.
Kitmacher, G.H., Rosenberg, I., Gerstenmaier, W. ISS: A partner in enabling space
exploration through reduction of risk. Proceedings of the 1st Space Exploration
Conference, Orlando, FL. AIAA 2005-2550, Jan 30 - Feb 5, 2005.
Sanchez, M.J., Voss, J.S. From ISS to the Moon, Mars, and Beyond--applying lessons
learned. Proceedings of the 43rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno,
NV. AIAA 2005-705, Jan 10 - 13, 2005.
Appendix E: ISS Research Facilities and Hardware
The information provided in this appendix is intended to be a brief overview and

description of the major facilities and hardware that will be utilized by NASA for
research on ISS. It is by no means a comprehensive list of all of the individual research
hardware items that are necessary to conduct the research. It is also not inclusive of the
facilities and major hardware items that will be provided and primarily utilized by the
international partners in implementation of their national research programs.
Human Research Facility (HRF) Racks
The HRP has ownership of or access to a number of facilities on ISS. The two primary
facilities are the two HRF Racks. HRF Rack 1 was launched to ISS in March 2001, and
it is outfitted with the Gas Analyzer System for Metabolic Analysis Physiology
(GASMAP), an ultrasound device, the
HRF Workstation computer system, and a
portable laptop computer. HRF Rack 2
was launched to ISS in July 2005, and it is
outfitted with the Pulmonary Function
System (PFS), a refrigerated centrifuge,
the Space Linear Acceleration Mass
Measurement Device (SLAMMD), and an
upgraded HRF Workstation computer
system. In addition to the Racks, the HRF
suite of hardware includes the Ambulatory
Data Acquisition System, Foot Ground
HRF Rack 1 HRF Rack 2
Interface equipment, the Joint Excursion
System, the Lower Extremity Monitoring Suit, a Continuous Blood Pressure Device, and
Activity Monitors. The HRF Racks are intended to be modular in their design and
capability, allowing for the upgrade or change-out of research equipment as requirements
change. Additional information about the HRF racks and the associated research
equipment can be found at http://hrf.jsc.nasa.gov/hardware.asp.
Fluids Combustion Facility
The Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) is an ISS research facility designed to support
physical, biological, and technology experiments in space. The FCF consists of two
modular, reconfigurable racks called the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) and the
Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR). The capabilities of the CIR and FIR and plans for their
utilization will support the VSE.
The FIR provides a large, contiguous volume for experimental hardware, easily
reconfigurable diagnostics, customizable software, active rack-level vibration isolation,
and data acquisition and management. It can also serve as a platform for experiments
that address human health and performance, medical technologies, and biosciences.
The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS E-1
The FIR will accommodate experiments that address critical research and technology
needs for advanced life support (i.e., air revitalization, water reclamation, etc.), power,
propulsion, and spacecraft thermal
control systems. Experiments will
address boiling heat transfer,
multiphase flow, liquid vapor
interface control, and liquid/vapor
evaporation/condensation, as they
relate to the technology needs of
various exploration spacecraft
subsystems. The first planned FIR
payload is the Constrained Vapor
Bubble (CVB) experiment which will
utilize the Light Microscopy Module
(LMM). The LMM is an automated,
fully motorized subrack mini-facility
based on the Leica RXA microscope.
Combustion Fluids The LMM is capable of supporting
Integrated Rack Integrated Rack
biological investigations to identify
spacecraft contaminants and
performing microscopic observations of materials. The CVB experiment will provide an
understanding of the thermal and fluid physics principles underlying change of phase heat
transfer systems controlled by interfacial phenomena under microgravity conditions.
The CIR will accommodate experiments that address critical needs in the areas of
spacecraft fire safety (i.e., fire prevention, detection, and suppression), incineration of
solid wastes, power generation, flame spread, soot and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,
in situ resource utilization, environmental monitoring, and materials synthesis. The CIR
provides a large environmental chamber in which the space environment or Lunar, Mars,
or other planetary surface environments can be simulated. Other features include digital
cameras, a gas chromatograph, and, after initial crew set-up, it can be operated from the
ground. The CIR can also serve as a test bed to mature systems and concepts for
exploration missions and provides a platform for on-orbit fabrication and repair activities.
Initial experiments performed in the CIR will provide data to support design decisions for
exploration spacecraft. The first experiment to be performed in the CIR is the Droplet
Flame Extinguishment in Microgravity experiment (FLEX), which uses the Multi-User
Droplet Combustion Apparatus (MDCA). The experiment will utilize the spherically-
symmetric geometry of droplet combustion as a model environment for quantifying the
efficacy of gaseous fire suppressants in microgravity. The subrack payload for doing the
experiment, MDCA, contains the payload hardware and software necessary for
conducting the FLEX experiment. It consists of two components: a chamber insert
assembly and an avionics box. The chamber insert assembly is a framework for the
mounting of internal components such as the droplet dispensing and deployment
mechanisms and radiometers. It connects to the chamber by mounting on guide rails.
The avionics box provides for command, control, and data handling of the experiment.
E-2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS
Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG)
MSG offers scientists the capability to conduct investigations, test science procedures,
and develop new technologies in microgravity. The MSG provides an enclosed work
area, about the size of a microwave oven, for these small-scale investigations. The MSG
also provides a work area with two levels of containment--
physical barrier and negative pressure--between the crew
working space and the microgravity investigations. The
MSG provides a sealable, controlled workspace for
performing investigations that require hands-on attention,
while protecting the astronaut researcher and the rest of the
crew. Fluids, powders, bioproducts, and irritants are among
the materials that may be used by researchers during their
investigations. It is a facility designed to support
investigations and demonstrations in five microgravity
research disciplines: materials science, biotechnology,
combustion science, fluid dynamics, and fundamental
physics. Within MSG, while investigations are being
MSG
conducted, three video cameras can record the development
of the investigation. These data may be transmitted to the
principal investigators on Earth, allowing them to instruct the crew to make experimental
adjustments if necessary. Gravity dominates everything on Earth, from the way life has
developed to the way materials interact. But aboard a spacecraft orbiting the Earth, the
effects of gravity are barely felt. In this "microgravity environment," scientists can
conduct experiments that are all but impossible to perform on Earth. In this virtual
absence of gravity, space flight gives scientists a unique opportunity to study the states of
matter (solids, liquids, and gases), and the forces and processes that affect them.
Minus Eighty (Degrees Celsius) Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI)
The MELFI will provide the Space Station with refrigerated volume
for storage and fast-freezing of life science and biological samples.
Samples are stored in four dewars that are cooled by controlling the
flow of liquid nitrogen into a series of tubes running through the
dewars. The temperature in the dewars can be controlled
independently at three operating modes: +4°C, -26°C, and -80°C.
One MELFI unit will be launched to ISS on the upcoming STS-121
Space Shuttle mission, and three additional units are available for
future launch and utilization.
Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station Rack

(EXPRESS Rack)
The EXPRESS Rack is a standardized payload rack system that

MELFI
transports, stores, and supports ISS experiments in several
disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, and medicine. It provides
simple, standard interfaces to accommodate modular-type payloads. Standard hardware
and software interfaces simplify the analytical and physical integration processes and
facilitate simpler ISS payload development.
The EXPRESS Rack provides power, data, command and control, video, water cooling,
air cooling, vacuum exhaust, and nitrogen supply to payloads. With standardized
hardware interfaces and streamlined approach, the
EXPRESS Rack enables quick, simple integration of
payloads aboard the ISS. Payloads within an EXPRESS
Rack can operate independently of each other, allowing for
differences in temperature, power levels, and schedules.
The EXPRESS Rack provides ISS accommodations for
large payloads, as well as small subrack payloads. Each
rack can be divided into segments, as large as half rack or as
small as a breadbox. Experiments contained within
EXPRESS Racks may be controlled by the ISS crew or
controlled remotely from the ground. Five EXPRESS racks
are currently on the ISS in various configurations, and three
more are available for future launch and outfitting.
Additional Information can be found at:
EXPRESS Rack http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/background/fact
s/expressrack.html.
Commercial Utilization Facilities and Payloads
The following are descriptions of Research Partnership Center (RPC) payloads that are
ready to fly and have principal investigators waiting to do experiments on them. These
projects will comprise the initial commercial research program on the ISS. Additional
experiments and payloads will be developed and flown as needs and opportunities arise.
Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA):

This payload is already on the ISS and only needs periodic
refurbishing and sample resupply. CGBA will be used for
biotechnology experiments supporting cell, tissue, and small
organism commercial and exploration-related research. It has
been used to support NASA-Ames researchers and the JAXA
Granada Protein Crystallization experiments, as well as
commercial research.
CGBA
Commercial Biomedical Testing Module (CBTM):
CBTM has flown on Space Shuttle (STS-108),
where it was used to perform rodent testing on
bone-loss prevention drugs developed by
commercial partners. It will be used on the ISS for
preclinical biomedical testing of potential
countermeasures for bone loss and muscle atrophy
and to support development of drugs by the
CBTM pharmaceutical industry to treat osteoporosis and
muscle-wasting diseases.
Commercial Protein Crystal Growth (CPCG): This is a high-

throughput version of the commercial protein crystal growth
hardware that has flown many times on the Space Shuttle. For
this plan, it could be installed on ISS and used by commercial
partners in their structure-based drug design programs. The
apparatus will also be available for use by NASA researchers.
CPCG
HDMAX Ultra-High Definition Digital Video and HDMAX Evolved Operational

Camera System (HEOCam): This system was developed by two of the RPCs in
partnership with a company that flies external
cameras on Space Shuttle and with a major
entertainment firm. It was selected by the U.S.
Navy for port surveillance and by NASA for
Space Shuttle inspection, although its
operational flight debut has been delayed with
return to flight. The camera has considerable
potential for detailed observation of
experiments on the ISS.
HDMAX
Space Dynamically Responding Ultrasonic Matrix System

(Space-DRUMS™): This full Express Rack payload was
developed by an RPC industrial partner to process ceramic and
composite materials in space of a form and microstructure that
cannot be produced on Earth. Other companies and space
agencies of other countries are interested in processing materials
in this system, which also has important applications to NASA’s
exploration programs in in situ resource utilization and in-space
fabrication and repair.
Space-DRUMS™
Appendix F: NASA Technical Report, “Exploration-Related Research on
ISS: Connecting Science Results to Future Missions”
The following pages are an excerpt (abstract, table of contents, and introduction) from the
NASA Technical Report, “Exploration-Related Research on ISS: Connecting Science
Results to Future Missions”. The full report may be found at:
http://ston.jsc.nasa.gov/collections/TRS/_techrep/TP-2005-213166.pdf
The NASA Research And Utilization Plan for the ISS F-1
[This page intentionally left blank
F-2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS
NASA/TP⎯2005–213166
Exploration-Related Research on ISS:

Connecting Science Results to Future
Missions
Jennifer L. Rhatigan, PhD, PE
Julie A. Robinson, PhD
Charles F. Sawin, PhD
NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
National Aeronautics and

Space Administration
Johnson Space Center

Houston, Texas 77058-3696
August 2005
Available from:
NASA Center for AeroSpace Information National Technical Information Service

7121 Standard 5285 Port Royal Road
Hanover, MD 21076-1320 Springfield, VA 22161
This report is also available in electronic form at http://techreports.larc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/TRS
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................1
2 Exploration Research Results and Current Exploration Investigations .......................................2
2.1 Physiology in Microgravity: Bone and Muscle ............................................................2
2.2 Physiology in Microgravity: Adaptation to Changes in Gravity ..................................6
2.3 Physiology in Microgravity: Immune Function .............................................................7
2.4 Human Behavior ...........................................................................................................8
2.5 Clinical Medicine ..........................................................................................................9
2.6 Radiation ....................................................................................................................10
2.7 Advanced Environmental Monitoring and Control ....................................................12
2.8 Materials Survivability, Inspection, and Repair in the Space Environment ...............13
3 Future Exploration Research: Reducing the Risks to Explorers ...............................................14
4 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................17
Annex 1: ISS Operational Exercise Hardware & Exercise Prescription Evaluations ...................18
Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................19
References. ....................................................................................................................................20
Abstract
In January, 2004, the U.S. President announced The Vision for Space Exploration, and
charged the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with using the
International Space Station (ISS) for research and technology targeted at supporting U.S.
space exploration goals. This paper describes:
• What we have learned from the first four years of research on ISS relative to the
exploration mission,
• The on-going research being conducted in this regard, and
• Our current understanding of the major exploration mission risks that the ISS can be
used to address.
Specifically, we discuss research carried out on the ISS to determine the mechanisms by
which human health is affected on long-duration missions, and to develop
countermeasures to protect humans from the space environment. These bioastronautics
experiments are key enablers of future long duration human exploration missions. We
also discuss how targeted technological developments can enable mission design trade
studies. We discuss the relationship between the ultimate number of human test subjects
available on the ISS to the quality and quantity of scientific insight that can be used to
reduce health risks to future explorers. We discuss the results of NASA’s efforts over the
past year to realign the ISS research programs to support a product-driven portfolio that is
directed towards reducing the major risks of exploration missions.
The fundamental challenge to science on ISS is completing experiments that answer key
questions in time to shape design decisions for future exploration. In this context,
exploration-relevant research must do more than be conceptually connected to design
decisions—it must become a part of the mission design process.
1 Introduction
While NASA has always engaged in space exploration research, The Vision for Space
Exploration [1] has brought with it specific mission definitions, corresponding timelines,
and focused research objectives. The International Space Station is a key element in
supporting this focused research. What may not be evident is the amount of ISS scientific
research and development that is targeted towards exploration objectives. We have
arranged our discussion topically so that the reader can understand accomplishments and
progress in each area of research. We devote the beginning of each topical section to
discussion of what has been learned and the latter portion of each section to what is
currently on-going in this regard. Also, the shorthand name or acronym for each
experiment is in bold text for ease of use.
Prior to the announcement of The Vision for Space Exploration, NASA, along with the I
international partners, had envisioned the ISS as a “world-class” microgravity laboratory
available to a broad-based user community spanning academic, industrial, commercial
and educational elements [2]. Indeed, the breadth of the potential user community that
NASA had courted was often cited as a source of resulting disenfranchisement for those
who had committed resources to the use of ISS (e.g., [3]). Research objectives for ISS
ranged from the pursuit of basic, fundamental scientific understandings of microgravity
1
physics, to targeted commercial technology developments. While this range encompassed
the research necessary to further space exploration, The Vision for Space Exploration and
subsequent definition of specific missions for NASA have included a much more focused
use of the ISS. Human health research efforts on ISS have been guided by the
Bioastronautics Roadmap [4], a synopsis of the risks of space exploration to human
health (on ISS, reference lunar, and reference Mars exploration missions) and the
research questions that need to be addressed to reduce these risks. NASA is now evolving
specific research mission objectives to accomplish on ISS within a specific timeframe.
Section 3 of this article addresses the approach to determine how the ISS can be used to
address specific, targeted risks to human health on long-duration exploration missions.
In addition to the focus on human health, NASA is beginning to address technology

development issues for exploration missions. Experiments to improve environmental
monitoring, fire detection and suppression, and inspection and repair techniques will
provide information critical for exploration vehicle designs.
The ISS can be viewed as an experiment in and of itself in many respects, as it is a unique,
one-of-a-kind space vehicle. We note that ISS achievements are not limited to the
scientific research discussed in this paper and refer the interested reader to broader
treatments of the engineering, operational, and human accomplishments from the
International Space Station [5, 6, 7, 8] in order to understand the full scope of the
contribution of ISS to the path of evolution of NASA’s exploration objectives.
2
Appendix G: Acronym List
Acronym Definition
ADUM Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity

ADVASC Advanced AstrocultureTM
AMS Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer
AO Announcement of Opportunity
ARIS-ICE Active Rack Isolation System - ISS Characterization Experiment
ASI Italian Space Agency
ATV Automated Transfer Vehicle
BBND Bonner Ball Neutron Detector
BPS Biomass Production System
CAM Centrifuge Accommodation Module
CBOSS-01- Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support Systems: Evaluation of
Ovarian Ovarian Tumor Cell Growth and Gene Expression
CBTM Commercial Biomedical Testing Module
CEO Crew Earth Observations
CEV Crew Exploration Vehicle
CFE Capillary Flow Experiments
CGBA Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus
CGBA-APS CGBA - Antibiotic Production in Space
CHMO Chief Health and Medical Officer
CIR Combustion Integrated Rack
COTS Commercial Orbital Transportation Services
CPCG Commercial Protein Crystal Growth
CPCG-H CPCG – High Density
CRL Countermeasure Readiness Level
CSA Canadian Space Agency
CVB Constrained Vapor Bubble
DAFT Dust and Aerosol Measurement Feasibility Test
DEXTRE Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator
DLR German Aerospace Center
DOD Department of Defense
DOE Department of Energy
DOSMAP Dosimetric Mapping
EarthKAM Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students
EMC Environmental Monitoring and Control
ENose Electronic Nose
EPO Education Payload Operations
The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS G-1
ESA European Space Agency
ESAS Exploration Systems Architecture Study
ETDP Exploration Technology Development Program
EVA Extravehicular Activity
EXPPCS EXPRESS Physics of Colloids in Space
EXPRESS Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station
FCF Fluids and Combustion Facility
FDA Food and Drug Administration
FIR Fluids Integrated Rack
FLEX Droplet Flame Extinguishment Experiment
FMVM Fluid Merging Viscosity Measurement
Foot Foot/Ground Reaction Forces During Space Flight
FPDS Fire Prevention, Detection and Suppression
GASMAP Gas Analyzer System for Metabolic Analysis Physiology
HEOCam HDMAX Evolved Operational Camera System
H-Reflex Effects of Altered Gravity on Spinal Cord Excitability
HRF Human Research Facility
HRP Human Research Program
HSRT Human Systems Research & Technology
HTV H-II Transport Vehicle
International Caenorhabditis elegans Experiment: Physiological
ICE-First
Study of Nematode Worms in Weightlessness
Crewmember and Crew-Ground Interaction During International
Interactions
Space Station Missions
ISLSWG International Space Life Sciences Working Group
ISPR International Standard Payload Rack
ISRU In-Situ Resource Utilization
ISS International Space Station
ISSI In Space Soldering Investigation
ISSMP ISS Medical Project
ITAR International Traffic in Arms Regulations
IVA Intravehicular Activity
JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
JEM Japanese Experiment Module
LED Light-Emitting Diode
LEO Low-Earth Orbit
LMM Light Microscopy Module
MABE Microheater Array Boiling Experiment
MACE-II Middeck Active Control Experiment-II
MAMS Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System
G-2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS
MDCA Multi-user Droplet Combustion Apparatus
MELFI Minus Eighty (Degrees Celsius) Laboratory Freezer for ISS
MEPS Microencapsulation Electrostatic Processing System
MISSE Materials International Space Station Experiment
MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MSG Microgravity Sciences Glovebox
MSIR Materials Survivability, Inspection and Repair
NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NPBX Nucleate Pool Boiling Experiment
NRA NASA Research Announcement
NRC National Research Council
NSBRI National Space Biomedical Research Institute
OCHMO Office of the Chief Health and Medical Officer
OGS Oxygen Generation System
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PCG-EGN Protein Crystal Growth-Enhanced Gaseous Nitrogen Dewar
PEC Passive Experiment Carrier
PESTO Photosynthesis Experiment and System Testing and Operation
Toward Understanding Pore Formation and Mobility During
PFMI
Controlled Directional Solidification in a Microgravity Environment
PFS Pulmonary Function System
PS Propellant Storage
R&D Research and Development
ReMAP Research Maximization and Prioritization
RPC Research Partnership Center
SAME Smoke Aerosol Measurement Experiment
SAMS-II Space Acceleration Measurement System-II
SEEDS Space Exposed Experiment Developed for Students
SLAMMD Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device
Space-DRUMS Space Dynamically Responding Ultrasonic Matrix System
STS Shuttle Transportation System
SUBSA Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules
TC Thermal Control
TMP Transition to Medical Practice
TRL Technology Readiness Level
VCAM Vehicle Cabin Air Monitor
VSE Vision for Space Exploration
WRS Water Recovery System
ZBR Zero Based Review
ZCG Zeolite Crystal Growth
The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS G-3
G-4 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS
Appendix H: Report Team
This report was prepared by a team composed of staff from the Exploration Systems
Mission Directorate, the Space Operations Mission Directorate, and the Office of
External Relations at NASA HQ. They are:
Francis Chiaramonte, Ph.D.

Jacob Cohen, Ph.D.
Sue Curley
Angelene M. Lee
Frank Schowengerdt, Ph.D.
Donna Shortz
Justin Tilman
Carl Walz
The team also wishes to acknowledge and thank all of the individuals at HQ and the field
centers who contributed to the preparation of this report.
The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS H-1
H-2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Headquarters
Washington, DC 20546-0001
www.nasa.gov

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Executive Summary iii

Figure 1: ISS Configuration Evolution 5

Appendix A: ISS Configuration A-1

An electronic copy of this report may be found at:

1. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation of Biomedical Protocols for

NASA’s ISS research portfolio has always focused on developing knowledge,

Public Law No: 109-155

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION

SEC. 506. ISS RESEARCH.

The Administrator shall--

SEC. 305. MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH.

The Administrator shall--

SEC. 204. ISS RESEARCH.

1. Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation of Biomedical Protocols for

The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS 1

Mission Need - Exploration

2 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS

Additional ongoing exploration-enabling demonstration and development activities on

The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS 3

To maximize the capabilities and depth of the non-exploration fundamental research,

4 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS

5 flights ULF1.1 – 13A.1

Mass: ~457 MT* Mass: ~301 MT

4 flights 17A – 20A

Figure 1: ISS Configuration Evolution

The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS 5

ISS Post Assembly Complete Payload Accommodations

Internal Pressurized Rack Sites Station-Wide U.S. Share

External Un-pressurized Attachment Sites

*ISPR: International Standard Payload Rack

Figure 2: ISS Post Assembly Complete Payload Accommodations

Space Transportation and Crew Time

Utilization of the ISS is constrained by transportation of upmass and downmass to and

6 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS

Detailed Discipline Research & Utilization Plans

The remainder of this document is broken into discipline-specific sections: Human

The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS 7

8 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS

Research and Countermeasure Development Requirements

The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS 9

An assessment of each standard is underway using a risk management approach that

Countermeasure Development and Maturation

10 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS

VALIDATION ISS Flight Studies Reviews

Figure 3: Countermeasure Development Process

HRP activities focus on operational issues and solutions to operational problems to

The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS 11

Countermeasure Validation - ISS Utilization and Research

12 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS

ISS Medical Project

Specific Countermeasures and Risk Reduction

Figure 4: ISS Medical Project

The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS 13

Countermeasure Operations – Transition to Medical Practice

At several key points in the countermeasure development process, a candidate

14 The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS

The NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the ISS 15