From Farming To DNA Sequencing; 5 Spectrums Of NASA's Scientific Research Conducted In Space Aiming In Advancing Life On Earth

From Farming To DNA Sequencing; 5 Spectrums Of NASA's Scientific Research Conducted In Space Aiming In Advancing Life On Earth

For more than two decades, NASA has been conducting experiments in various areas, pushing the boundaries of nature and exploring science. Numerous groundbreaking accomplishments have aided in our comprehension of the various ways human existence can progress.

Manasi KambleUpdated: Monday, September 30, 2024, 03:42 PM IST
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NASA astronaut Kayla Barron checks out plants growing inside the Veggie research facility for the Veggie PONDS experiment. | NASA

As Neil Armstrong quoted, "One Small Step For Man, One Giant Leap For Mankind," for the last 24 years, NASA has been conducting research and developing findings in a variety of areas that could contribute to improving life on our planet. As intriguing as it may seem, the findings from these studies have met the anticipated outcomes.

Research Over The Years

The astronauts on the International Space Station have carried out scientific experiments that are impossible to perform elsewhere. Hovering approximately 250 miles above Earth, the space station serves as the sole laboratory for conducting long-term experiments in microgravity.

Over the last 20 years, the space station has enabled many findings, research papers, special chances, and important advancements. This study not only allows us to delve deeper into space but also brings advantages to us here on Earth.

NASA Astronaut Jessica Ulrika Meir working at the Life Science Glovebox (LSG) at the International Space Station.

NASA Astronaut Jessica Ulrika Meir working at the Life Science Glovebox (LSG) at the International Space Station. | NASA

Why To Research In Space?

In order to advance scientific studies, it is crucial to examine them from a perspective beyond Earth and the familiar realm of gravity. This type of research not only led to the exploration of new aspects of the study but also contributed to the comprehension of Earth's gravity influence.

Importance Of Research In Space

Throughout time, NASA has initiated numerous projects that have produced incredible outcomes not only in space exploration but have also advanced our knowledge on bacteria, physics of fluids, drugs and detection of different illnesses, space agriculture, and much more.

Objectives Of These Research

Research conducted in space is aimed at determining the station's ability to support different types of instruments, both inside and outside, making it a strong platform for studying Earth's water, air, land masses, vegetation, and more, and offering researchers new perspectives beyond NASA's usual Earth remote-sensing satellites.

NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams exercising in space

NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams exercising in space | NASA

Experimenting Human Anatomy:

Fighting Diseases: Alzheimer's Disease. A medical condition known as Parkinson's Disease. Disease characterised by abnormal cell growth. A respiratory condition called asthma. Cardiovascular illness. Space station research has impacted your life if any of these conditions have influenced you.

ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti operates the rHEALTH One analyzer on the International Space Station in May 2022.

ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti operates the rHEALTH One analyzer on the International Space Station in May 2022. | NASA

Medicinal Understanding: Experiments on protein crystal growth carried out on the space station have offered valuable information on multiple disease treatments, such as cancer, gum disease, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Research on space has greatly improved our understanding of bone and muscle deterioration in astronauts and ways to reduce these impacts. The information acquired is also relevant for individuals on Earth tackling conditions like osteoporosis.

Astronaut Thomas Pesquet inserts blood samples for the MARROW study into the Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer at the ISS

Astronaut Thomas Pesquet inserts blood samples for the MARROW study into the Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer at the ISS | NASA

Experimenting With Tissue Chips: Tissue chips are small devices similar in size to a thumb drive, that hold human cells in a 3D matrix, mimicking the functionality of an organ. Chips have been delivered to the station in order to study how microgravity affects human health and use that knowledge to enhance health on Earth.

Resolving Natural Issues:

Innovative water filtration systems: Water is essential for the existence of humans. Regrettably, numerous individuals worldwide do not have access to clean water. Areas susceptible to danger can utilise cutting-edge filtration and purification systems derived from space station technology, allowing astronauts to recycle 93% of their water.

NASA astronaut Kayla Barron replaces a filter in the space station’s Brine Processor Assembly.

NASA astronaut Kayla Barron replaces a filter in the space station’s Brine Processor Assembly. | NASA

Reacting to natural disasters: The station is actively involved in collecting orbital data to aid in disaster response efforts using crew handheld camera images, both domestically and internationally.

Experimenting With Physics:

Investigating the fifth state of matter: A quarter of a century ago, researchers successfully created a fifth state of matter known as a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) here on our planet. In 2018, NASA's Cold Atom Lab achieved the historic milestone of creating the first state of matter in space. This accomplishment could offer an understanding of the basic principles of quantum physics.

The fifth state of matter- Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC)

The fifth state of matter- Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) | NASA Laboratory

Discovery of consistently burning cold flames: During the Flame Extinguishing Experiment (FLEX) study, researchers discovered a surprising phenomenon when burning fuel droplets. A droplet of heptane fuel seemed to go out, but actually kept burning without a flame at temperatures 2.5 times lower than a regular candle.

NASA Astonaut showcasing a nanofiber filter devised to purify water in orbit is currently at work on Earth, in devices that supply water to remote villages as well as in a water bottle that lets hikers and adventurers stay hydrated using streams and lakes.

NASA Astonaut showcasing a nanofiber filter devised to purify water in orbit is currently at work on Earth, in devices that supply water to remote villages as well as in a water bottle that lets hikers and adventurers stay hydrated using streams and lakes. | NASA

The development of fluid physics investigation: Fluids are abundant on Earth, but studying their behaviour in space can enhance our understanding of their dynamics. Research on fluids in space has evolved from basic studies to testing technology applications like medical devices and heat transfer systems.

Expanding the field of colloid research: Toothpaste, 3D printing, pharmaceuticals, and identifying moving sands on Mars may appear unrelated, but all can see advancements from studies on colloids conducted on the space station.

3D printing in zero gravity: The initial object was created through 3D printing aboard the space station in 2014. From that point on, we have delved into 3D printing with recycled materials and also printed human tissue.

Challenging Nature:

Agriculture In Microgravity: The capability to produce extra food can enable humans to venture further away from Earth. Several methods for cultivating plants have been tested on the space station in anticipation of upcoming missions. On August 10, 2015, astronauts tried their first salad grown in space; currently, astronauts are cultivating radishes in space.

NASA Astronaut Jessica Watkins showcasing lab made plant.

NASA Astronaut Jessica Watkins showcasing lab made plant. | NASA

Study Alien Microbes: The ability to identify microbes instantly in space, without having to bring them back to Earth for identification, would be groundbreaking for the fields of microbiology and space exploration. The team of Genes in Space-3 made that possibility a reality in 2017.

Space Studies:

Gathering Information From Over 100 Billion Cosmic Particles: The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-02 has supplied scientists worldwide with data that can assist in understanding the composition of the universe and its origins.

The newly-installed Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) is visible at center left.

The newly-installed Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) is visible at center left. | NASA

Enhanced Comprehension Of Pulsars And Black Holes: NICER and MAXI, two instruments attached to the exterior of the space station, have collaborated to further our understanding of these astronomical phenomena.

Representative image

Representative image | Pinterest

Student Access To Space: Not only companies and professors, but also students have access to conduct microgravity research on the space station. The station has provided primary to university students with the chance to learn about science in space and research the impacts of microgravity.

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