Science and exploration
6/24/2022 51 views 2 likes
Vital research on health, climate, materials and more continues with ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti and her colleagues aboard the space station this month. Stay up to date on what was on their schedule with May’s science of space science.
On May 6, 2022, ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer returned to Earth, splashing in the Gulf of Mexico and marking the end of his Cosmic Kiss mission, although post-flight briefings and collection of scientific data.
ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti’s Minerva mission continues on the International Space Station. And this month he has been working with colleagues around the world to carry out an even more fascinating science to benefit us here on Earth. Here’s a rundown of some of this month’s highlights.
Understand the body
Investigating the ways in which microgravity affects the health of our astronauts is a very important part of research aboard the Space Station. Not only does it allow us to safely continue a sustained human presence in space, but it also offers a unique insight into the health conditions and potential treatments on Earth.
This month, Samantha and her NASA colleague Kjell Lindgren performed measurements for the acoustic diagnostic experiment. This study aims to analyze the impact of noise aboard the space station and microgravity on hearing. Using specialized equipment, researchers can see how otoacoustic emissions (small sounds inside the ear) can change over time in noisy environments.
Astronaut hearing test | Cosmic kiss
The team also collected data for the ongoing muscle tone experiment in space, Myotones. Astronauts train with gym equipment designed for space for at least an hour and a half a day to keep their muscles in great shape, even without gravity. Myotones research analyzes the biochemical properties of muscle during spaceflight and could lead to new rehabilitation techniques, both for astronauts and for the rest of us here on Earth.
Keep an eye on the Earth
Despite some minor technical issues, data collection for the Atmosphere-Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM) continued throughout the month. ASIM studies strong storms and helps us understand the role they play in the Earth’s atmosphere and climate. In the future, it may even help us understand more about how our atmosphere protects us from radiation, as well as make climate models more accurate.
Vegetation fights against land degradation in Mongolia
This month, Samantha also took photos of the dome of various certificates for ESA’s own climate detectives. This youth project aims to stimulate curiosity about the problems facing our climate in the next generation of scientists and train them to find solutions. He also captured photos of one of these solutions over China’s Kubuqi Desert on June 6th. More than 50% of the desert is now covered in vegetation after restoration efforts.
Building for the future
The space station’s fluid science lab is being updated
The team aboard the station also conducted several experiments investigating the properties of microgravity materials this month. First, the FSL Soft Matter Dynamics PASTA experiment, which analyzes the behavior of emulsions in microgravity. Emulsions are used in a wide variety of industries on Earth, such as food, cosmetics and even medicines. Understanding how they are formed and their dynamics will allow us to develop better, greener and healthier emulsion-based products and processes.
And not just food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals benefited from space research this month. In May and June, the astronauts also focused their attention on two studies focused on alloys. Experiments with electromagnetic levitator (EML) and transparent alloys examine the microstructure and sample formation of metal alloy. The compilation of these measures helps us understand exactly what gives alloys their strength, flexibility and longevity.
Preparing to go further
The International Space Station team continues to build our capacity to explore beyond our own planet. On June 1, this took the form of Samantha controlling Justin, an Earth-based robot, from Earth orbit. This Surface Avatar experiment will help researchers understand how astronauts can interact with robots on planetary surfaces in future missions and design protocols to make the process as easy as possible.
Surface avatar
On May 20, Samantha installed sample holders for the Matiss-3 experiment, which explores the antimicrobial properties of hydrophobic (or water-repellent) surfaces in space. Because being in space reduces astronauts ’immune response, maintaining their healthcare environment is incredibly important; this study will give us an idea of which materials can best keep pathogens at bay. It is possible that in the future, the results of this study will help us create spacecraft that are easier to keep clean, freeing up more time for astronauts for vital research.
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