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SOdium LOading in Microgravity (SOLO)
04.26.13

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Overview | Description | Applications | Operations | Results | Publications | Imagery

Experiment Overview

This content was provided by Martina A. Heer, Ph.D., and is maintained in a database by the ISS Program Science Office.

Information provided courtesy of the Erasmus Experiment Archive.
Brief Summary

SOdium LOading in Microgravity (SOLO) studies the mechanisms of fluid and salt retention in the body during space flight.

Principal Investigator(s)

  • Martina A. Heer, Ph.D., Institute of Aerospace Medicine German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany

    • Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

  • N. Kamps, Germany
  • Natalie Baecker, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
  • Peter Norsk, M.D., University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Petra Frings-Meuthen, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany

    • Developer(s)
    Information Pending

    Sponsoring Space Agency

    European Space Agency (ESA)

    Sponsoring Organization

    Information Pending

    Research Benefits

    Information Pending

    ISS Expedition Duration:

    April 2008 - September 2012

    Expeditions Assigned

    17,18,19/20,21/22,23/24,25/26,27/28,29/30,31/32

    Previous ISS Missions

    SOLO was first operated on ISS Expedition 17.

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    Experiment Description

    Research Overview

    • Microgravity leads to an activation of sodium retaining hormones even at normal sodium intake levels and causes positive sodium balances. Average and high sodium intake in microgravity exacerbates the rise in bone resorption in space.


    • SOdium LOading in Microgravity (SOLO) is a continuation of extensive research into the mechanisms of fluid and salt retention in the body during bed rest and space flights; It is a metabolically controlled study.


    • During long-term space missions crewmembers will participate in two study phases, 5 days each. Subjects follow a diet of constant either low or normal sodium intake and increased fluid consumption.

    Description

    The hypothesis of an increased urine flow as the main cause for body mass decrease has been questioned in several recently flown missions. Data from the American SLS1/2 missions as well as the European Euromir `94 and MIR 97 mission show that urine flow and total body fluid is unchanged when isocaloric energy intake is achieved.

    However, in two astronauts during these missions the renin-angiotensin system was considerably activated while plasma ANP concentrations were decreased. Calculation of daily sodium balances during a 15 day experiment of the MIR 97 mission, by subtracting sodium excretion from sodium intake- showed an astonishing result: the astronaut retained on average 50 mmol sodium daily in space compared to balanced sodium in the control experiment.

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    Applications

    Space Applications

    Information Pending

    Earth Applications

    Information Pending

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    Operations

    Operational Requirements

    Information Pending

    Operational Protocols

    Information Pending

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    Results/More Information

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    Related Websites
  • The information on this page is provided courtesy of the ESA Erasmus Experiment Archive.

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    Imagery

    image NASA Image: ISS017E018995 - Astronaut Greg Chamitoff, Expedition 17 Flight Engineer (FE) in the Kibo European Laboratory/Columbus. The Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device (SLAMMD) is visible on the left of frame.
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    Information provided by the investigation team to the ISS Program Scientist's Office.
    If updates are needed to the summary please contact JSC-ISS-Program-Science-Group. For other general questions regarding space station research and technology, please feel free to call our help line at 281-244-6187 or e-mail at JSC-ISS-Research-Helpline.
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