2011-2012 ISS Science Selected Projects
Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity (ADUM)
Smridhi, Grade 12, Health Careers High School, San Antonio, Texas
I chose to complete a PowerPoint presentation on the Advanced Diagnostic Ultrasound in Microgravity Experiment. I purposely chose an activity related to health because I find the human body fascinating, and I wanted to learn more about the effects of microgravity on it. This particular experiment appealed to me because I recently shadowed in the Radiology Unit at a hospital and saw many ultrasounds performed. I could relate my basic knowledge of what I learned to the performance of ultrasound in space. While completing this presentation, I learned a lot of new information about the uses and positive qualities of ultrasound diagnosis, as well as how drastically it could change our future. It also exposed me to the idea of telemedicine, which I had never heard of before.
Avatar Explore: Autonomous Robotic Operations Performed from the ISS (Avatar Explore)
Abishek, Grade 11, Thomas Jefferson High School, Federal Way, Washington
Learning about new innovations always helps me think about how I can help my world. By doing both the Avatar Explore and the SLICE topics, I was able to learn how communication and the search for cleaner energy are the forefront in technological innovation. It makes me ask myself what I would like to be a part of when I grow up especially since I am working my way towards engineering. These topics showed me that there is so much more to engineering than I thought; that there is such a wide array of topics to choose from and it constantly makes me rethink my perception on engineering and innovation.
(This was a very informative activity. I never knew NASA did so many different tests and experiments; I mean I know you guys did a lot but the sheer number of experiments posted on the site still amazed me!)
Biomechanical Analysis of Treadmill Exercise on the International Space Station (Treadmill Kinematics)
Kendra, Madeline, and Caleb, Grade 5, North Tama Elementary School, Traer, Iowa
Our experiment is about the treadmill and how it prevents muscle and bone damage. This experiment was chosen because we have been talking about muscles and bones in school. We learned a lot about living in space.
Cell Culture Module -- Effect of Microgravity on Wound Repair: In Vitro Model of New Blood Vessel Development (CCM-Wound Repair)
Lauren, Grade 11, Great Neck South High School, Great Neck, New York
Katherine, Grade 10, Hatboro-Horsham High School, Horsham, Pennsylvania
We chose CCM-Wound Repair because we were interested in learning about a biology-based experiment and wound repair sounded like a fascinating topic. The results of this experiment don't seem to have been published yet, but it will be exciting to learn what became of this experiment. By doing this project, the enormity of the ISS was really put into perspective. We also learned about cell repair systems, bioreactors, adipose-derived stem cells, and gained a general awareness as to the experiments on the ISS.
Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus Science Insert -- 03: Spiders and Butterflies (CSI-03)
Andrea and Carlie, Grade 6, North Tama Elementary School, Traer, Iowa
This investigation was good for us because we learned so many things we didn't know before. Here are the things we learned: We learned that a painted lady butterfly is basically a Monarch butterfly. We also learned what a pupa is and it is like a cocoon. The most interesting thing we learned is how to work as a team and how to use each other's ideas together.
Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle School Students (EarthKAM)
Lydia and Clowey, Grade 6, North Tama Elementary School, Traer, Iowa
We learned that EarthKAM helps students study and examine Earth from space. Students are also able to decide what pictures of Earth that they want. The most important thing that we learned is that astronauts do interesting experiments on the ISS.
Effect of Microgravity on the Peripheral Subcutaneous Veno-Arteriolar Reflex in Humans (Xenon-1)
Sarthak, Grade 11, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Herndon, Virginia
Pratap, Grade 11, Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon, California
Calvin, Grade 11, Mission San Jose High School, Fremont, California
Bhavna, Grade 12, Santa Teresa High School, San Jose, California
We chose this science experiment because we were curious to find out what the Veno-Arteriolar Reflex is and why it is important to the human body. We found that this reflex is essential to pumping blood through the lower half of the human body. Without this reflex, blood would not get pumped back up to the heart from the legs. Astronauts are incapacitated for a few days after returning to Earth because the VA reflex is not necessary in space.
In Space Soldering Investigation (ISSI)
Kelly, Grade 9, H.H. Dow High School, Midland, Michigan
I chose to research the In Space Soldering Experiment (ISSI) because I found it to be extremely relevant to the goal of maintaining a human presence in space. I also found it to be important in the development of repair capabilities in deep space, which could be crucial to a crew's survival and a mission's success.
Another reason why I chose ISSI was because I have experience with soldering, and I thought that ISSI was more relatable because of this experience.
Through researching ISSI, I learned about the effects of gravity on soldering, and how a microgravity environment can magnify these effects. I found it really interesting and exciting that this research will be used to develop better soldering techniques that could make in-flight repair of spacecraft more effective. I also learned about temperature gradients and thermo capillary flow, two subjects that I plan to study and learn more about after researching ISSI.
Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study (Sprint)
Liam, Blade, Carson, Dalton and Bryce, Grade 6, Madison Elementary School, Massena, New York
We picked Sprint because we thought it looked very interesting. We learned that it protects from bone and muscle loss. It helps the heart function. We think it is very useful for the ISS Crew Members.
JPL Electronic Nose (ENose)
Parker, Alex, Carissa, and Garett, Grade 5, North Tama Elementary School, Traer, Iowa
This experiment was chosen because we were learning about healthy bodies. The ENose detects contaminated air so the air is safe. I thought the ENose was cool.
Physiological Factors Contributing to Postflight Changes in Functional Performance (Functional Task Test)
Solana, Grade 10 and Melody, Grade 12, Princeton High School, Princeton, New Jersey
This project really interested me from the start. In microgravity, the human body is affected physiologically, and this inhibits our abilities to perform certain tasks. But what tasks? And how are we inhibited? Thus, this experiment tests how and what functions are affected by microgravity. However, the experiment is still ongoing, but the results will be intriguing. When it's finished, it'd be interesting to see what scientists come up with to help us adapt to microgravity or how they change certain tasks on the ISS to better suit our bodies. -- Melody
I chose this because I thought the topic was interesting since it has to do with technology. It was also listed to have results in the chart, so I thought it would be nice to analyze the results. Although it didn't have results to analyze, I still kept the topic because I liked how it had pictures and showed the different machines tested various physiological functions. I learned about what functions were affected by space flight and how NASA intends to reduce the damage. -- Solana
Renal Stone Risk During Spaceflight: Assessment and Countermeasure Validation (Renal Stone)
Adarsh, Grade 9, American High School, Fremont, California
I chose Renal Stone Risk During Spaceflight: Assessment and Countermeasure Validation (Renal Stone) experiment because one of my closest family members recently had a kidney stone which had to be surgically removed. So the overall topic interested me to learn more about it.
From this experiment, I learned:
- How the data was collected and analyzed to study about the stone formation in crew members during and after space flight.
- Astronauts are at greater risk of formation of stones like calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid during space missions because the urine becomes concentrated due to decreased urine output and pH and also higher excretion of calcium.
- Crewmembers ingested with K-cit had very good decrease in CAOX and uric-acid.
Overall, it was a great learning experience!
Robonaut
Cael, Zach, Chase, and Kameron, Grade 5, North Tama Elementary School, Traer, Iowa
We did this experiment because we were learning about technology. We liked learning about Robonaut because robots are really cool.
Structure and Liftoff In Combustion Experiment (SLICE)
Joshua, Grade 10, Dublin High School, Dublin, California
Josh, Grade 10, Norfolk Academy, Norfolk, Virginia
Abra, Grade 12, Richview Collegiate Institute, Ontario, Canada
We chose to do our ISS Science Challenge Presentation on SLICE because we are concerned with the well-being of the Earth and want to both learn and educate others about the different processes that contribute to global pollution. We are all fascinated by the science behind rocketry and we knew that SLICE would be the perfect experiment to increase our knowledge of combustion and its applications to rockets. We all enjoyed working with students across the nation toward a common goal and we have learned much along the way, including several past, present and future missions on the International Space Station, how combustion works and how to communicate effectively over the computer.
Structure and Liftoff In Combustion Experiment (SLICE)
Abishek, Grade11, Thomas Jefferson High School, Federal Way, Washington
Learning about new innovations always helps me think about how I can help my world. By doing both the Avatar Explore and the SLICE topics, I was able to learn how communication and the search for cleaner energy are the forefront in technological innovation. It makes me ask myself what I would like to be a part of when I grow up especially since I am working my way towards engineering. These topics showed me that there is so much more to engineering than I thought; that there is such a wide array of topics to choose from and it constantly makes me rethink my perception on engineering and innovation.
(This was a very informative activity. I never knew NASA did so many different tests and experiments; I mean I know you guys did a lot but the sheer number of experiments posted on the site still amazed me!)
Space Test Program -- Houston 3 -- Variable emissivity radiator Aerogel insulation blanket Dual zone thermal control Experiment suite for Responsive space (STP-H3 VADER)
Brenden, Don, Vivian, Jacob, Tyler and Adam, Grade 6, Madison Elementary School, Massena, New York
We picked STP-H3 VADER because it sounded interesting and we were curious about it and it sounded cool. We learned about what Aerogel is about and what STP-H3 VADER was built for. It was built to test a thermal blanket in space so that soon it could be made into material for astronaut's suits. We enjoyed finding facts about it and what the blanket was made of which was Aerogel. We thought the project was very useful so STP-H3 VADER could test the material that could hopefully be later on used as the material for astronauts when they go on the Mars mission.