International Space Station
Research Advancements, in prep for Mars and beyond
Why Mars?
Another reason is curiosity. Just like Columbus, we as a human race are attempting to go beyond our reaches and achieve something new.
Finally, is the reason that space travel tends to do something unexpected: in the preparation for this program, or project, medical, scientific, recycling, and food technology industry and inventions will increase dramatically.
Student satellite deploys from ISS
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Plant Growth
Loading Satellites
Mars Food Preparation
Tim Peake
Expedition 44 Crew (August 2015) was first to sample leafy greens
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Human Health: Blood Cells
Recently scientists have been studying microgravity and its effects on human blood cell count and the functionality of these cells that are produced in microgravity. Bone marrow produces these cells, but is at the same time needing constant upkeep while in space. Studies are being done by taking blood cell counts pre- and post-flight to determine any changes. Also, functionality of white blood cells is measured by respiration, because the percentage of carbon dioxide in our breath showcases the effectiveness of our cells. This data is sent back to Earth to be analyzed, and then the information is collected and changes are made to insure that our astronauts are staying as healthy as possible.
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Tim Kopra's Exercise Study
Tim Kopra, aboard the International Space Station, used an ultrasound machine to scan his legs for use by scientists and Sprint's study on microgravitational exercise techniques. This study will be used to determine how to most effectively use exercise equipment in space, and how to improve on that said equipment.
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Scott Kelly Returns to Earth
BEAM Module Connects to ISS
The SpaceX Dragon cargo craft connected with the International Space Station's docking port, providing supplies for scientific research developments. However, the most notable cargo on this re-fueling mission is the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module. This module is planned to release in Spring of 2016, and will shed light on the possibilities and restrictions of expandable inhabitable spaces in low gravity orbit.
This applies to Mars because of the design of the module. It is similar to the B330, another inflatable being developed by the same company. However, this ISS module is smaller. The B330 will possibly be used for space tourism as well as a sort of holding cell for astronauts traveling to Mars, so the importance of trying out the equipment and design is easily inferred.
Tim Peake Completes London Marathon
Astronaut Tim Peake broke a record today, running the fastest marathon ever completed in space. While the London Marathon was held here on Earth, Peake ran strapped to a treadmill and watched a video simulation of the track. It took him approximately three and a half hours to complete the run. He was also the official starter of the race, speaking to his competitors, saying, "I'm really excited to be able to join the runners on earth from right here on board the Space Station. Good luck to everybody running, and I hope to see you all at the finish line."
This feat demonstrates the ways in which we have improved the exercise technology over time, to allow Peake to compete in something this challenging while in a microgravity environment.