SCIENCE, AERONAUTICS AND TECHNOLOGY
FISCAL YEAR 1996 ESTIMATES
BUDGET SUMMARY
OFFICE OF LIFE AND MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES AND APPLICATIONS
SUMMARY OF RESOURCES REQUIREMENTS
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
(Thousands of Dollars)
Life sciences
Research and analysis 55,100 50,700 50,400
Flight program 131,700 90,000 84,000
Subtotal 186,800 140,700 134,400
Microgravity science research
Research and analysis 18,400 30,400 30,200
Flight program 156,600 101,500 109,700
Subtotal 175,000 131,900 139,900
Space shuttle/spacelab payload mission
Management and Integration 108,700 113,000 85,400
Aerospace medicine/occupational health (2,700) 7,000 7,000
Space station payload facilities
Life science facilities 24,000 42,900 53,900
Microgravity facilities 13,000 32,000 65,600
EXPRESS racks/lab support equipment 15,600 17,800
Subtotal 37,000 90,500 137,300
Total 507,500 483,100 504,000
SCIENCE, AERONAUTICS AND TECHNOLOGY
FISCAL YEAR 1996 ESTIMATES
BUDGET SUMMARY
Distribution of Program Amount by Installation
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
(Thousands of Dollars)
Johnson Space Center 130,800 98,300 108,900
Kennedy Space Center 27,900 20,900 19,400
Marshall Space Flight Center 122,000 112,000 125,200
Ames Research Center 66,600 63,500 71,800
Langley Research Center 7,200 800 3,600
Lewis Research Center 74,400 75,900 82,700
Goddard Space Flight Center 500 -- 300
Jet Propulsion Laboratory 16,200 2,500 8,000
Headquarters 61,900 109,200 84,100
Total 507,500 483,100 504,000
SCIENCE, AERONAUTICS AND TECHNOLOGY
FISCAL YEAR 1996 ESTIMATES
OFFICE OF LIFE AND MICROGRAVITY SCIENCES AND APPLICATIONS
PROGRAM GOALS
The NASA Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications program leads the nation's efforts in space biological, physical and
chemical sciences and aerospace medicine, supporting technology development, and applications using the attributes of the space
environment to advance knowledge, to improve the quality of life on Earth, and to strengthen the foundations for continuing the
exploration and development of space. Major program goals are: (1) understand the role of gravity in biological, physical and
chemical systems, and (2) develop and provide technologies and research data essential to design and operate space-based systems,
and to maximize the health, well-being and productivity of humans in the exploration and utilization of space.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
The Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications (OLMSA) at NASA Headquarters consists of four divisions: the Life and
Biomedical Sciences and Applications Division, the Microgravity Science and Applications Division, the Flight Systems Division, and
the Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Health Division. The OLMSA also manages the Space Station Payload Facilities
development program.
The program contributes to the creation of new scientific knowledge by studying the effect of the space environment on important
biological, chemical, and physical processes. The ground-based research programs support over 500 peer-reviewed Principal
Investigators at over 217 universities and colleges over a diverse range of disciplines including human physiology, gravitational
biology, materials science, fluids physics, combustion science, and biotechnology.
The flight programs in life sciences and microgravity develop experiments to fly on orbiting spacecraft such as the Spacelab
modules, Space Shuttle pallet payloads, Space Shuttle middecks, the Mir Space Station and the International Space Station Alpha
(ISSA). The Flight System Division provides Headquarters program management for the mission planning and integration for all of
these experiments as well as for additional attached Space Shuttle payloads developed by other NASA organizations.
As NASA moves into the Space Station era, there will be a major transition from the current on-orbit experimentation program to
the international Space Station. The core of the Space Station program will be six major research facilities: the Gravitational
Biology Facility (GBF), the Centrifuge Facility (CF), the Human Research Facility (HRF), the Space Station Furnace Facility (SSFF),
the Biotechnology Facility (BTF) (which includes the Protein Crystal Growth experiment) and the Fluids/Combustion Facility (FCF).
The Life Sciences Research and Analysis program supports ground-based research and definition studies in six major areas;
(1) Space Physiology and Countermeasures, (2) Space Human Factors Engineering, (3) Environmental Health, (4) Space Radiation
Health, (5) Advanced Life Support, and (6) Space Biology. The Research and Analysis program also includes data archiving,
laboratories, NASA Specialized Centers of Research and Training (NSCORTS), and joint activities with the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Ground-based research relies on unique gravitational and simulation
facilities such as centrifuges and parabolic aircraft.
The Life Sciences Flight program, consists of the Space Shuttle/Spacelab flight experiments program, the NASA/MIR Research
Program (NMRP), the Space Station Utilization program and other international cooperative efforts. The flight experiments program
selects, defines, develops and conducts in-space medical and biological research, and tests advanced life support and extravehicular
technologies. The broad variety of multi-user research facilities it develops is designed to support the life sciences community's
needs of the future.
The Microgravity Science Research and Analysis program supports ground-based research and definition studies for flight
experiment candidates in five primary areas; (1) Biotechnology, (2) Combustion Science, (3) Fluid Physics, (4) Materials Science, and
(5) Gravitational Physics. Ground-based research includes laboratories, drop-tubes, drop towers and parabolic aircraft.
The Microgravity Science Flight program, consisting of a flight experiments program, the NMRP and the Space Station Utilization
program, provides a wide range of experimental capabilities. The flight program supports a broad variety of hardware experiments
including, both unique one-of-a kind scientific experiments as well as multi-user research facilities, which will serve as the
cornerstones of microgravity science and applications research in the future. Experiments will be principally flown in the Space
Shuttle, Spacelab, sounding rockets and/or other commercially-developed spacecraft.
The Space Shuttle/Spacelab Mission Management and Integration program performs the mission planning, integration and
execution of all NASA/Spacelab, the NMRP and attached Space Shuttle payloads. The program includes integration of the scientific
payloads into the various carriers, payload specialist training and system management and engineering development of flight
equipment and software.
The Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Health program is responsible for the maintenance of health, medical safety and
productivity of our astronauts in space and for protecting and promoting the health and safety of all NASA employees. The program
also includes tele-medicine and global health applications projects. This program also includes clinical medicine responsibilities
that have been transferred from the Life Sciences Research and Analysis program.
NASA is continuing to develop and broaden its cooperative research programs with Russia. The keystone of those efforts is the
Phase I NASA/MIR Research Program that includes seven missions to the Mir Space Station over the next three years. This
program will provide NASA with opportunities to conduct long-duration, on-orbit research in life sciences and microgravity sciences
and space medicine.
The continued development of the Space Station Payload Facilities will remain one of the highest priorities of NASA . In addition to
the six major facilities, NASA will develop Laboratory Support Equipment and Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space
Station (EXPRESS) racks for the station, NASA has completed a major redesign activity of the Centrifuge Facility that will result in a
simplified but highly capable facility that will be delivered to the Space Station three years earlier than the prior design and at a
lower cost
BASIS OF FY 1996 FUNDING REQUIREMENT
LIFE SCIENCES RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
(Thousands of Dollars)
Life sciences research and analysis 55,100 50,700 50,400
PROGRAM GOALS
The Life Sciences Research and Analysis program sponsors basic and applied research in biomedicine, biology, environmental
science, and related technologies in support of the Agency's strategic goals. The program goals are: (1) to effectively use
microgravity and the other characteristics of the space environment to enhance our understanding of fundamental biological
processes; (2) to develop the scientific and technological foundations for a safe, productive human presence in space for extended
periods and in preparation for exploration; and (3) to apply this knowledge and technology to improve our nation's competitiveness,
education, and the quality of life on Earth.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
Life Sciences Research and Analysis program supports applied research as well as basic research. Its basic research activities use
the unique weightless environment of space as a tool to learn about basic structures and functions of humans, other animals, and
plants. Its applied research activities enable the development of procedures or countermeasures to prevent the undesirable effects
of space flight on humans. Life Sciences Research and Analysis pursues its goals through ground-based research programs and
projects at universities, NASA Centers and other Federal agencies including NIH. It also finances specialized support facilities and
technologies.
The Life Sciences Research and Analysis program supports ground-based research in the following areas: (1) gravitational research,
(2) environmental and human factors research, and (3) advanced life support systems research. Gravitational research in the
biological, biomedical, environmental, and psychosocial sciences is composed of the space biology and the space physiology and
countermeasures program areas. Environmental and human factors research subdivides into the environmental health program
area, space radiation health, and the space human factors area. The advanced life support program consists of advanced life
support and the advanced extravehicular activity systems areas.
The Research and Analysis program also sponsors three additional specialized activities and services. The Advanced Technology
Development and Data Analysis activities respond to the defined needs of the space life sciences ground-based and flight programs.
The Research and Analysis program's Education and Outreach activity informs the professional community about space life sciences
activities, encourages students to consider careers in space life sciences, and sponsors development programs aimed at those
already engaged in life sciences research careers.
All sponsored research is peer-reviewed, consistent with revised and updated peer review policies implemented during FY 1994. The
program's peer review program is administered from Headquarters, and proposals submitted by NASA Field Center researchers are
subjected to the same rigorous review standards as those of extramural researchers. The Life and Biomedical Sciences and
Applications program's procedures enable peer reviews of selected proposals to be performed under cooperative arrangements with
the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The Space Biology program seeks to improve understanding of the role of gravity on biological processes by using a variety of
gravitational environments (hypergravity, simulated hypogravity, and microgravity) as research tools or by determining the
combined effects of gravity and other environmental factors on biological systems. The program emphasizes research in cell and
molecular biology, developmental biology, plant biology, and systems biology. Its research includes plants or animals as subjects, as
well as cell or tissue cultures.
The Space Physiology and Countermeasures program conducts research that seeks to characterize and determine the mechanisms
of the physiological changes in weightlessness, including those that threaten to limit the duration of human space missions. It also
develops integrated prophylaxis or rehabilitation methods that allow humans to live and work in microgravity, minimize the risk of
returning to Earth's gravity, and optimize crew safety, well-being, and performance.
The Environmental Health program seeks to understand the effects of spacecraft environments on humans, animals, and other
organisms. It attempts to specify, measure, and control these environments, and it develops standards and countermeasures,
where necessary, to optimize crew health, safety, and productivity. Research within the Environmental Health program includes
four interrelated disciplines, each dealing with a specific aspect of the spacecraft environment: barophysiology, microbiology,
toxicology, and water quality. The program develops monitoring techniques, procedures, and standards for extended Space Shuttle
missions and the international Space Station.
The Space Radiation Health program conducts research needed to establish the scientific basis for the radiation protection of
humans engaged in the development and exploration of space, with particular emphasis on the establishment of a firm knowledge
base to support possible future planetary exploration, and to predict the probabilities of deleterious health effects due to radiation
exposure during human space activities. The emphasis of this program is on mechanistic studies with the potential to enable
extrapolation of scientific research results to human beings in space.
The Space Human Factors program integrates knowledge about human capabilities and system engineering methodologies. It
develops new processes and procedures to enhance crew training and performance and to improve complex automated systems
designs. It also studies the psycho social issues of humans in isolated environments. The program achieves its objectives, in part,
by sponsoring or supporting Earth-based analog studies in extreme and isolated environments.
The Advanced Life Support program develops advanced regenerative life support systems by combining biological, physical, and
chemical processes capable of producing and recycling the food, air, and water needed to support long-term human missions in
space in a safe and reliable manner. Its projects and activities apply engineering sciences to the design of technologies that support
and control physical-chemical and bioregenerative closed loop systems for clean air and potable water. The program applies
knowledge from the life sciences to grow, harvest, and process crop plants for flight crew consumption.
The Advanced Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Systems program develops the technologies necessary to perform the EVAs productively,
safely, and efficiently during future long-duration missions. The EVA systems are defined as the operational hardware and
operational procedures that allow safe, efficient, and productive crew activities in the proximity of a planetary habitat, a spacecraft,
or an orbiting station. The EVA hardware includes space suits, portable life support systems, and items such as foot restraints,
tools, work stations, and interfaces. These items, along with operational procedures and protocols, are candidates for advanced EVA
systems technology development.
The Advanced Technology Development (ATD) program sponsors multidisciplinary technology development activities that enhance
the capability, reliability or quality of Life Sciences flight hardware. The program solves technical problems that currently limit
science return from existing flight equipment. It enables new types of scientific investigations in space; promotes technology
transfer of Life Sciences technology to industry; and establishes partnerships with industry, universities, and other agencies.
The Data Analysis program stimulates the thorough analysis of data gathered during space flight and its Earth analogs. This
program sponsors extended analysis of data collected during space flight. It supports life sciences data base and archive
development, and promotes the development of special data analysis techniques, which promise to strengthen the analysis of data
from space flight, such as mathematical modeling, computer simulation, artificial intelligence or statistical methods.
The Life Sciences Research and Analysis program manages its projects, activities, and tasks from Headquarters and from the
following NASA Centers: the Ames Research Center (ARC), the Johnson Space Center (JSC), and the Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
Following the program’s adoption of revised peer review procedures during FY 1994, NASA returned the responsibility for extramural
grants management to Headquarters. Beginning in FY 1995, all the program’s peer-reviewed research and technology awards to
extramural researchers will be managed and administered from Headquarters. Center researchers will continue to perform
intramural peer-reviewed research and technology projects and tasks, as well as applied research and technology tasks. The
Centers also maintain various specialized research facilities that support the investigations of extramural and intramural
researchers alike.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences will assist Headquarters in administering the program’s peer review processes until its
contract with NASA expires in mid-FY 1995. NASA will choose a successor contract in 1995 which will consolidate peer review for
all peer-reviewed research and technology programs. The ARC and the JSC receive support from the Bionetics Corporation and
Krug Life Sciences, respectively. The Dynamac Corporation was recently selected to support the KSC’s life sciences research and
technology programs during the first quarter of FY 1995, with subcontracted support from Bionetics Corporation.
Life Sciences Research and Analysis program resources support more than $5.0 million annually of collaborative activities with the
NIH. Life Sciences resources dedicated to joint NASA/NIH collaboration are likely to increase in future years, stimulated both by
past collaborative efforts and by the recommendations of the NASA/NIH Interagency Advisory Committee. Collaborative efforts
between NASA and the NIH researchers are proceeding on a number of fronts. The two agencies collaborate on such things as the
Human Brain project, a collaborative effort focusing on neural science and informatics research. NASA and the NIH will continue to
provide mutual support to a NASA/NIH Specialized Center of Research and Technology (NSCORT) for Vestibular Research at
Northwestern Medical Center in Chicago. A sampling of other collaborative research and technology projects which NASA Life
Sciences has underway with the NIH include several projects in cancer research, including a technology development task which
aims to develop advanced digital mammography techniques. The agencies are examining similarities between space flight and the
aging process. They are working together on neurological and behavioral sciences research, developmental physiology and human
development research, and cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic systems research. The two agencies are supporting several
activities designed to enhance the electronic information services available to life sciences researchers. For example, SPACELINE,
an on-line bibliographic database of space life sciences, should become available for use during FY 1995.
The program participates with a variety of other organizations whose research interests intersect those of the Life Sciences Research
and Analysis program. Such organizations include the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology and the American
College of Sports Medicine. The program also reaches out to groups whose members are underrepresented in the life sciences
research community, such as the Alaska Native Associations.
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
Release Life Sciences NASA Research Announcement Ensure a steady source of peer-reviewed research and
1st Qtr FY 1995 development tasks.
1st Qtr FY 1996
Complete 50 Life Sciences R&A tasks Ensure a steady flow of life sciences research benefits.
FY 1994/FY 1995/FY 1996
Complete 5-year performance period for NSCORTs/recompete Conclude NSCORTs in Gravitational Biology, Bioregenerative
4th Qtr 1995 Life Support, and Environmental Health.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PLANS
FY 1994 was a period of significant activity for the Life Sciences Research and Analysis program. The program's activities ranged
from continued efforts to improve the quality of the science and peer review process to joint participation or sponsorship of science
conferences and workshops with NIH, and successful demonstration of a number of promising new technologies.
Collaboration or joint sponsorship of workshops and related activities during FY 1994 included a jointly sponsored workshop with
the NIH's National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, where researchers gathered to discuss recent research results in
cardiovascular, pulmonary, and blood functions. Additional opportunities for life sciences researchers to present their research
findings occurred through participation with such organizations as the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, and
the American College of Sports Medicine. Successful collaboration with the National Science Foundation resulted in the
establishment of the Life Sciences Research and Analysis program's ninth NSCORT. The new plant biology NSCORT was
established at Ohio State University. It is composed of nine projects selected from 35 research proposals.
The Advanced EVA System program is also co-sponsoring a program with the multiple sclerosis community that will continue
NASA's efforts into the development of micro-climate technologies. The goals of this project are to help establish cooling protocols
for the multiple sclerosis patients and to coordinate a nationwide clinical study that will determine the medical efficacy of cooling for
these patients.
NASA, the Alaska Native Associations, the University of Alaska, and industry joined together in FY 1994 to plan for the development
of appropriate systems, derived from NASA life support technologies, for waste handling and the purification of water for hygiene
and potable uses appropriate to the unique conditions of rural Alaska.
The first test of a new closed loop Integrated Air Revitalization System was conducted at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The test
system consisted of a four-bed molecular sieve subsystem, a Sabatier carbon dioxide reduction subsystem, a solid polymer
electrolyte oxygen generation subsystem, and the associated hardware required to integrate the subsystems. The test successfully
demonstrated automated operation of an integrated life support system with capabilities beyond those presently available.
A program was initiated during FY 1994 to develop advanced technology biosensors which will address NASA's future physiological
monitoring needs. These sensors have already generated considerable interest in the medical community and cooperative projects
have been initiated with both the University of California, San Francisco medical center to use these sensors for monitoring fetal
development and Cedars-Sinai for monitoring blood parameters.
During FY 1995, the Life Sciences Research and Analysis program will complete the first competitive renewal of three NSCORTs.
The Centers that will be selected following recompetition are in the areas of Gravitational Biology, Environmental Health, and
Bioregenerative Life Support.
FY 1995 program planning and outreach activities will include three major workshops. The Neural plasticity workshop, to be
co-sponsored with the Johns Hopkins University, will take place in February 1995. It will summarize recent research findings in
how neural structure and function can be altered by environmental and other stimuli. It will point towards new research directions
and potential applications in space and Earth. A symposium on NASA and the Decade of the Brain, co-sponsored by the National
Foundation for Brain Research, will be held in June 1995. This symposium will survey the recent advances in the neurosciences
and discuss how NASA can further the tremendous advances in the brain and behavioral sciences for the benefit of people on Earth
and in space. Finally, a workshop on environmental health will be conducted in the summer of 1995 in conjunction with the
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). This workshop will bring together leading investigators supported by
the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NASA, and it will result in recommendations on future joint initiatives and programs for
NASA and the NIEHS.
The Life Sciences Research and Analysis program in FY 1995 will provide extramural investigators with increased access to NASA-
unique facilities supported by NASA and other Federal agencies. Specifically, the program will increase access to the
Biocomputation Center, the Vestibular Research Facility and other radial acceleration facilities at the Ames Research Center, and
the KC-135 and other biomedical facilities at the JSC. Additionally, the program will initiate a study to evaluate and plan for
advanced space suit systems necessary to reduce the risk of decompression sickness, and the program will begin developing more
capable systems for long-duration and planetary missions.
During FY 1996, the Space Biology program will focus on advancing fundamental knowledge in the biological sciences using the tool
of gravity and microgravity. The program will apply that knowledge to support NASA's goal of enabling human exploration of space
and improving the quality of life on Earth through advances in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental
management.
The Cell Biology program will attempt to answer questions on how gravitational information is transduced; how cells respond to
both acute and long-term variations in gravity; and how gravity affects the composition, size, shape, and function of cells. The
Developmental Biology program will study the influence of gravity and microgravity on animal growth, development, reproduction,
genetic integrity, life span, senescence, and subsequent generations of animals. The Plant Biology program will conduct research to
understand how plants perceive, transduce, and respond to a gravitational force. It will elucidate the role of hypergravity and
microgravity in developmental and reproductive processes in plants, and it will seek to understand the role of hypergravity and
microgravity in the metabolism and transport processes in plants. Finally, the Systems Biology program will study the ways in
which organisms sense and integrate gravitational information, and how organisms facilitate orientation and locomotion. The
Systems Biology program will also test mechanisms of gravitational adaptation, and it will support research which attempts to
determine the gravitational influence on genetic expression relating to physiologic function, such as rhythms, stature, locomotion,
etc.
The Space Physiology and Countermeasures program will continue to redirect its ground-based research emphases during
FY 1996 from studies related to acute problems of short-term space flight to problems associated with extended stays in space,
especially stays of 90 days to 180 days (i.e., up to the mission durations of the international Space Station). The Space Physiology
and Countermeasures program will fund both basic and applied research in studies of the applied effects of hypogravity and
hypergravity. Studies may include human subjects and other animal models. The program will seek new techniques for the non-
invasive, inflight measurement of the variables that characterize all systems. It will also address the development of an optimal
exercise protocol for space flight that will provide an effective, comprehensive countermeasure for the various physiological and
psychological systems, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular function, fluid and electrolyte balance, and
performance, while minimizing demands on crew time.
The Environmental Health program in FY 1996 will conduct research that is relevant to the establishment of space flight
environmental standards for human health and performance. It will define physiological norms for atmospheric gases, identify
toxicants and describe microbial populations (including their numbers, pathogenicity, or products). The program will emphasize
investigations of optimal nitrogen washout protocols and it will use ground-based studies to anticipate the effects of closed systems
in space.
The Radiation Health program in FY 1996 will support ground-based experimental radiobiology studies using proton and high-
energy heavy ion beams. The highest priority will be assigned to studies leading to significant advances in understanding the
mechanisms of radiation-caused carcinogenesis and in the reliability of interspecies extrapolation of radiobiological effects (in
particular, extrapolation to humans).
During FY 1996, the primary focus of the Space Human Factors program will shift from knowledge acquisition to knowledge
application. This shift will extend human factors support to operational areas and it will emphasize the improvement of processes
and products. The program will emphasize the identification and development of projects with clearly defined technology or product
deliverables in the following five areas: Advanced Displays and Controls Development; Human-Machine Function Allocation;
Interactions Among Intelligent Agents; Intravehicular Activity; and Analog Studies.
The primary emphases of the Advanced Life Support program during FY 1996 will be in the areas of solid waste processing, food
processing and system studies. Programmatic relevance will be evaluated relative to these emphases. Life Sciences Research and
Analysis will also support additional system studies and the further development of the EVA system requirements. Proposals in the
following areas will be considered: Mission Requirements Definition; EVA Human Factors; Physiological and Medical Requirements;
EVA Task Requirements; Systems Studies; and EVA Mission Operations.
The primary emphasis of the Advanced Technology Development program during FY 1996 will be on environmental sensors. The
program will also begin development of advanced implantable biotelemetry systems, advanced data handling, and advanced lighting
systems. Also of interest to the Advanced Technology Development program will be the development of new or improved methods for
expanding the comprehensive database of chemical contaminants present in waste water and processed water produced by
terrestrial-based, prototype water processor testing and development.
Also during FY 1996, the Data Analysis program will concentrate on extended data analysis. Secondary emphasis will be on the
area of special data analysis techniques. Because of resource constraints, the program will support projects related to data base
and archive development only in cases where exceptional benefits to the scientific community or to NASA's life sciences data archive
project will result.
NASA plans to maintain the number of Life Sciences ground-based Principal Investigators in FY 1996 at approximately 220. The
number of research proposals received is expected to reach 910 in FY 1996 and the number of major journal publications is planned
to be at the 500 level for that same year.
BASIS OF FY 1996 FUNDING REQUIREMENT
LIFE SCIENCES FLIGHT PROGRAM
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
(Thousands of Dollars)
Flight experiments program 100,200 72,900 59,000
NASA/MIR research program 31,500 16,600 20,800
Space station utilization program -- 500 4,200
Total 131,700 90,000 84,000
PROGRAM GOALS
The Life Sciences flight experiments program systematically manages and supports investigations with living systems which require
access to the unique characteristics of low-Earth orbit. The program secures timely space flight opportunities for the space
investigations it sponsors. The program uses microgravity and the other characteristics of the space environment to enhance
understanding of fundamental biological processes. In addition, the program's flight research and technology develops the scientific
and technological foundations for a safe, productive human presence in space for extended periods.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
The Life Sciences flight experiments program strives to endorse and develop the highest-quality research and technology. The
program solicits a steady stream of new research and technology investigations, manages and supports them during pre-flight
definition, development, and through post-flight. The program relies upon peer reviews to determine which science research and
technology to endorse. Its peer review process in recent years has become a cooperative enterprise with the National Institutes of
Health (NIH). Cooperative enterprises such as those with the NIH and other external partners ensures that only the highest ranked,
peer-reviewed research and technology projects receive flight opportunities.
The Life Sciences flight program provides a balanced and robust series of flight opportunities. The program delivers human-assisted
or human-subject flight opportunities aboard the Space Shuttle. The program also sponsors research opportunities aboard
unmanned vehicles. The program uses Spacelabs that fly in the Space Shuttle cargo bay as well as Space Shuttle small payloads.
As the nation approaches the era of the international Space Station, the Life Sciences flight program will begin taking advantage of
longer-duration flight opportunities aboard the Russian Mir space station. NASA/MIR Research program investigations will enable
the Life Sciences flight program to conduct research, develop technologies, and help mitigate the risks of long-duration space flight.
In the Space Station era, crews will remain on orbit for as long as 180 days at a time; the Life Sciences flight program will provide
enabling technologies to take maximum advantage of this long-duration opportunity.
To reinforce its science objectives and to ensure safe human presence in space, the Life Sciences flight program develops and
demonstrates applied technologies. Successful application, for example, of the advanced life support technologies which the Life
Sciences flight program develops will enable crews engaged in long-duration flights to recycle food, air, and water more effectively
and economically. It will enable crews to grow, harvest, and process crop plants for their own consumption. The Life Sciences flight
program's applied technologies programs will enable the development of advanced facilities and other resources for use aboard the
Space Station. The Life Sciences flight program also develops technologies, experiments, and protocols which promise to minimize
risks to crew health.
The Life Sciences flight program's Spacelab flight opportunities develop and support investigations in the areas of biology,
physiology, environmental, psychosocial, and neurological sciences. Flight program funding enables necessary pre-flight planning,
development, and support for selected investigations. Program resources provide for post-flight services and appropriate data
analysis and distribution, including the development of specialized databases and archiving services to ensure that flight research
findings and results are widely available to the research community.
Spacelab opportunities for Life Sciences (SLS) become available about every two-three years. The next scheduled life sciences
Spacelab flight, in the third quarter of 1996, is the Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission (LMS); the last scheduled life sciences
Spacelab mission is Neurolab, scheduled for the second quarter of FY 1998. One of the important benefits of the LMS mission is
that it will provide the flight opportunity for numerous investigations which had been scheduled to fly on the SLS-3, which was
canceled. The Neurolab mission will conduct basic research in behavior, communication, sensory disorders, brain development,
learning and memory, and rehabilitation and restoration of function.
The Life Sciences flight program also relies upon Space Shuttle small payload opportunities to supplement those afforded by
periodic Spacelabs. The objectives of small payload flights are to provide scientists and researchers with opportunities to fly their
research quickly and economically, via the Space Shuttle middeck. The science conducted may be in plant biology, developmental
biology, cellular research, human factors, and performance disciplines. Most of the research uses existing flight hardware. Small
payload opportunities demonstrate hardware or develop research techniques in advance of upcoming Spacelab, NASA/MIR Research
Program (NMRP), or Space Station missions. NASA anticipates that, once the Space Station becomes operational, small payload-
class investigations will migrate to the Space Station's EXPRESS rack program.
The Life Science flight program will conduct long-duration science aboard the Russian Mir space station, and it will conduct science
investigations on the Space Shuttle rendezvous missions to Mir. NASA plans seven Space Shuttle missions to Mir, with the last
scheduled for the last quarter of FY 1997. Life Sciences will also support research investigations in environmental monitoring and
countermeasures aboard NASA/Mir. These investigations will emphasize musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, regulatory physiology,
and neuroscience research, along with plant biology and other fundamental biology research.
Program resources will enable life sciences researchers to use the Biorack facility in the NMRP. The Biorack facility, previously
developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), will fly on three of the seven scheduled Space Shuttle flights to the Mir. The
Biorack will be accommodated inside the pressurized Commercial Middeck Accommodations Module (CMAM), owned by Spacehab,
Inc. Biorack researchers will investigate cellular functions and developmental processes in plant and animal tissues. In particular,
Biorack investigators will evaluate how cells respond to gravitational changes.
NASA will also use Mir to perform flight experiments in environmental control and advanced life support, in space station crew
health care systems, and in extravehicular activity (EVA). These investigations will reduce technical, schedule, and cost risks
associated with the development and operation of the Space Station.
In cooperation with the Russian Space Agency (RSA), the Life Sciences flight program conducts primate biological experiments on
unmanned biosatellites. The unmanned Bion series of biosatellites flies biological and radiation measurement experiments in near-
Earth orbit. Since 1973, the Republic of Russia has launched ten biosatellites; the U.S. has participated in the last eight missions.
The major objectives of the Bion investigations are to study the biological effects of microgravity and radiation on living systems; to
evaluate living systems' adaptation to microgravity and other characteristics of space; and to evaluate the fundamental
characteristics of living systems, using gravity as a variable. Bion primate missions last up to fourteen days.
The participating Centers in life sciences research include the Johnson Space Center (JSC), which leads in the development and
support of life sciences investigations in the areas of space physiology and environmental and human factors, and advanced life
support. The Ames Research Center (ARC) leads the program's development of space biology research investigations, advanced life
support, and it plays the primary life sciences role in the development of primate investigations scheduled for launch aboard the
Bion biosatellite missions. Both NASA Centers participate on Spacelabs, small payloads, NMRP, and the Space Station. The
Kennedy Space Center (KSC) manages life sciences payload integration, provides pre- and post-flight support, manages advanced life
support facilities and demonstrations, and it manages small payload investigations.
NASA's Centers obtain services from a variety of support contractors to fulfill their obligations to life sciences programs and
disciplines, although Agency efforts to recompete and consolidate technical and support contracts are altering the mix of firms
represented at the Centers. Martin Marietta supports hardware and payload development tasks at JSC and at ARC. Lockheed
Engineering and Sciences Corporation also supports payload development at ARC. KSC recently selected Dynamac, Inc. for a new
seven-year contract for the support of payload processing and life sciences facilities support. The previous contractor, the Bionetics
Corporation, will support the KSC in a subcontract role. The ARC also has plans to consolidate its contractor support; a new
consolidated support contract at that Center will be awarded during FY 1995.
The Life Sciences Flight program seeks opportunities to enhance its science research and technology development activities by
promoting cooperative ventures with external entities and researchers. Mutually beneficial cooperative agreements lead to better
science, better dissemination of science results, or more economical ways of doing business.
For example, on the LMS mission the Department of Defense will fly a new cell culturing system, and ESA will fly the Torque
Velocity Dynamometer for the first time to conduct musculoskeletal and combined musculoskeletal and neurophysiological
experiments. On the Neurolab mission, twelve of the thirty-four investigators selected for definition are international; the
international space agencies of Canada, Europe, France, Germany, and Japan are participating. Domestic Neurolab participation
will come from NIH, which is playing a leading role in Neurolab science management and development. Other domestic Neurolab
participants include the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Office of Naval Research.
Aside from the program's Spacelab missions, international and domestic partners play vital roles in the Life Sciences Flight
program's small payloads program. The French, Russian, German, and Canadian Space Agencies represent 10% of the small
payloads principal investigator population. The small payloads program uses flight hardware provided by other Federal Agencies,
such as the Walter Reed Army Institute for Research, along with hardware from Canada, Germany, and others.
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
The first phase of the NASA/Mir Research During an American astronaut’s ninety-day stay aboard the Mir spacecraft,
Program (NMRP) launches to Mir - 3rd NASA Life Sciences will conduct up to twenty-two musculoskeletal,
Qtr FY 1995 cardiovascular, regulatory physiology, and neuroscience investigations.
Second phase of NMRP begins - NMRP will conduct long-duration science aboard the Mir space station,
1st Qtr FY 1996 emphasizing musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, regulatory, physiology, and
neuroscience research, along with plant biology and other fundamental biology
research. NASA Life Sciences will also take advantage of this program to
develop new technologies, enhance capabilities for on-orbit environmental
monitoring, and expand basic knowledge of the effects of EVA on humans.
Spacehab, Inc.’s Commercial Middeck NASA Life Sciences research on Biorack will investigate cellular functions and
Augmentation Module, outfitted with the developmental processes in plant and animal tissues.
ESA’s Biorack and a suite of life sciences
experiments, will fly to Mir -
2nd Qtr FY 1996
4th Qtr FY 1996
The Life and Microgravity Sciences (LMS) The LMS flight will support the non-Rhesus science which had been scheduled
Spacelab mission flies on STS-78 - to fly on the SLS-3 mission. The mission will support musculoskeletal and
3rd Qtr FY 1996 behavior and performance investigations and build on the research results of
the successful SLS-1 and SLS-2 missions.
The U.S. will share 50% of the science Bion 11 will accommodate the Rhesus investigations which had been
from the Bion 11 mission - scheduled to fly on SLS-3. The Bion 11 will conduct muscle physiology and
3rd - 4th Qtr 1996 immunology science investigations, along with bone and regulatory physiology
investigations.
Multiple life sciences small payloads will Twenty-eight NASA Life Sciences small payload investigations will conduct
fly on shuttle flights - research in musculoskeletal physiology, plant biology, and developmental
FY 1995 biology. The Life Sciences small payload program is a critical component in
FY 1996 NASA Life Sciences collaborative research with the National Institutes of
Health.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PLANS
Flight Experiments Program
The Life Sciences Flight program payloads were carried on the International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) Spacelab mission,
which flew in July 1994. Eighty-two experiments were flown on IML-2, of which forty-two were jointly sponsored by NASA and
NASA's international partners. The Life Sciences program directly supported four peer-reviewed IML-2 investigations, along with
thirteen Detailed Supplementary Objectives. Program resources will fund data analysis during FY 1995, and researchers will begin
publishing their flight results during FY 1996.
The Extravehicular Activities (EVA) Systems program will initiate a study during FY 1995 that will identify technologies and prepare
a proposed development plan for a next-generation EVA system. The major objectives of the initiative will be to increase the
productivity of EVA systems, to help reduce overall EVA hours on Space Station, and to reduce EVA system maintenance and
logistics costs.
During FY 1995, the program will proceed with plans to fly the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) mission. Payload definition
and development will proceed with all scheduled investigations, including those which have been remanifested on LMS from the
canceled SLS-3 flight. In addition, a gas analyzer and body mass measurement device will fly on LMS. FY 1995 and FY 1996
resources will upgrade previous versions of these devices, and the pulmonary science they support will build on the science
sponsored on SLS-1, which provided the first detailed studies of the lung under resting conditions.
A total of 174 research proposals were submitted during FY 1994 in response to the July 1993 Announcement of Opportunity for
Neurolab. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s Division of Research Grants conducted the peer reviews of all 174 international
and domestic research proposals. Thirty-four of the highest ranking proposals were selected for definition. Eight investigator
teams, two of which are being led by the NIH science managers, will use FY 1995 resources to complete the research definition
phase. During the third quarter of FY 1995, the NIH will conduct an interim review of the thirty-four investigators selected for
definition, and NASA will then select the researchers for the Neurolab flight. NASA will use FY 1996 resources to support the
investigators it selects for flight, and it will develop the hardware its researchers need. Also during 1995 and 1996, the NIH will
provide ground-based support to some of the U.S. Neurolab investigators.
FY 1995 and FY 1996 resources will support the 48 investigators participating in the life sciences small payloads program. The NIH
provides additional support to many of these investigators. The typical small payloads researcher participates for three years,
following selection for flight (two years of research prior to flight, and another to analyze the resulting flight data). During FY 1995,
life sciences will fly twenty-eight small payload investigators. The twenty-seven will conduct research in musculoskeletal physiology,
in plant biology, and in developmental biology. During FY 1996, the Life Sciences Flight program will fund the NIH-Cells 5 series
with two investigators and the NIH-Rodent 3 series, which is a verification payload for Neurolab. It will fly the Aquatic Research
Facility, belonging to the Canadian Space Agency and will fly a number of other human performance and plant biology experiments.
NASA plans to maintain the number of Life Sciences flight Principal Investigators (PI's) in FY 1996 at 171. Twenty-two of the 171 in
FY 1996 will be involved with the Space Station. Forty-five major flight investigations and 11 small payload investigation are
planned to be flown in FY 1996.
NASA/MIR Research Program
FY 1995 funding will support the development and delivery to Russia of flight hardware for manifesting on two Progress resupply
vehicles and a Spektr science module. These will dock with the Mir prior to the end of the third quarter of FY 1995. An American
astronaut will fly to the Mir in the spring of 1995 for a ninety-day stay; during the stay, NASA will sponsor up to twenty-two
musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, regulatory physiology, and neuroscience investigations.
Also in FY 1995, Space Shuttle-71 and Space Shuttle-74 will fly to the Mir, marking the end of Space Station Phase IA and the
beginning of Phase IB, respectively. A total of 105 research proposals have been submitted in response to a life sciences
Announcement of Opportunity for NMRP. NASA has selected fifty-three proposals for definition, and anticipates that it will select
the NMRP investigations for flight early during the second quarter of FY 1995.
SpaceHab, Inc.'s CMAM module, outfitted with the ESA's Biorack and a suite of life sciences experiments, will fly to Mir for the first
time on Space Shuttle-76 midway through FY 1996. Life Sciences released a NASA Research Announcement in early FY 1995 to
solicit Mir/Biorack research investigations. An international panel, including the U.S. will conduct peer reviews of the Biorack
proposals late in FY 1995. Life sciences FY 1995 resources, including the U.S., will also support the outfitting of the Priroda module
for a November 1995 flight to Mir. The experiment hardware it contains, along with that delivered earlier in 1995, will be used by
NASA astronauts throughout the remainder of the NASA/Mir program.
In support of the Space Station program and to take maximum advantage of the NASA/Mir opportunity, life sciences experimenters
will use Space Shuttle flights to Mir to develop new technologies, enhance capabilities for on-orbit environmental monitoring, and
expand basic knowledge of the effects of EVA on humans. In the life support area, NASA will adapt urine processing and
atmospheric revitalization hardware designs for use as flight experiments. In-house and off-the-shelf designs are being pursued for
Crew Health Care System experiments in water and air quality monitoring, and crew restraints during medical procedures. NASA is
also developing a new technology for measuring crew susceptibility to the bends during the EVA. Four of these environmental
systems, life support, and technology development experiments will be launched in FY 1996, with remaining experiments scheduled
for the FY 1997 phase of the NMRP.
Bion Program
During FY 1995 the Life Sciences flight program will develop flight hardware and supporting equipment necessary to conduct
experiments on two Rhesus subjects on the Bion-11 biosatellite mission. The Bion-11 launch window will cover the period
August 1 through November 15, 1996. This mission will fly the primate experiments from the canceled SLS-3 mission. It will
accommodate muscle physiology and immunology science investigations, along with bone and regulatory investigations. The 1995
resources will support 50% of the primate science and resulting data analysis. During FY 1996, NASA may exercise a contract
option for a Bion-12 mission. The Bion-12 mission would fly during the summer or fall of 1998 and complete the SLS-3 primate
studies.
Space Station Utilization Program
FY 1995 resources for Space Station science development and utilization will allow initiation of a number of activities during
the year and accelerate them during FY 1996. Program resources will support the further development of relationships with
the research community that will use the Space Station facilities. The program will resolve environmental questions that
may affect the research program and will evaluate system upgrade alternatives. A main thrust of Life Sciences Space Station
activities during the period ahead will be to support researchers who will use chronic centrifugation and who have in
experience in the microgravity environment, in order to understand cellular and systemic gravitational responses and
adaptation. Investment in this community of researchers should result in more mature and sophisticated experiments on
the Space Station for the Gravitational Biology and Centrifuge Facilities. The program will work during the period to set
firmer requirements for the Space Station atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and will apply its findings to the Space Station
life support system enhancements.
BASIS OF FY 1996 FUNDING REQUIREMENT
MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
(Thousands of Dollars)
Research and analysis 18,400 30,400 30,200
PROGRAM GOALS
The Microgravity Science Research and Analysis program is designed to establish the intellectual underpinning of the flight
program. In order to do this, a multidisciplined, research program has been established in the areas of biotechnology, combustion,
fluid physics, materials science and other special topics in physics such as critical point phenomena at low temperatures, and
gravitational physics. These ground-based experiments, coupled with a set of experiments selected for flight, comprise a compelling
and coherent strategy for utilization of the space environment to obtain understanding of basic physical phenomena and processes,
quantify effects and overcome limitations imposed by gravity on the observation and evaluation of selected phenomena and
processes, develop technologies related to the requirements of the research, and expand, centralize and disseminate the research
data base as widely as possible to the U.S. research and technology community.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
In the context of the Microgravity Science and Applications program's mission to develop and utilize the scientific potential of space,
ground-based research serves two purposes: first, to find and refine concepts for space experiments; and second, to create a
framework of knowledge and expertise in which the full scientific value of space experiments can be realized. The Research and
Analysis (R&A) program, through its support of ground-based research, provides the context from which strong, well-defined flight
experiments emerge, in which results are interpreted and given scientific meaning, and from which much of the scientific and
technological value of space research is transmitted to society. By far the greatest single element of the R&A budget (over 80%) is
funding to research grants and contracts awarded through competitive peer review, with over 90% of this funding going to external
investigators all across the United States. The remaining R&A funds are used at NASA Centers of Excellence to provide the essential
principal investigators and supporting infrastructure. NASA set out at the beginning of the 1990's with the goal of building a
research program in the microgravity sciences that would engage the talent and energy of the nation's scientists and engineers to
develop the potential of space for research in physical, chemical, and biological processes. Having established a strong foundation
for this effort over the last several years through a series of highly successful research solicitations, NASA is working with its
community and the participating NASA Field Centers to define and build a dynamic, coherent research program capable of driving a
new generation of flight investigations in the coming decade, the beginning of the space station era.
Microgravity research introduces a new dimension, the space environment, to research conducted in well-established scientific and
technological areas. The disciplines participating in microgravity research which are the core of current thrusts in science and
technology are: (1) Biotechnology; (2) Combustion Science; (3) Fluid Physics; (4) Materials Science; and (5) Selected Studies in
Gravitational Physics.
The Biotechnology program focuses on protein crystal growth, a critical element of structural biology and rational drug development,
and tissue culture technology, exploring the cellular response to low stress environments in a technology central to contemporary
biomedical research. Experiments in space have demonstrated that gravity influences (and sometimes disrupts) protein crystal
growth and that reduced gravity can result in improved crystal characteristics. Improved data from protein crystals will allow
scientists to better understand the protein’s structure. In principle, such information could eventually be used to improve the
efficiency of rational drug design. Similarly, growing normal and cancerous mammalian tissues is a technology with enormous
medical benefits and applications. Fluid flows found in conventional bioreactors cause shear forces that break apart or damage cell
clusters. In a bioreactor developed to study how cells behave in various fluid flows and low shear environments, researchers have
found that cells aggregate and allow the study of how cells join together to form tissue.
The Combustion Science program focuses on a ubiquitous physicochemical phenomenon responsible for producing 85% of the
world's energy as well as a significant fraction of atmospheric pollution, resulting in continuing hazard to life and property on Earth
and in space. Combustion reactions release heat. Under gravity’s influence, this heat release causes a flow as the heated gas rises.
By reducing this flow in a low gravity environment, important problems such as soot formation in flames, the spreading of fires, the
burning of hydrocarbons and limits of flammability can be studied in very fundamental ways.
The Fluid Physics program studies the properties and motions of liquids and gases, providing a conceptual framework in which to
understand the role of gravity in physical processes, and a foundation for advances in a spectrum of technologies, from chemical
processes to power generation and geotechnical engineering. Scientists study how fluids flow under different conditions, how energy
affects fluid flows and many other important scientific and practical issues. Investigators seek the ability to make accurate
predictions of how heat and mass are transported in mixtures of fluids and vapor, with profound implications for production and
control processes on Earth and in future space engineering applications.
The Materials Science program examines the relationship between processing, structure and properties, and strives to acquire the
basic scientific knowledge required to develop new generations of high performance materials in areas including electronic and
photonic materials, glasses and ceramics, and metals and alloys. Materials can be divided into crystalline (a certain long range
order on the atomic scale) and non-crystalline or amorphous (no long range order). The properties of a material are largely
determined by the structure of the material, and is greatly influenced by the process used in forming the material. Gravity-driven
phenomena can play a huge role in this triangle of properties/processing/structure. Utilization of the low gravity environment to
give insight into materials and materials processing, may result in improvements to production methods and materials on Earth.
Selected studies in Gravitational Physics, including the study of critical phenomena, low temperature physics and other phenomena
where the space environment can make possible measurement of physical constants with levels of accuracy that challenge the
understanding of contemporary theories in physics. Reduction and control of the forces due to gravity allow investigations to probe
into the depths of physical variables to levels that allow the verification of universal theories which can then be used in a great
many fields of physics with much greater confidence.
The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is the lead center for the materials science portion of the program and the protein crystal
growth and biological separations part of the biotechnology program. The Johnson Space Center (JSC) leads research in the cell
culture portion of the Biotechnology discipline. The Lewis Research Center (LeRC) has responsibility for the fluid physics and the
combustion science disciplines. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is the lead center for the low-temperature physics and
gravitational physics portion of the program.
Contractors are utilized in the role of science support at the centers. They are responsible for understanding the science of the
investigators they are assigned to monitor, and to assist the external scientists in the utilization of unique facilities at the centers
required to carry out some of the low gravity experimentation.
The strategy NASA has devised for achieving excellence in microgravity research is to reach out to the national resources in
academic and industrial organizations, and join strong researchers with NASA expertise in microgravity experimentation. The
foundation of the effort to engage national scientific resources is the release of solicitations, NASA Research Announcements
(NRA's), directed to research disciplines, inviting proposals for research and flight experiment concepts. The proposals selected for
funding from the assessment by peer panels of technical experts of scientific and technical merit and need for the microgravity
environment. By soliciting for research across a discipline, rather than for specific missions, NASA allows easier entry into the
microgravity program for researchers with strong merits but limited experience with the space program. The first of these
discipline-directed NRA's was released in 1989. Since then, seven NRA's have been released, and over 900 proposals have been
received.
Through collaboration with domestic and international science communities, the program has sought to obtain concrete as well as
synergistic investments by other participants. In the area of biotechnology, NASA has joined with the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) to obtain laboratory space, diagnostic equipment, and skilled researchers to accelerate the transfer of NASA-developed
bioreactor technologies to the broader science community. Through joint cooperative agreements with INTRACELL and the Eli Lily
companies, NASA's MSFC has acquired market-valued protein derivatives and diagnostic equipment which support both industrial
and government sponsored research in areas of protein crystal growth.
Letters of agreement with Japan and Canada have improved the research facilities available to U.S. ground-based principal
investigators. The Japanese have made their highly sophisticated 10-second drop tower facilities available to a broad range of U.S.
combustion science investigators. The Canadian Space Agency has developed and offered to the U.S. a large vibration isolation
mount that can be used in U.S. parabolic aircraft to provide an improved lower gravity environment on the aircraft which is an
integral part of the ground-based research program.
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
Complete 19 peer-reviewed studies in A summary assessment of the results of these studies, which focus on
Biotechnology -- macromolecular crystal growth as well as cellular response to low stress
Sept. 1996 environments, will be included in the Annual Program Task and Bibliography
NASA Technical Memorandum for FY 1996.
Complete 31 peer-reviewed studies in A summary assessment of the results of these studies, which focus on
Combustion Science -- processes of ignition, propagation and extinction during combustion in a low
Sept. 1997 gravity environment, will be included in the Annual Program Task and
Bibliography NASA Technical Memorandum for FY 1997.
Complete 60 peer-reviewed studies in A summary assessment of the results of these studies, which include aspects
Fluid Physics -- of fluid dynamics and transport phenomena affected by the presence of gravity,
Sept. 1996 will be included in the Annual Program Task and Bibliography for NASA
Technical Memorandum FY 1996.
Complete 20 peer-reviewed studies in Low A summary assessment of the results of these studies, which include critical
Temperature/Gravitational Physics -- phenomena, low temperature physics and other phenomena where significant
Sept. 1995. advantages exist for studies in a low gravity environment, will be included in
the Annual Program Task and Bibliography NASA Technical Memorandum for
FY 1995.
Complete 50 peer-reviewed studies in A summary assessment of the results of these studies, which include electronic
Materials Science -- and photonic materials, glasses and ceramics, and metals and alloys, will be
Sept. 1996 included in the Annual Program Task and Bibliography for NASA Technical
Memorandum FY 1996.
Complete 5 peer-reviewed ATD projects -- A summary assessment of the results of these studies will be included in the
Sept. 1995 Annual Program Task and Bibliography NASA Technical Memorandum for
FY 1995.
Complete 5 peer-reviewed ATD projects -- A summary assessment of the results of these studies will be included in the
Sept. 1996 Annual Program Task and Bibliography NASA Technical Memorandum for
FY 1996.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PLANS
In FY 1994, approximately 80 investigations that had been selected for funding from over 300 proposals received in 1993, began as
new projects. The second NRA for biotechnology was released in FY 1994, with proposal evaluation and funding planned to
commence in FY 1995. Two discipline conferences, (fluid physics and materials science) with over 300 participants at each, were
held in the summer of FY 1994. The participants reviewed the results of ongoing research and discussed opportunities prior to the
release of NRA's in early FY 1995. These conferences provide an important forum for new researchers to become acquainted with
microgravity research. The low temperature physics community also held a workshop in FY 1994, to share concepts for
microgravity research and to continue to define this evolving area of science.
Reflecting the growth experienced by the program and the rising visibility of microgravity research in FY 1995, NASA expects to
experience the largest annual volume of microgravity research proposals to date. Already this year, the fluid physics and materials
science disciplines have released their second announcements (the first for each was released in August 1991), and the combustion
science discipline will release its third. NASA anticipates receiving over 700 proposals in response to these NRA's. To strengthen
the ability of NASA Field Centers to support the increasing numbers of investigators interested in conducting microgravity
experiments, NASA will be improving its field center resources in 1995, bringing new and refurbished facilities on line. A major
expansion of research activity in biotechnology is planned for FY 1995 with the additional funding provided for the NASA/National
Institutes of Health cooperative activity, with large growth in the tissue culture program. A number of proposals from research
teams for innovative multidisciplinary approaches to biotechnology research, with potential awards of approximately $750,000 per
year, are also being evaluated for FY 1995 support.
The FY 1996 request accommodates support of the selection from the 1994 fluid physics, materials science, and combustion science
NRA's. Low temperature physics will solicit proposals through the fluid physics NRA. As these disciplines are entering a period of
consolidation following vigorous growth in the early 1990's, only modest budget increases are planned that will allow for discipline
maturation. The investigations under support at this point will define the first phase of space station microgravity research.
Further growth in these disciplines is planned toward the end of the decade, when it is anticipated that space station research will
grow in scope and intensity. An NRA for biotechnology is planned for FY 1996.
The principal objective for the R&A program in FY 1996 will be to integrate the investigations selected through the three solicitations
released in FY 1995 into the ongoing efforts of the microgravity program. NASA will be working with large numbers of external
researchers to define flight experiments with high scientific merit, and with advisory groups as well as the community at large to
achieve the focus and coherence required of a strong, productive flight program. A productive research program also requires
dynamic flexibility, to keep pace with the progress of scientific and technological knowledge, and in FY 1996 NASA will continue to
stimulate new concepts for microgravity research through its plan for discipline conferences. The FY 1996 Biotechnology NRA will
provide a definitive opportunity for experiments in tissue culture research and protein crystal growth prior to the launch of the
space station.
NASA plans to increase the number of Microgravity Sciences ground-based Principal Investigators to 260 in FY 1996. The number of
research proposals received is expected to be 200 in FY 1996, with approximately 480 major journal publications anticipated.
BASIS OF FY 1996 FUNDING REQUIREMENT
MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE FLIGHT PROGRAM
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
(Thousands of Dollars)
Flight experiments program (140,300) 78,400 84,200
NASA/MIR research program (10,200) 11,300 9,300
Space station utilization program (6,100) 11,800 16,200
(Construction of facilities (3,000)
- microgravity development complex)
Total (156,600) 101,500 109,700
PROGRAM GOALS
The primary goal of the Microgravity Science Flight program is to advance fundamental scientific knowledge in physical, chemical,
and biological principles and to enhance the quality of life on Earth by conducting scientific experiments in the low-gravity
environment of space. The results derived from conducting experiments in the Space Shuttle, the Russian Space Station Mir, and
the international Space Station will spark the imagination of the growing academic and industrial science community, enhance the
nation’s technological and industrial base, and foster international cooperation.
STRATEGY FOR ACCOMPLISHING GOALS
Over the last decade, NASA has established an active scientific program in microgravity research using the Space Shuttle. As the
program moves toward the next century, the focus will shift toward using the Space Station. The strategy for accomplishing the
goal is to continue to pursue the development and flight of the most scientifically worthy experiments in the Space Shuttle and
evolving to the Space Station by using the Russian Space Station to mitigate risk in scientific, technological, logistical, and
operational planning. The objective of the Microgravity Science Flight program is to provide flight experiment opportunities for a
range of scientific investigators in the areas of biotechnology, combustion, fluid physics, materials science, and selected
investigations in other phenomena which can benefit from conducting the experiments in the low-gravity environment of Earth
orbit. The Flight Experiments program provides hardware for experiments for a wide range of flight opportunities in the Space
Shuttle middeck, Spacelab, Space Shuttle cargo-bay experiments, the Russian Mir, and the Space Station. The experiments range
from small hand-held single experiments to multirack facility-class experiment hardware accommodating several investigators. The
program includes selection definition and development, in-flight operational support and data analysis and archival for all
Microgravity flight experiments.
The Flight Experiments program enables the development of an appropriate infrastructure, experiment apparatus, flight
opportunities, and advanced technologies to meet the peer-reviewed science requirements. Experiments are developed in all major
disciplines, science operations are supported, and flight gathered data and samples are analyzed. The Flight Experiments program
also fosters cooperative activities with organizations to combine the research goals of the organizations and create results from flight
experiments which have eluded researchers on Earth prior to this point.
The NASA/MIR Research program seeks to mitigate risk in scientific, technological, logistical, and operational planning for the use
of the international Space Station, characterize the microgravity environment on Mir, and conduct specific U.S. investigations in
microgravity science and application research disciplines. The principal parts of the program are the modification of the Space
Shuttle experiment apparatus; flight samples, science operations, and data analysis/procedures so they can be used on the Mir by
U.S. investigators.
The Space Station Utilization program supports the users to make it a unique laboratory for the U.S. scientific and technology
community. The utilization program will support the development of flight experiments, the funding of U.S. Principal Investigators,
ground-based facilities, and science operations in the biotechnology, combustion, fluid physics, biotechnology, and material science
disciplines. When coupled with the Microgravity Space Station Payload Facilities, the NMRP and the Flight Experiments program,
these programs constitute the Flight Program activities necessary to sustain the Microgravity Science Research program in the 21st
century.
The Cell and Tissue Culture program is lead by the Johnson Space Center (JSC) , with contractor support from Krug Life Sciences
Corporation. Both the fluid science and combustion science programs are led by the Lewis Research Center (LeRC), with contractor
support from Native American Services Corporation. The materials science and protein crystal growth programs are led by the
Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) with support from Teledyne-Brown Engineering. The low-temperature fundamental physics
and gravitational physics programs are led by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
The European Space Agency (ESA) developed the Spacelab module that is used in the U.S. Microgravity Laboratory (USML) series,
Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS), and Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. In addition, our international partners
developed nearly all of the experiment apparatus that flew on International Microgravity Lab-2 (IML-2) and was shared by both
international and U.S. investigators. The Spacelab glovebox that will fly on USML-2 was developed by ESA and, in exchange for U.S
use of this glovebox on USML-2, NASA will fly two units of the ESA Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility (APCF) in the middeck
of the Space Shuttle. Both U.S. and European investigators will use the APCF on this quid-pro-quo agreement with ESA. In
addition, there is an agreement being negotiated with ESA for additional flights of the APCF. Each flight would be for two APCF
units with a total of 96 protein crystal growth cells where the U.S. investigators would get 48 cells. NASA and ESA are jointly
conducting a definition study of the Satellite Test of the Equivalence Principal (STEP) experiment, which will be a candidate for an
ESA mission in the 2001-2003 time frame. The Japanese Space Agency developed a large isothermal furnace that flew on IML-2
with investigators from Japan and the U.S. This furnace will be reflown on MSL-1 with U.S. and Japanese investigators. The
National Institutes of Health (NIH) has invested billions of dollars of ground-based research in cell culturing. The NASA/NIH
agreement on use of NASA’s bioreactor technology allows NASA to take advantage of these investments and analysis base to extend
the understanding of structure and functions applicable to cell culture flight experiments using the NASA developed bioreactor.
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
USML-2 Launch -- USML-2 will focus on the physics of crystallization, fluid dynamics and
4th Qtr FY 1995 biotechnology. Investigations will be continued from the highly successful
USML-1 mission (6/92) as well as new investigations chosen since that time.
Four investigators will study important aspects of crystal growth from the melt
and vapor using the newly upgraded Crystal Growth Furnace (CGF). Studies
on surface tension driven convection will be expanded past those conducted on
USML-1 using the modified Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment
(STDCE), and observations of drop dynamics will be confirmed using the Drop
Physics Module (DPM). The Spacelab Glovebox will conduct seven new
glovebox investigations chosen in 1992. The Geophysical Fluid Flow Cell
(GFFC) will take greatly expanded data during the mission.
USMP-3 Launch -- The USMP-3 mission will focus on experiments in Microgravity Materials
2nd Qtr FY 1996 Science. The French Principal Investigator of the MEPHISTO project will study
transport and kinetics of Tin-Bismuth alloys, as well as the influence of small
disturbances to the microgravity environment of the Space Shuttle, in order to
expand the range of information produced from the previous USMP missions.
A modified version of the Advanced Automated Directional Solidification
Furnace (AADSF) will be used to conduct a new investigation on crystal growth
of semiconductor alloys in which temperature-driven and composition-driven
convection cannot be simultaneously reduced in Earth’s gravity. the
Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) will conduct statistical studies
of dendritic crystal growth to provide additional information for interpretation
of the results from the previous mission. In addition, new U.S. Glovebox
Facility will be flown in the Space Shuttle middeck to conduct several new
glovebox investigations in microgravity combustion science and spacecraft fire
safety.
LMS Launch -- The Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) mission will be the first flight of the
3rd Qtr FY 1996 ESA Advanced Gradient Heating Furnace (AGHF), a new furnace facility
available to NASA to conduct town materials science investigation selected in
1992 on the physics of multiphase solidification. Several ESA investigations
will also be conducted. The Bubble, Drop and Particle Unit (BDPU) will be
modified and used to conduct two new types of experiments on this mission.
Spacelab Mir (SL-M) Launch -- Mir missions will focus on expanding the current Shuttle-based research
3rd Qtr FY 1995 program and provide a transition to long-duration missions on the
International Space Station. Their objectives are to: (1) reduce the technical
risk associated with construction and operation of the International Space
Station. Microgravity research during the Mir 1 mission will focus on the
characterization of the acceleration environment of the Mir complex which will
be used to support researchers with a profile of the acceleration levels present
during the performance of their experiments. This characterization will
contribute to microgravity experiment strategic planning for later Phase 1
activities and vibroacoustics control planning activities in preparation for
Phase II and III. NASA's biotechnology programs support research with
potential technological impact on medical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural
industries. Positive results would impact such areas as rational drug design
and testing, disease control and treatment, and improve and protect
commercially important crops. The Mir missions provide a unique opportunity
to advance biotechnology research with multiple and long-duration protein
growth experiments which could not be supported in the short time periods of
the Shuttle missions. The first of these experiments will be the GN2
Dewar/Freezer.
NASA/Mir 2 Launch -- 1st Qtr FY 1996 These missions will focus on expanding the current Shuttle-based research
NASA/Mir 3 Launch -- 2nd Qtr FY 1996 program and provide a transition to long-duration missions on the
NASA/Mir 4 Launch -- 4th Qtr FY 1996 International Space Station. Their objectives are to: (1) reduce scientific risk
and enhance long duration experiment performance and science utilization for
the International Space Station; (2) conduct combined international space
operations and joint space technology demonstrations; and (3) provide early
opportunities for extended scientific, technologic and engineering research and
testing.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PLANS
Flight Experiments Program
During FY 1994, two major microgravity missions were conducted: the second United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-2) and the
second IML-2. The USMP-2 successfully completed four major experiments and demonstrated the effectiveness of “telescience,” (i.e.
conducting science experiments by remote control). This is extremely important preparatory work for the Space Station. The
results of the materials science, fluid physics and biotechnology experiments will add to the understanding of specific physics and
science phenomena. On both missions, the space acceleration environment was characterized with acceleration monitoring
systems. The IML-2 mission involved the Space Shuttle transporting the ESA Spacelab module to orbit where International- and
U.S.-developed experiment apparatus was used. The IML-2 mission flew 82 experiments, of which 42 were jointly-sponsored by
NASA and the international partners.
During FY 1995, the USML-2 mission is planned. The mission uses the Spacelab with U.S.-developed experiment apparatus and
U.S. Principal Investigators (PI’s). In addition to USML-2, research will be conducted in four biotechnology and one combustion
middeck experiments during FY 1995.
FY 1996 funds are required to continue experiment payload development for use in the Space Shuttle middeck, Spacelab, and Space
Shuttle cargo bay for future missions. These include the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) mission, the Microgravity Science
Laboratory (MSL-1) mission and the USMP series of missions. During FY 1996, the LMS and USMP-3 missions will be conducted.
Also, the funds support the flight Principal Investigators and the data analysis during and after the mission’s completion. NASA
plans to fund 40 Microgravity Sciences flight Principal Investigators in FY 1996, encompassing 106 major flight investigations and 9
small payload investigations.
In FY 1996, funding is required to modify and expand the existing Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Building 4493 into the
Microgravity Development Complex (MDC). This new project will consolidate and focus microgravity materials science,
biotechnology and glovebox flight experiment activities, reducing total MSFC science facilities and costs, and provide a facility for the
in-house assembly and test of the large Space Station Furnace Facility payload. The MDC will house flight instrumentation prior to
launch, the complementary ground-based research hardware, and the User Operations Facility for MSFC microgravity science
payloads.
NASA/NIH Program
During FY 1994, NASA’s Office of Life and Microgravity Science and Applications and the NIH’s Institute of Child Health and Human
Development entered into an inter-agency agreement regarding Biomedical and Behavioral Research. The NIH has invested billions
of dollars in tissue culturing activities, and NASA has achieved a breakthrough in the engineering of tissue which allows for cellular
growth, aggregation, and the development of in vivo-like structures through use of the NASA-developed bioreactor. Funds for this
program enable the continued collaboration of the two agencies, the accelerated transfer of NASA bioreactor technology to NIH and
the external research community, and the identification of tissue culture experiments which would benefit from being conducted in
a low-gravity environment. An agreement was reached in FY 1994 to transfer the bioreactor technology to the Institute of Child
Health and Human Development to conduct research on the AIDS virus cultured in lymph nodes. This initial pathfinder
collaboration is planned to continue through FY 1998.
The cell culture technologies and protein crystal growth results will receive the major emphasis for the next 5-6 years, but it is
anticipated that many other areas of cooperation will evolve from preliminary results. Over the past years, NASA has explored many
aspects of the growth of protein crystals and the development of tissue culturing technologies which offer great promise. Similar
types of efforts are being explored with several other institutes. This program will stimulate the joint agreements with other Federal
agencies.
Low-Temperature Research
In FY 1996, the objective is to continue the integrated microgravity low-temperature science ground and flight program, with
emphasis on low-cost, increased university and industry involvement, advanced technology development, and transfer of this
technology for commercialization. Emphasis is placed on public and student involvement. Additional funding has been allocated for
two flight experiments. The first flight will be for the peer-reviewed and selected experiment to study the thermal conducting
behavior of liquid helium under non-equilibrium conditions. The second will be a continuation of the low-temperature research
activities selected in the peer review process. These experiments will be the third and fourth in a series of low-temperature science
flights. The funding provides for the experiment development and mission operations for the experiments which will be conducted
in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle.
NASA/MIR Research Program
During FY 1994, the Space Accelerations Measurement System (SAMS) was delivered to Mir and recorded the acceleration levels on
the Russian space station. The first Space Shuttle docking mission with Mir will take place in FY 1995, when a protein crystal
growth experiment will be delivered to Mir. In addition, the remainder of the microgravity experiment apparatus planned for Mir will
be delivered to Russia for installation in the Priroda module and subsequent Shuttle flights.
During FY 1995, the Space Shuttle will dock with Mir three times and the Priroda module will be launched and attached to Mir.
Most of the U.S. experiments will be located in the Priroda, utilizing the Space Shuttle to transport experiments, samples and data
to and from the Mir. The continued NASA/Mir program will include the launch of U.S. hardware to Mir and support of science
operations for the experiments.
Space Station Utilization Program
The program consists of planning and integration activities, developing operations support procedures, and developing experiment
unique research hardware for ISSA. The first major consolidated operations and utilization plan, developed using inputs from
microgravity hardware developers and planners, will be assembled in FY 1995 and further refined in FY 1996. To prepare for
microgravity operations on the Space Station, work continues to define operational requirements and develop telescience
techniques. Operational capability for microgravity research will be developed at MSFC, JSC, and LeRC. In FY 1995, the LeRC will
support several microgravity experiments on two Space Shuttle missions and on the Mir Space Station. In FY 1996, the LeRC will
continue to operationally support experiments on the Space Shuttle and conduct a telescience demonstration. As the operational
era of the Space Station moves closer, the program focus in FY 1996 will shift toward experiment development and planning with
specific emphasis in the combustion and fluids disciplines.
BASIS OF FY 1996 FUNDING REQUIREMENT
SPACE SHUTTLE/SPACELAB MISSION MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRATION
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
(Thousands of Dollars)
Space shuttle/spacelab mission management
and integration 108,700 113,000 85,400
PROGRAM GOALS
The goals of this program are twofold: (1) provide physical, analytical, and operations integration support to achieve NASA mission
objectives for the science and technology communities; and (2) ensure integrated scientific, technological, and commercial user
advocacy and coordination of requirements for the next generation of space laboratories.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
In order to meet the program goals and objectives, NASA performs the mission planning, integration, and execution of all NASA
Spacelab, Spacehab, NASA/MIR Research Program (NMRP), and other attached Space Shuttle payloads to carry out a wide variety of
space research. The program also supports the common small science payloads that use locker spaces in the Space Shuttle's lower
crew compartment. Activities include system management and engineering development of flight support equipment and software;
development of interface hardware; payload specialist training and support; integration of the science payloads with the Spacelab
system; payload flight operations; and data dissemination to experimenters. Mission management activities are dependent upon the
specific mix of missions in a particular year.
In addition, through this program, NASA carries out systems engineering efforts to develop and evaluate strategies and processes for
satisfying current and future research mission objectives. These tasks not only address the current Space Shuttle/Spacelab
mission integration processes, but, based on this knowledge base, they define and support new effective and efficient processes and
tools for carrying out integrated research advocacy, requirements coordination, mission planning and operations for future space
platforms. In particular, the program is investigating ways to apply the engineering and operations lessons learned in the Spacelab
program and the NMRP to the International Space Station Alpha (ISSA) program to achieve greater efficiencies.
The principal NASA Centers which conduct activities in support of this program are the Johnson Space Center (JSC), the Kennedy
Space Center (KSC), and the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). In FY 1996, JSC will provide the analytical integration and
operations level project management support for the NMRP missions. The KSC will provide the physical hardware science payload
integration project management support for the NASA science payloads on the individual Space Shuttle flights. MSFC will provide
the analytical integration and operations level project management support for the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) and the
United States Microgravity Payload (USMP)-3. In FY 1996, the primary contractors that will be supporting the program at the
centers are: Martin-Marietta Services, Inc. at JSC; the McDonnell Douglas Corporation's Payloads Ground Operations Contract
(PGOC) at the KSC; and Teledyne-Brown Engineering at MSFC. At JSC, Martin-Marietta provides payload mission integration
support for the missions managed by the JSC. At KSC, the primary PGOC functions include: processing flight hardware
experiments for Spacelab and partial payloads, manifest scheduling and work control support, logistics support and sustaining
engineering modifications to facilities and systems, and computational services for the Payload Operations Computer Network. At
MSFC, Teledyne-Brown provides payload mission integration support for the missions managed by MSFC.
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
The most significant measure of performance is the provision of an integrated system that ensures successful accomplishment of
the science payload objectives. Although not directly responsible for the success of a particular experiment, the mission
management organization is responsible for ensuring that all necessary planning and integration of the collected set of instruments
have been comprehensively completed and fully coordinated so that the experimental hardware in concert with flight crew
performance and ground control direction have the opportunity to conduct the planned science activities. Science payload
objectives vary considerably depending upon the type of mission supported (module missions, pallet/MPESS missions or Space
Shuttle middecks) and the type of scientific investigations performed (microgravity, life sciences, earth and stellar observations).
Depending upon the type of payload, performance is measured in terms of the number of primary missions, the number of middeck
missions, and the number of hours of science payload operations actually performed.
For the missions conducted in FY 1994, mission management performance has been highly successful:
Astro-2 Launch - This Spacelab pallet mission is a reflight of the ultraviolet portion of the Astro-1
2nd Qtr FY 1995 astrophysics Spacelab payload, which flew in December 1990. It consists of three
experiments which are conducted by three separate and complementary ultra-
violet telescopes.
Spacelab Mir (SL-M) Launch - This Spacelab module mission will offer an opportunity to perform research
3rd Qtr FY 1995 aboard the Space Shuttle and the Russian Mir space station while the two are
docked together. The research to be performed will be in the fields of life
sciences and microgravity science. The mission will also allow for a better
understanding of Russian medical monitoring, countermeasures and
operational medicine programs. Important insight into space station operations
will be gained through the joint operations.
USML-2 Launch - The objectives of this Spacelab module mission are to conduct scientific and
4th Qtr FY 1995 technological investigations in materials, fluids, combustion and biological
processes and to explore potential applications of space for commercial
products and processes. Fifteen investigations have been base-lined for the this
mission, as well as seven additional U. S. investigations to be conducted in the
USML-2 Glovebox facility provided by the European Space Agency in a quid pro
quo arrangement.
USMP-3 Launch - This Spacelab pallet mission will perform materials processing and other
2nd Qtr FY 1996 experiments in the microgravity space environment with inflight monitoring of
phenomena, sample production, and postflight analysis of samples. Such
activities are expected to significantly advance the basic knowledge of materials
science and help develop better products and technology for use on Earth and
in space.
LMS Launch - This Spacelab Module mission will perform scientific investigations in the fields
3rd Qtr, FY 1996 of material science, fluid physics, protein crystal growth, and biotechnology.
Human and plant studies and a subset of investigations previously planned for
SLS-3 will also be conducted.
NASA/Mir 3 Launch - Life sciences research on Biorack will investigate cellular functions and
2nd Qtr, FY 1996 developmental processes in plant and animal tissues. Microgravity objectives
NASA/Mir 4 Launch - will be focused on reducing scientific risk and enhancing long duration
4th Qtr, FY 1996 experiment performance and science utilization in preparation for ISSA.
Mission Management and Integration functions will be performed by Spacehab,
Inc.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PLANS
In FY 1994, the Space Shuttle/Spacelab Mission Management and Integration program successfully managed the five Spacelab
missions that were scheduled for completion: the second flight of Space Life Sciences (SLS-2), the second flight of the US
Microgravity Payload-2 (USMP-2), the flight of the Space Radar Laboratory (SRL-1), the second flight of the International
Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2), and the flight of the Lidar In-Space Technology Experiment (LITE-1).
In the first quarter of FY 1995, two additional Spacelab missions were successfully supported by the program: the second flight of
the SRL-2 and the third flight of the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-3). Three additional Spacelab
missions are scheduled to be completed within the remaining months of FY 1995: the second flight of the Astronomy mission
(ASTRO-2), the second flight of the US Microgravity Lab-2 (USML-2) and the Spacelab-Mir (SL-M), the first of the seven-flight
NASA/MIR Research Program.
Mission management activities in support of missions planned for FY 1996 have also commenced for the remaining flights in the
NMRP as well as for the LMS. Long-term mission planning efforts have also been initiated in support of the Space Station.
In FY 1994 and FY 1995, the program conducted two separate comprehensive reviews with the intent of streamlining its operational
procedures and achieving substantially lower costs for the mission management of the Spacelab programs. The Process Action
Team for Spacelab Mission Management identified a number of cost reduction activities at the Center-level management and
integration organizations. Those cost reductions have generated savings of over $14 million. The Spacelab
Re-Engineering Team was chartered in the fall of 1994 to review the program and to further streamline the processes and reduce
the mission management budget. The team has nearly completed its work and will recommend improved processes which are
expected to generate additional savings in mission management.
Mission management activities in FY 1996 will continue with the launch of several module missions LMS, NASA/Mir 3 and
NASA/Mir 4 and a key microgravity pallet mission (USMP-3). Successful preparation and launch of the LMS mission in FY 1996 will
require a highly-accelerated schedule of mission management events. Other mission planning efforts will also be performed in
support of the final three flights of the NMRP, the first flight of the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 and the fourth flight of the
USMP-4. In the third quarter of this year, NASA will begin the conduct of continuous on-orbit research aboard the Mir with U.S.
and Russian astronauts. Space Station planning and integration efforts will intensify as the First Element Launch date of the Space
Station approaches (December 1997).
In FY 1996, systems engineering efforts will continue to support methodologies for advocacy and coordination of U.S. research
requirements vis-a-vis carrier programs and implementation of processes and tools for mission planning for U.S. payloads on future
space platforms, primarily the phase II and III of the international Space Station.
BASIS OF FY 1996 FUNDING REQUIREMENT
AEROSPACE MEDICINE AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
(Thousands of Dollars)
Aerospace medicine and occupational health (2,700) 7,000 7,000
PROGRAM GOALS
The Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Health program goals are to: (1) provide for the health care and well-being of all NASA
employees in their ground- and space-based work environments; and (2) promote applications of knowledge gained and technologies
developed in the public and private sectors.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
The Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Health program leads the Agency in the areas of Aerospace Medicine, Global Health
Applications and Occupational Health. The primary objective of the Aerospace Medicine program is to maintain the health and
productivity of astronauts, thus increasing the probability of success of flight missions. The scope of work includes the refinement
of standards and requirements for operational medicine in support of space flight; provision of ground-based medical support for
human space flight mission operations; and ensuring development of hardware, training, and protocols for maintaining clinical care
readiness on-board spacecraft.
The Global Health Applications program transfers the NASA knowledge and technology of aerospace medicine and occupational
health to a variety of domestic and international endeavors that contribute to national competitiveness, education, and quality of
life. This work is accomplished via publications and use of other media to inform others of our aerospace medicine and occupational
health practices; promoting the incorporation of these practices in educational curricula; and transferring the technologies
developed for medical care of space flight crews to terrestrial health care applications such as the use of tele-medicine to improve
the access to health care in rural and underserved areas and to support medical responses to disaster-stricken areas both in the U.
S. and abroad.
The Occupational Health program establishes policies and manages implementation of NASA-wide occupational and environmental
health programs and services. These include provision of immediate medical care for acute illnesses, accidents and injuries in the
workplace; controlling and responding to exposure of employees to toxic materials, hazardous environments and harmful physical
agents in the workplace; implementing state-of-the-art preventive medicine and wellness programs; and assuring Agency compliance
with legal and regulatory requirements for occupational health.
The Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Headquarters are the principal centers involved in the Aerospace Medicine program. The JSC
will manage the tele-medicine efforts in support of mission operations, and the medical applications activities. Funding will be
provided to the Lewis Research Center (LeRC) to support Spacebridge to Russia. Wright State University and the University of Texas
Medical Center are the major contractors for the Aerospace Medicine program.
The Russian Space Agency is providing some of the infrastructure in support of U.S. astronaut medical health monitoring for the
Space Shuttle/Mir missions.
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
ACTUAL PLAN PLAN
No. of workers' compensation claims filed 301 286 295
No. of days to process workers compensation claims 8 days 7 days 6 days
No. of papers/presentations at national meetings 20 24 29
U.S./Russian Medical Policy Board - This establishes the U.S./Russian Medical Policy Board which validates
2nd Qtr, FY 1995 medical requirements, standards, protocols, and flight rules for all joint
U.S./Russian missions.
First Draft International Space Station This effort initiates the documentation of the medical requirements for flight
Medical Requirements - crew performance and well-being and the requirements for conduct of medical
4th Qtr, FY 1995 research needed for extension of on-orbit stay time or for other specific crew
health related issues.
Operational Tele-medicine System - This effort establishes the configuration of the operational tele-medicine system
4th Qtr, FY 1995 and initiates its use in support of flight crew activities.
Medical Risk Assessment - This effort completes a comprehensive risk assessment and review of known
2nd Qtr, FY 1996 medical requirements in support of international space station mission
activities.
Global Medical Network - This effort provides NASA-support to the development and operations of the
4th Qtr, FY 1996 global medical network for telemedical transactions involving other national
and international organizations.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PLANS
FY 1994 accomplishments included successful completion of the international Tele-medicine Demonstration program (Spacebridge
to Moscow) and sponsorship of the Second NASA/Uniformed Services University of Health Services (USUHS) International
Conference on Tele-medicine. Programs were initiated with the Pan American Health Organization and the Third World Foundation
to support disaster preparedness and response, enable epidemiological data collection, and provide worldwide access to critical
medical information (World Medical Network). The Advanced Communication Technology Satellite experiment was successfully
executed to demonstrate small Earth station use for high resolution image transfer (via a fiber optic opthalmascope). A
comprehensive tele-medicine demonstration was presented to members of the Congress. A program to identify specific NASA high-
speed computing, advanced image processing, and data transmission capabilities which have potential for application to health care
problems was also initiated in FY 1994.
Epidemiological studies evaluating long-term consequences of space flight and analog (medical) populations were continued.
Medical technologies and procedures for development of inflight medical care were evaluated in zero gravity and static testbeds. The
Wright State University Aerospace Medicine Residency program graduated 6 physicians who are eligible for Board Certification in
this highly specialized field. These clinical medicine responsibilities support Shuttle Operational Medicine and were transferred to
the Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Health Division in 1994 with the applicable funding from the Life and Biomedical
Sciences and Applications Division.
FY 1995 plans for the program include: (1) establishing computer connectivity, voice/fax, and video conferencing capabilities with
Russia and the Ukraine to enable consultations in that those regions; (2) supporting development of the Pan American Health
Organization/Third World Foundation global medical network; (3) developing a network of medical experts for all telemedical
transactions (e.g., flight crew or disaster recovery); (4) completing the development of the Star City (Russia) tele-medicine system;
(5) initiating the clinical and academic testing of the Clinical Practice Library of Medicine, a computer-based medical library; (6)
initiating a comprehensive risk assessment and review of medical requirements for space flight during long duration NASA/MIR
Research Program (NMRP) and the international Space Station missions; (7) initiating the development of medical requirements for
research in order to ensure the timely availability of adequate procedures, protocols and countermeasures to maintain and enhance
human health and performance during extended duration missions; (8) providing operational medical support for Space Shuttle
missions and long duration NMRP missions; and (9) establishing a Joint Medical Policy Board and developing joint medical
operations requirements documents for the NMRP missions.
FY 1996 plans are to continue development and utilization of the operational tele-medicine system for medical consultations
between U.S. and Russian sites and provide operational medical support for missions on NMRP and Space Station. The program
will also: (1) develop medical risk assessments and requirements in preparation for Space Station; (2) conduct clinical testing of the
Clinical Practice Library of Medicine with extensive field evaluation at NASA Centers; (3) finalize development and initial operation of
the global medical network in support of all telemedical transactions; (4) develop and refine the NASA high-speed computing and
medical imaging applications for transfer to the health community; and (5) initiate collaborative efforts with national and
international agencies to apply NASA-derived technology for health applications.
BASIS OF FY 1996 FUNDING REQUIREMENT
SPACE STATION PAYLOAD FACILITIES
FY 1994 FY 1995 FY 1996
(Thousands of Dollars)
Life sciences payload facilities 24,000 42,900 53,900
Microgravity payload facilities 13,000 32,000 65,600
EXPRESS racks/laboratory support equipment -- 15,600 17,800
Total 37,000 90,500 137,300
PROGRAM GOALS
The international Space Station will be the world's premier facility for studying the role of gravity on biological, physical and
chemical systems. NASA plans to utilize the Space Station as an interactive laboratory in space to advance fundamental scientific
knowledge and to contribute new scientific discoveries for the benefit of the United States and to accelerate the rate at which it
develops beneficial applications derived from long-term duration, space-based research. The program will deliver the capability to
perform unique, long-duration, microgravity-dependent, space-based research in cell and developmental biology, plant biology,
human physiology, biotechnology, fluid physics, combustion science, materials science and benchmark physics.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING GOALS
As one of the primary NASA users of the Space Station, the Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications program sponsors a
robust program to develop flight experiment apparatus, ground-based facilities and operations protocols needed to make the Space
Station's unique capabilities available to the United States. The program includes life sciences payload facilities, microgravity
payload facilities, laboratory support equipment and EXPRESS rack development.
Life Sciences Space Station Payload Facilities
The Life Sciences Space Station Payload Facilities program will develop three important hardware facilities: Human Research
Facility (HRF), the Gravitational Biology Facility (GBF), and the Centrifuge Facility (CF).
The HRF project will define and develop space flight research hardware to serve a number of closely related objectives. The HRF
hardware suite will enable the standardized, systematic collection of data from the Space Station's crew members, which the
medical and research community will require in order to assure crew health. Once verified on-orbit, the HRF will also be used to
conduct basic and applied human research and technology experiments.
The GBF project will design, develop, and conduct the on-orbit verification of Space Station research equipment to support the
growth and development of a variety of biological specimens, including animal and plant cells and tissues, embryos, fresh and salt
water aquatic organisms, insects, higher plants, and rodents. The GBF will support specimen sampling and storage, as well as
limited analysis activities. The GBF's modular design will accommodate the incremental development of experiment capabilities, in
a manner consistent with evolving ground and flight science needs of the research community.
The CF project will design, develop, and conduct on-orbit performance verification of two habitat holding systems, a two-and-a-half
meter diameter centrifuge rotor, centrifuge glovebox and a service system rack. The project will also develop a biotelemetry system
to support ground-based data analysis of in-flight experiments.
To ensure that the GBF and CF projects develop high-yield science, the projects have established a science working group of leading
scientists in cell, developmental, and plant biology. The science working group is composed of leading researchers from universities
and government (National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the NASA). The working group
represents the science community to the facilities projects, helps the projects define requirements, reviews hardware design
concepts, and they perform and review science tests to refine science requirements.
Several of NASA's Centers lead the development of the component projects funded within the Life Sciences Space Station Facilities
program. The Johnson Space Center (JSC) will lead the development of the HRF. The Ames Research Center (ARC) will lead the
development of the GBF and the CF. The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) will provide support to the ARC during the development of
the GBF and will also provide payload integration services prior to the launch of the facilities and their experiments.
Life Sciences is working closely with contractors to develop the ISSA facilities. The HRF development effort will be managed
primarily as an in-house effort at the JSC but will be supported primarily by Martin-Marietta and Krug Life Sciences. Martin-
Marietta will provide project engineering and related services in support of HRF hardware development and modification. Krug Life
Sciences will support science requirements development and definition at the JSC. Although the GBF and the CF projects will rely
upon different procurement strategies, both projects will rely heavily upon support contractors. The Bionetics Corporation will
support science definition and development for both the ARC projects, but the two projects will adopt different hardware engineering
and development strategies. Martin-Marietta (or a successor) will support an in-house the ARC development effort for the GBF; the
CF project anticipates that it will select and direct a prime contractor to develop the major CF hardware components.
The Life Sciences Space Station Facilities program actively pursues international participation. For example, the GBF project has
contacted the space agencies of Japan, Germany, and Canada soliciting participation in the development of an aquatic habitat. A
multilateral users working group, consisting of representatives from all the major ISSA participating countries, has agreed to
principles for eliminating unnecessary duplication of laboratory support hardware. NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA)
also have a bilateral agreement to develop four flight copies of a -80o C freezer. The program will pursue other agreements of this
sort in order to increase the science returns and the economies of the ISSA program.
Microgravity Space Station Payload Facilities
The Microgravity Sciences Space Station Payload Facilities program will develop three major facilities for the Space Station: the
Biotechnology Facility (BTF), the Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF), and the Space Station Furnace Facility (SSFF). These
facilities, coupled with investigator-class payloads, will support a wide array of research in biotechnology, combustion science, fluids
science, materials science and gravitational physics.
The BTF supports protein crystal growth and studies on the maintenance and response of mammalian tissue cultures in a
microgravity environment. The facility will provide a support structure as well as integration capabilities for individual
biotechnology experiment modules. Its modular design will provide the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of experiments in
cell culturing and protein crystallization. The facility will accommodate changes in experimental modules and analytical equipment
in response to changes in science priorities or technological advances.
The FCF supports research on interfacial phenomena, colloidal systems, multiphase flow and heat transfer, solid-fluid interface
dynamics, and condensed matter physics, and definition of the mechanisms involved in various combustion processes in the
absence of strong buoyant flows. The facility core will provide common support systems for both the combustion and the fluids
modules. The Fluids Module Experiment Rack will be designed to accommodate several multi-purpose experiment modules that are
individually configured with facility-provided and experiment-specific hardware to support each fluids experiment. The Combustion
Module will house a combustion chamber that is equipped with ports to allow an array of modular diagnostic systems to view the
experiment.
The SSFF is used to study underlying principles necessary to predict the relationships of synthesis and processing of materials to
their resulting structures and properties. The facility core, which will provide the main interface to the Space Station services, will
consist of furnace subsystems common to many types of investigations. The experiment modules will be composed of multi-user or
investigator-unique modules that will be designed for high reliability and long life. NASA will be able to reconfigure the modules and
will have capability of on-orbit reconfiguration to support many different types of investigations. It is anticipated that cooperative
efforts with the international science community will assist in the development of some discipline-specific furnace modules for use
by the U.S. science community, thus leveraging the hardware development investments undertaken by NASA.
The microgravity facilities projects follow a standard plan of conducting the early, definition phase “in-house” at the managing NASA
Field Center, with a decision made at the end of the definition phase on the method of pursuing full scale development (e.g., “in-
house” or by competition and award to an external contractor). The BTF project is led by JSC, with contractor support from Krug
Life Sciences Corporation. This project is currently in the early definition phase and plans are for JSC to design the BTF and
compete the fabrication, assembly, test and integration.
The FCF is led by the Lewis Research Center (LeRC), with contractor support from Native American Services Corporation. This
project is currently in the early definition phase and plans have not yet been defined for the full scale development phase. The SSFF
is led by the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). This common or “core system” project is currently in the full scale development
phase as an in-house project, with selected fabrication, testing and support services tasks under competitively-awarded contracts.
The experiment module projects are currently in the early definition phase, with plans to complete and contract the full scale
development of modules as they complete definition phase.
The microgravity facilities projects actively pursue international participation. For example, the first International Workshop on
Furnaces for the international Space Station was held in Europe in June 1993, with participation of NASA, DARA/DLR, NASDA,
CSA, ESA and CNES. From this workshop, NASA proposed joint scientific and equipment programs with both ESA and CNES
whereby they would provide Furnace Experiment Modules for the NASA SSFF. A follow-up workshop is planned in February 1995
in the United States. A similar workshop is also in preparation for the fluid physics and combustion communities in the United
States in April 1995. NASA and ESA also have a bilateral agreement in principal to develop a Microgravity Sciences Glovebox whose
capabilities are specified by NASA and will be available for use by all international Space Station microgravity science researchers.
As part of this agreement, ESA has proposed to develop new generation protein crystal growth experiment apparatus and share use
of it with NASA. This will complement equipment planned for the BTF.
Express Racks and Laboratory Support Equipment
In addition to the major facility-class payload facilities, NASA plans to fly smaller, less complex payloads on the Space Station which
will typically have more focused research objectives and shorter development time cycles. The EXPRESS (Expedite the Processing of
Experiments to Space Station) rack project provides a means for accommodating these smaller payloads. The EXPRESS rack will
enable a simple, streamlined analytical and physical integration process for small payloads by providing standard hardware and
software interfaces. The project includes a precursor flight of an EXPRESS rack in FY 1997 on the MSL-1 Spacelab mission.
EXPRESS racks will be available to support initial payload operations in the U.S. Laboratory on the ISSA.
The laboratory support equipment (LSE) which the program will finance includes such items as the ISSA refrigerators and freezers,
dosimeters, incubators, electro-magnetic shielded locker, micro-mass measurement device, microscopes, gloveboxes, and fluid
handling tools. LSE will be shared with other Space Station users. The items are managed by the NASA Field Center responsible
for leading development of the Space Station Payload Facility which will be the primary user of the LSE.
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
HRF Preliminary Requirements Review This review establishes the project development plan and ensures that
Rack 1 - 3rd Qtr, FY 1995 research/science objectives have been properly translated into statements of
requirements.
HRF Preliminary Design Review - This review establishes the "design-to" baseline and ensures that it meets the
Rack 1-1st Qtr, FY 1996 project baseline requirements. 10 % of the flight drawing should be complete at
this stage.
GBF Critical Design Review - This review verifies the suitability of the design in meeting the specified
Rack 1 - 4th Qtr, FY 1996 requirements and establishes its "build-to" project baseline.
90 % of flight drawings should be complete at this stage.
CF RFP for Centrifuge Hardware This milestone marks the release of the Request for Proposal for the Centrifuge
Procurement - 2nd Qtr, FY 1995 Hardware.
CF Hardware Development Contract Start Contract Start Date will initiate the Design, Development and Testing of the
Date - 1st Qtr, FY 1996 Centrifuge Hardware.
BTF Critical Design Review - This review verifies the suitability of the design in meeting the specified
4th Qtr, FY 1996 requirements and establishes its "build-to" project baseline.
90 % of flight drawings should be complete at this stage
FCF Core System Conceptual Design This review establishes the conceptual design of the hardware so that the
Review - 1st Qtr, FY 1995 follow-on Phase B can be initiated.
FCF Core System Requirements Definition This review establishes full scale development plans required for go ahead for
Review - 2nd Qtr, FY 1996 development.
SSFF Core System Preliminary Design This review establishes the "design-to" baseline and ensures that it meets the
Review - 1st Qtr, FY 1995 project baseline requirements. 10 % of the flight drawing should be complete at
this stage.
SSFF Core System Critical Design This review verifies the suitability of the design in meeting the specified
Review - 2nd Qtr, FY 1996 requirements and establishes its "build-to" project baseline.
90 % of flight drawings should be complete at this stage.
EXPRESS RACK/MSL-1 Delivery to KSC - At KSC the initial EXPRESS Rack that will fly on MSL-1 integrated with the
3rd Qtr, FY 1996 initial payload and processed in preparation for launch in FY 1997.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND PLANS
Life Sciences Space Station Payload Facilities
Human Research Facility
During FY 1994, NASA established the HRF’s project objectives, conducted Phase A/B studies to identify and select technologies for
use in the project, established project organizations, support infrastructures, databases, and began building relationships with the
Space Station Project office. An Integrated Product Development Lab (IPDL) was established at JSC during the year to support
prototype development of various hardware components for the HRF and for other Space Station-era flight development projects.
Prototype engineering and testing has been initiated at the IPDL facility.
The HRF project considered various procurement and development strategies during FY 1994 and determined that existing life
sciences flight hardware can support the project’s research requirements adequately. The project will modify flight hardware during
FY 1995 and beyond. It will develop some new hardware, but the project has determined that no prime contracts for major
hardware development will be necessary during the project’s life. JSC plans to rely upon its in-house contractor, Martin-Marietta,
for hardware engineering and development support.
During FY 1995, the HRF project's efforts will concentrate on finalizing the science requirements by taking advantage of a newly-
formed science working group. The project will begin modification and development of an HRF "Rack 0" to fly the Space Station
precursor research on the last two NASA/MIR Research Program flights. The project will develop procedures for conforming to
Russian policies and procedures related to biomedical monitoring and countermeasures. During FY 1996, the HRF project will work
toward the deployment of four racks of research hardware: one in FY 1999, one in FY 2000, and two racks in FY 2004.
Gravitational Biology Facility
The GBF project proceeded with Phase A/B studies for the space and ground segments during FY 1994. The project achieved
considerable progress in defining its science requirements during the year. A number of science questions which the project
formulated during the year will precede hardware prototyping and development in subsequent years. Through year-end 1994, the
GBF project had awarded eleven peer-reviewed studies to universities, small businesses, and NASA Specialized Centers of Research
and Training (NSCORTs). By year-end, the project had also initiated several collaborative studies with other NASA Field Centers and
the Wisconsin Center for Space Automation and Robotics (a Center for Commercial Development of Space).
In FY 1995, the GBF activities will focus on the development of detailed system specifications for equipment and system-level
designs for both the space and ground segments. A system requirements review and a system design review are scheduled for the
second and fourth quarters of FY 1995, respectively. FY 1996 efforts will provide for the completion of the initial design of the first
rack of the GBF hardware. The GBF will conduct a preliminary design review for the first rack during the second quarter of the
year, and it will proceed with detailed rack design during the remainder of the year. FY 1996 resources will also support the
development of habitat science evaluation hardware for tests by members of the science community, prior to critical design review in
the fourth quarter. These science tests will evaluate science utility of the GBF habitat designs. The GBF project will conduct a
systems requirements review for the second GBF rack, and the project expects to complete Phase B studies for the second rack by
the end of the year. The first complement of GBF hardware (Rack 1) is currently scheduled to launch to the ISSA during FY 1999
followed by a second suite of hardware (Rack 2) in FY 2000.
Centrifuge Facility
The CF project’s FY 1994 activities deviated considerably from previous project milestones and plans. The project’s design, resource
estimates, and procurement schedules all changed following an intensive Headquarters/Ames Research Center (ARC) joint review of
the project. By year-end 1994 the Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications Advisory Committee had endorsed the changes
derived from the year’s review. In June of the year, the Associate Administrator for Life and Microgravity Sciences canceled a
procurement solicitation for Centrifuge hardware development, and the project had altered project milestones and activities to
conform to the revised project direction.
The revised CF project has reduced its resource requirements by more than $100 million during the remainder of the development
period (FY 1995 through FY 2000), compared to previous estimates. The new project schedule accelerates the centrifuge launch by
three years and, although the project design has been simplified, NASA believes that essential science capabilities will be preserved.
As an example of the improvements generated by the 1994 CF redesign, the project has agreed to collaborate with the GBF in the
development and financing of plant habitats. Likewise, the CF project will draw on work already underway at the ARC to reduce the
requirements and improve the performance of Advanced Animal Habitats.
During FY 1995, the CF project will develop and release a new solicitation for the Centrifuge procurement, continue in-house
hardware development and test bedding, and proceed with science requirements definition. The project expects to release a new
procurement solicitation before the start of the third quarter of the year. Habitat components will be the focus of hardware
development activities during the year, and conceptual designs will be completed for such things as an active mass-balance for the
Centrifuge rotor. A rodent metabolism study being performed by the Bioenvironmental research Laboratory at the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will be completed, as will the rodent acoustic tolerance testing being done at San Jose State
University. In response to requirements specified by the CF/GBF science working group, a variety of new studies will be initiated.
The CF project will select the new hardware development contractor early in FY 1996. Consistent with the project’s procurement
approach, the new prime development contractor will build the centrifuge rotor, the habitat holding racks, and the support rack.
The CF project expects to complete the facility-level preliminary requirements review during FY 1996, and the project will continue
to support science studies to evaluate and improve upon hardware designs and configurations. The centrifuge rotor and service
system are now scheduled to launch to the ISSA during FY 2001. The first habitat holding facility rack will launch during FY 2000.
Microgravity Space Station Payload Facilities
Biotechnology Facility
In FY 1994, the BTF project conducted a functional review to identify requirements from investigators. An engineering model of the
facility was developed along with a smaller version to be supplied to the investigators to solidify the design. The facility simulators
were delivered early in FY 1995 to investigators for test and check out. An independent assessment of the facility will be held in
March 1995. A requirements workshop and the Requirements Definition Review are scheduled for late in the year. In FY 1996 the
BTF experiment control computer will be on Mir to control cell and tissue culture experiments. The Mir precursor flights will reduce
the risk in the design and development of full facility operations for Space Station. The BTF project will conduct its Critical Design
Review near the end of FY 1996. The current launch readiness date for the BTF is the fourth quarter of 1998.
Fluids/Combustion Facility
In FY 1994, the FCF completed Phase A studies on the fluids module. The precursor to the first facility combustion module entered
the design and development phase to be prepared for flight on MSL-1 (FY 1997). The conceptual design for the fluids module for the
FCF was held in December 1994. The first combustion module design is based on a Space Shuttle combustion module that will
hold its transition review in March 1995. The first international workshop to identify possible cooperative experiment module
development in fluid physics and combustion science will be held in April 1995. An independent assessment of the facility will be
held in April. The combustion and fluids modules for the FCF will both hold their Requirements Definition Review in December
1995. After successful completion of the review, the facility will proceed to the design and development phase. The current launch
readiness date for FCF and the first fluids module is the third quarter of 1999.
Space Station Furnace Facility
Full scale development of the SSFF was initiated in early FY 1994. The facility conducted a successful Preliminary Requirements
Review and completed the definition phase for the first two furnace modules. The first international workshop to identify
cooperative furnace developments was held with the Space Station international partners in Nordwijk, Holland. The Preliminary
Design Review was held for the SSFF core. An independent assessment of the facility was held in September 1994. Agreements will
be negotiated with the ESA and the French Space Agency for the development of additional furnace modules for the facility. A
second international workshop to further refine cooperative furnace developments is scheduled for February 1995 in Huntsville,
Alabama. The SSFF core will be fabricated after the Critical Design Review in December 1996. Modifications to the U.S. Spacelab
furnace to allow it to be the first U.S. furnace module in the facility will begin in early 1996. The current launch readiness date for
the Core facility and the first instrument rack is June 1999.
EXPRESS Rack Development
In FY 1995 detailed design will be completed and assembly and test will be underway for the initial EXPRESS rack that will be flown
on MSL-1. Detailed design will continue for the EXPRESS rack configuration planned to fly on the Space Station. Testing and
integration of the MSL-1 EXPRESS rack will be completed in FY 1996, and the rack will be delivered to the KSC for payload
integration and launch processing. Design will be completed for the Space Station EXPRESS rack configurations and assembly of
hardware will be underway for qualification and acceptance testing. The delivery date for the EXPRESS rack planned for use on
MSL-1 is April 1996. The delivery date of the first Space Station EXPRESS rack is February 1998.
SAT 2