CASIS-Sponsored Research Payloads Berthed to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) is proud to announce its research payloads berthed with the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday, September 23. Space Exploration Technologies Corporation's (SpaceX) Dragon capsule successfully berthed with the ISS, marking the completion of its launch to resupply the ISS with cargo and research. CASIS is tasked with managing and promoting research onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory.  

Research onboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule included a range of experiments sponsored by CASIS. This is the third mission that has been responsible for launching CASIS-sponsored investigations to the ISS. Below is an overview of the major payloads now onboard the ISS sponsored by CASIS:

BONE DENSITOMETER
Techshot, Inc.

As part of a matching Grant Agreement with CASIS/NASA and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, a bone densitometer (which measures bone density—the same technique used on Earth to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis patients) is being deployed for on-orbit animal research.

This tool will complement the new rodent habitat, also new to the ISS. The rodent habitat will be capable of transporting animals for long-duration experiments, which will allow the study of space effects on body systems, including bone loss studies that will use the densitometer. Such research may yield important insights into mechanisms of and treatments for bone loss.

COBRA PUMA GOLF - MATERIALS TESTING IN MICROGRAVITY (CSI-06)
Mike Yagley, COBRA PUMA Golf

The COBRA PUMA Golf project will examine a variety of coatings and metals used in golf products, and the differences in bonding, strength, and weight of the resulting materials will be analyzed in a microgravity environment.

Better understanding the underlying processes involved in these various materials will help to optimize the development of stronger and lighter alloys on the ground.

DRUG METABOLISM
Dr. Timothy Hammond, Veterans Affairs Medical Center

This project will use a yeast-based experimental system to study cancer drug mechanisms and side effects at the cellular level. The space station environment alters the metabolism of yeast differently than ground-based investigations under the influence of gravity. Distinct results from spaceflight investigations supplement terrestrial research and provide novel information about critical cellular functions.

Almost 40% of human genes are also found in yeast, including genetic instructions ordering cells to grow and divide. ISS findings may lead to diversified uses for existing treatments ("drug repurposing") as well as the development of new anti-cancer drugs.

OPTIMIZATION OF PROTEIN CRYSTAL GROWTH FOR DETERMINATION OF ENZYME MECHANISMS THROUGH ADVANCED DIFFRACTION TECHNIQUES
Dr. Constance Schall, University of Toledo

This investigation focuses on growing crystals of three proteins that are involved in Salmonella infection, peptic ulcer disease, and multi-drug resistance, as well as proteins that can serve as indicators of heart attack and liver disease.

Potential benefits from this investigation may include a better understanding of the function of these proteins as well as improved drug design based on the structure of proteins involved in disease.

RODENT RESEARCH-1
Dr. Samuel Cadena, Novartis

This project is a multi-user payload sponsored in collaboration with NASA and CASIS. The CASIS-sponsored portion of the payload will explore the molecular basis of muscle atrophy caused by extended microgravity exposure from spaceflight by examining a transgenic mouse model.

The Novartis goal will be to learn more about muscle wasting to help patients that are at risk for muscle atrophy.  Novartis will assess changes in mouse muscles including muscle mass, muscle fiber size and type (fast vs. slow), and protein/gene expression in in-flight, wild-type and transgenic mice compared with ground-based controls. The broader goal is to make use of the International Space Station as a laboratory for the discovery of novel molecular targets to develop treatments for patients afflicted by muscle loss in aging and chronic disease.

"Congratulations to SpaceX for their successful launch and berthing to the International Space Station, delivering a diverse set of CASIS-sponsored payloads," said CASIS President and Executive Director Gregory H. Johnson. "From life and materials sciences, academic to commercial and advanced hardware capable of enabling groundbreaking discoveries, CASIS is continuing to broker inquiries capable of improving life on Earth."

To learn more about research onboard SpaceX-4, please visit:
ARK2 microsite: http://ark2.iss-casis.org/
ARK2 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqAc_pXryo4&feature=youtu.be
3-D Printer Video Featuring Made In Space and NASA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ex481nHY7k&list=UUezcn0GHbLgOkZ85oV5xqZA

About CASIS: The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) was selected by NASA in July 2011 to maximize use of the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory through 2020. CASIS is dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovations and new discoveries that will enhance the health and wellbeing of people and our planet. For more information, visit www.iss-casis.org.

About the ISS National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the International Space Station as the nation's newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.

Media Contact:
Patrick O'Neill
(321) 480-1054
[email protected]

SOURCE Center for the Advancement of Science in Space