Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration: Life and Physical Sciences Research for a New Era
Committee for the Decadal Survey on Biological and Physical Sciences in Space; National Research Council
NAS Press | 2011 | ISBN: 0309163846 9780309163842 | 493 pages | PDF | 7 MB

The goal of this report is to lay out steps and develop a forward-looking portfolio of research that will provide the basis for recapturing the excitement and value of human spaceflight--thereby enabling the U.S. space program to deliver on new exploration initiatives that serve the nation, excite the public, and place the United States again at the forefront of space exploration for the global good.

Contents
SUMMARY
1 INTRODUCTION
The Exploration Imperative
Study Context, Challenges, and Organization
Organization of the Report
2 REVIEW OF NASA'S PROGRAM EVOLUTION IN THE LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES IN LOW AND MICROGRAVITY ENVIRONMENTS
Origin of the Research Program
Evolution of the Research Mission
The Apollo Program and Skylab
Dedicated Life Science Missions on the Shuttle
Dedicated Physical Science Missions on the Shuttle
The Current Status and Potential of the Life Sciences Research Programs
References
3 CONDUCTING MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH: U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL FACILITIES
International Space Station
Facility Class Payloads
U.S. Partner ISS Facilities and Modules
Laboratory Support Equipment
Major ISS Facilities by Discipline
Global Space Transportation Systems
United States
Russia
Europe
Japan
Free-Flyers
United States
Europe
Ground-based Facilities
U.S. Ground-based Facilities
European Ground-based Facilities
Russian Ground-based Facilities
Japanese Ground-based Facilities
Chinese Ground-based Facilities
References
4 PLANT AND MICROBIAL BIOLOGY
The Role of Plant and Overview: The Need for Modern Analyses Applied to Model Systems
Sensory Mechanisms I: Gravity Sensing and Response Mechanisms in Plants
Sensory Mechanisms II: Gravity and Mechanical Sensing in Microbes
Sensory Mechanisms III: Cells
Radiation Effects on Plants and Microbes
Plant and Microbial Growth Under Altered Atmospheric Pressures
Spaceflight Syndrome I: Response to the Integrated Spaceflight Environment
Spaceflight Syndrome II: Microbial Ecosystems and Environments
Spaceflight Syndrome III: Changes in the Virulence of Pathogens
Role of Plants and Microbes in Long-Term Life-Support Systems
Available and Needed Platforms
Ground-based Facilities
Flight Platforms
The Lunar Surface as a Platform
Enabling Technologies
Prioritized Research Recommendations
Programmatic Issues and Recommendations
References
5 BEHAVIOR AND MENTAL HEALTH
Cognitive Functioning
Cognitive Testing
Specific Recommendations
Individual Functioning
Selection
Personality Measures
Training
Psychological Symptoms
Therapeutic Strategies
Specific Recommendations
Group Functioning
Individual Factors
Interpersonal Factors
Autonomy and Other Environmentally Mediated Factors
Leadership
Tools and Facilities
Interventions
Training
Specific Recommendations
Sleep and Space
Effects of Acute Sleep Loss
Effects of Chronic Sleep Restriction
Sleep and Resilience
Specific Recommendations
Highest-Priority Recommendations
References
6 ANIMAL AND HUMAN BIOLOGY
Research Issues
Risks for Bone Loss During Long-Duration Space Missions
Risks for Skeletal Muscle During Long-Duration Spaceflight
Risks for Sensorimotor and Vestibular Deficits During Long-Duration Spaceflight
Effects of the Spaceflight Environment on Fluid Shifts
Risks for the Cardiovascular System During Long-Duration Spaceflight
Risks for Pulmonary Function During Long-Duration Space Missions
Risks for Specific Endocrine Influences During Long-Duration Space Missions
Effects of the Spaceflight Environment on the Immune System
Reproduction and Development
Merging of Disciplines to Study Gravity-Dependent Adaptations
Research Priorities and Platforms
Bone
Skeletal Muscle
Sensory-Motor Function
Fluid Shifts
Cardiovascular
Pulmonary
Immunology
Reproduction and Development
Research Platforms
Overarching and Programmatic Issues
The Need for Animal Research on the ISS and Other Space Platforms
Recommendation Concerning the National Laboratory
Animal Research on Other Platforms
Improved Access to Biological Samples and Data from Astronauts
Limitations of Ground-based Facilities
Limitations on Sample Delivery Back to Earth
Space Platform for Research Will Be Needed Beyond 2020
Relevance of the Report to NASA Fundamental Space Biology Strategic Planning
References
7 CROSSCUTTING ISSUES FOR HUMANS IN THE SPACE ENVIRONMENT
Solving Integrative Biomedical Problems Through Translational Research
Stress?Physical and Physiological Considerations
Food, Nutrition, and Energy Balance
Radiation Biology
Physical Inactivity
Biological xxx/Gender Considerations
Thermoregulation
Increasing Translational Research in the Space/Life Sciences
Implementation of a Clinical and Translational Science Framework
The ISS and the U.S. National Laboratory as an Analog of a CTSA Clinical Research Unit
Aspects of Clinical and Translational Science Applicable to Space Biomedical Research
Overarching Issues and Gaps in the Knowledge Base
Educating the Next Generation of Space Translational Scientists
The Procurement Process and Its Effect on Flight Research
International Collaboration Between Space Agencies
Summary
Stress
Food, Nutrition, and Energy Balance
Radiation Biology
Biological xxx/Gender
Thermoregulation
Overarching Issue?Integrated Countermeasure Development
References
8 FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICAL SCIENCES IN SPACE
Research Issues
Thrust I: Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Complex Fluids
Thrust II: Precision Measurements of Fundamental Forces and Symmetries
Thrust III: Quantum Gases
Thrust IV: Condensed Matter and Critical Phenomena
Available and Needed Platforms
Program Recommendations for Experiment-Specific Support Facilities on Various Platforms
Research Program Recommendations
Recommended Program Element 1: Research on Complex Fluids and Soft Matter (FP1)
Recommended Program Element 2: Research that Test and Expands Our Understanding of the Fundamental Forces and Symmetries of Nature (FP2)
Recommended Program Element 3: Research Related to the Physics and Applications of Quantum Gases (FP3)
Recommended Program Element 4: Investigations of Matter in the Vicinity of Critical Points (FP4)
Programmatic Conclusions, Findings, and Recommendations
References
9 APPLIED PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Fluid Physics
Introduction
Research in Support of NASA's Exploration Missions
Fundamental Fluid Physics Research
Recommended Research in Fluid Physics
Combustion
Introduction
Research in Support of NASA's Exploration Missions
Fundamental Combustion Research
Recommended Research in Combustion
Materials Science
Introduction
Research in Support of NASA's Exploration Missions
Fundamental Materials Research
Recommended Research in Materials Science
Research Prioritization and Recommendations
Fluid Physics Recommendations
Combustion Recommendations
Materials Science Recommendations
Facilities
Programmatic Recommendations
References
10 TRANSLATION TO SPACE EXPLORATION SYSTEMS
Research Issues and Technology Needs
Space Power and Thermal Management
Space Propulsion
Extravehicular Activity Systems
Life Support Systems
Fire Safety
Space Resource Extraction, Processing, and Utilization
Planetary Surface Construction
Summary and Conclusions
References
11 THE ROLE OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
Unique Status and Capabilities
Areas of ISS Research
The Life Sciences Research on the ISS
Physical Sciences
Caveats
References
12 ESTABLISHING A LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH PROGRAM: PROGRAMMATIC ISSUES
Programmatic Issues for Strengthening the Research Enterprise
Elevating the Priority of Life and Physical Sciences Research in Space Exploration
Establishing a Stable and Sufficient Funding Base
Improving the Process for Solicitation and Review of High-Quality Research
Rejuvenating a Strong Pipeline of Intellectual Capital Through Training and Mentoring Programs
Linking Science to Mission Capabilities Through Multidisciplinary Translational Programs
Developing Commercial Sector Interactions to Advance Science, Technology, and Economic Growth
Synergies with other National and International Agencies
Opportunities for International Collaborations
Administrative Oversight of Life and Physical Sciences Research
Summary
References
13 ESTABLISHING A LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH PROGRAM: AN INTEGRATED MICROGRAVITY RESEARCH PORTFOLIO
Prioritizing Research
Facility and Platform Requirements
Ground-Based Research Platforms
Analog Environments
Flight Platforms
Planetary or Lunar Surface
Space Platforms for Research Beyond 2020
Highest-Priority Research Areas and Objectives
Research Portfolio Selection Options
Timeline for the Conduct of Research
Impact of Science on Defining U.S. Space Exploration Policy
References
APPENDIXES
A Statement of Task
B Glossary and Selected Acronym List
C Committee, Panel, and Staff Biographical Information