Exploration-Related Research on ISS:Connecting Science Results to Future Missions
Jennifer L. Rhatigan ; Julie A. Robinson, Charles F. Sawin ; ASI Sponsor
Aug - 2005
Book Title : 44th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit


Report N. : August 2005 NASA/TP ⎯ 2005–213166
type: Report

Abstract
In January, 2004, the U.S. President announced The Vision for Space Exploration, and chargedthe National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) with using the International SpaceStation (ISS) for research and technology targeted at supporting U.S. space exploration goals.This paper describes:• What we have learned from the first four years of research on ISS relative to the explorationmission,• The on-going research being conducted in this regard, and• Our current understanding of the major exploration mission risks that the ISS can be used toaddress.Specifically, we discuss research carried out on the ISS to determine the mechanisms by whichhuman health is affected on long-duration missions, and to develop countermeasures to protecthumans from the space environment. These bioastronautics experiments are key enablers offuture long duration human exploration missions. We also discuss how targeted technologicaldevelopments can enable mission design trade studies. We discuss the relationship between theultimate number of human test subjects available on the ISS to the quality and quantity ofscientific insight that can be used to reduce health risks to future explorers. We discuss theresults of NASA’s efforts over the past year to realign the ISS research programs to support aproduct-driven portfolio that is directed towards reducing the major risks of explorationmissions.The fundamental challenge to science on ISS is completing experiments that answer keyquestions in time to shape design decisions for future exploration. In this context, explorationrelevantresearch must do more than be conceptually connected to design decisions—it mustbecome a part of the mission design process.

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