Northrop Grumman CRS-15 Mission Overview

Research Investigations Sponsored by the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory

Northrop Grumman’s 15^th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission to the International Space Station (ISSInternational Space Station) is slated for launch no earlier than February 20 at 12:36 p.m. ET from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The ISS U.S. National Laboratory is sponsoring more than 10 payloads on this mission, including projects to enhance the capabilities of the orbiting laboratory as well as research and technology development that will bring value to our nation and enable a sustainable market in low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles..

Below are highlights of ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations that are part of the Northrop Grumman CRS-15 mission to the space station.

3-D Printed Radio Frequency Systems and Materials for High Frequency Communications
L3Harris Technologies
Principal Investigator: Dr. Arthur Paolella

This project seeks to test 3D-printed radio frequency (RF) circuits, RF communications systems, and other materials for small satellites in the harsh space environment. The project will use the MISSE Flight FacilityThe Materials International Space Station Experiment Flight Facility is a hardware platform on the exterior of the ISS that provides exposure to the harsh space conditions for the accelerated testing of materials and technologies with important applications both in space and on Earth. This ISS National Lab commercial facility is owned and operated by Aegis Aerospace., a commercial facility located on the outside of the ISS. 3D printing allows for a reduction in circuit size and the production of complex shapes unachievable through traditional manufacturing. It also involves shorter production cycles than traditional manufacturing and enables responsiveness to critical market changes. Testing on the ISS allows L3Harris Technologies to qualify 3D-printed materials and raise the technology readiness level(Abbreviation: TRL) A measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology. There are nine technology readiness levels, and technology progresses from TRL 1 to TRL 9. of its product to bring it to market more quickly.

Implementation Partner(Abbreviation: IP) Commercial companies that work with the ISS National Lab to provide services related to payload development, including the translation of ground-based science to a space-based platform.: Alpha Space Test & Research Alliance

Characterization of the Function and Stability of Bacteriorhodopsin Following Exposure to a MicrogravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. Environment
LambdaVision
PI: Nicole Wagner, Ph.D.

LambdaVision will continue its investigation aimed at developing a high-resolution, protein-based artificial retina to restore vision to the millions of patients blinded by retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. These conditions have no cure, and treatments only slow their progression. Artificial retinas or retinal implants may provide a way to restore meaningful vision for those with these conditions. A significant unmet need exists for the development of an effective artificial retina, and microgravity could optimize its production.

Implementation Partner: Space Tango

Grape Juice Fermentation in Microgravity aboard ISS
Michael David Winery, Inc.
PI: Jeffrey Farthing

This project will explore the microbial ecology and dynamics of grape juice fermentation in the absence of gravity. Fermentation, a complex physical and biological process critical to many industries, is mediated by a dynamic microbial community comprised of yeast and bacteria. For this project, the research team will use a defined microbiome to observe microgravity-induced changes in the fermentation products of grape juice. Insight gained from this project could help improve agricultural processes and yields on Earth.

Implementation Partner: CSS

Industrial Crystallization Facility Expansion for ISS Utilization
Redwire Space
PI: Michael Snyder

This project will test an automated Single Crystal Growth Chamber (SCGC) for the Made In Space Industrial Crystallization Facility (ICF) on the ISS. The ICF will provide a space-based platform for the growth and formulation of large (centimeter-scale) single crystals and other exotic materials of industrially relevant size and quality. For example, microgravity crystallization could significantly improve the production of nonlinear optical crystals, which have many important industrial applications. The SCGC active monitoring system will allow investigators to observe crystal growth in near real time during flight experiments—providing an invaluable diagnostic tool for determining the degree to which gravity affects crystallization.

Implementation Partner: Redwire Space

Nitrogen Fixation of Leguminous Species in MicroG
Magnitude.io
PI: Ted Tagami

This investigation aims to identify potential effects of the microgravity environment on the growth and development of cowpeas and red clover. In particular, the investigation focuses on the possible development of nodules on the roots. These nodules are able to take gaseous nitrogen and convert it into nitrogenous compounds that may be used as fertilizer. Soil microorganisms, both free-living and those symbiotic with plant species, are critical to converting nutrients into forms that can be used by plants. This investigation increases understanding of legume-associated biological nitrogen fixation, which could contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Implementation Partner: Space Tango

Radiation and Temperature Excitation of Thermographic Phosphor Composites
University of Memphis
PI: Firouzeh Sabri

This project will use the Alpha Space MISSE Flight Facility to examine the effects of the harsh space environment on phosphor powders and composites used for precise temperature measurement. Phosphor-based thermography uses the luminescent properties of phosphors to calculate temperature. This precise and low-cost technique can be used to rapidly measure temperatures ranging from 0°C to 1,200°C. Results from this project will shed light on the radiation tolerance of phosphor powders and composites, providing critical information on the stability of the temperature-dependent properties of phosphor. This experiment will aid in determining the feasibility of using phosphor composite sensors for temperature measurements relevant to the healthcare, petroleum, and aerospace industries.

Implementation Partner: SEOPS, LLC

Spaceborne Computer-2
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
PI: Dr. Mark Fernandez

This project seeks to determine whether the latest commercial off-the-shelf high-performance computer system can be used for space exploration as is, without modification. This investigation will test new techniques for recovering memory and other errors using commercial computing servers in the extreme environment onboard the ISS. Results will demonstrate whether commercial computing systems can survive space and radiation conditions without special hardware.

Implementation Partner: Hewlett Packard Enterprise