November 2023
Welcome to Space Station Spotlight, a new monthly newsletter from the ISS National Laboratory. Here’s where you can find all the latest R&D happenings on the space station, see what our partners are up to, and learn how you can elevate your research to new heights by leveraging the unique space environment.
What’s new at the ISS National Lab?
Broadcast over Zoom, the briefing connected members of the media with ISSInternational Space Station National Lab researchers to learn more about the exciting investigations launching on SpaceX CRS-29.
Researchers from UC Santa Barbara are conducting an ISS National Lab-sponsored investigation using gel-coated tubesto study how mucus in the lungs affects the transportation of medication.
Building on previous research, researchers at UC San Francisco are leveraging the ISS National Lab to study how 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. affects the regenerative properties of stem cell-derived liver cells. Results will shed light on the mechanisms behind the decline of liver regeneration in the elderly.
A research team from UC San Diego is studying microgravity’s effects on stem-cell derived brain organoids to better understand how cognitive decline happens in the human brain. Results from this ISS National Lab-sponsored research could provide insight on the mechanisms behind neurological conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Partner News
Redwire Space launched a new pharmaceutical manufacturing platform. The Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory (PIL) Bio-crystal Optimization eXperiment (BOX) aims to crystallize small organic molecules in microgravity. Essentially a “lab-in-a-box,” the facility will enable pharmaceutical companies and researchers to grow small-batch crystals for protein-based pharmaceuticals to treat a wide range of conditions.
Sierra Space shows its Tenacity. The Colorado-based company revealed that its first shuttle-like Dream Chaser space plane, called Tenacity, is ready for testing. The space plane is set to take its first flight sometime in 2024.
Funding Opportunities
NSF funds solicitations for research leveraging the ISS National Lab. Two research opportunities opened this month seeking proposals to conduct fundamental science investigations on the space station:
- Transport Phenomena: NSF will provide up to $3.6 million for projects that seek to study fluid dynamics, particulate and multiphase processes, thermal transport processes, combustion and fire systems, and nanoscale interactions in space. Interested investigators must submit a Feasibility Review Form by January 10, 2024. See the full details here.
- Tissue Engineering in Space: NSF will provide up to $1.6 million in funding for projects seeking to utilize the ISS to advance tissue engineering. Interested investigators must submit a Feasibility Review Form for consideration by January 15, 2024. Visit our solicitation page to learn more.
Results
The latest issue of Upward, official magazine of the ISS National Lab, is online. Delve into exciting results from space-based R&D—download the current issue and past issues here.
Read the Upward feature “A Small Drop With a Big Impact” to see how studying spherical drops of liquid protein in microgravity could lead to valuable improvements in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Published paper showcases a potential new osteoporosis treatment. A new paper published in npj Microgravity details results from ISS National Lab-sponsored research conducted by UCLA. Find out how the team’s space-based R&D helped demonstrate the effectiveness of a new osteoporosis therapeutic in preventing bone loss.
Workforce Development and STEM Education
STARWard STEM helps students reach for the stars. RTI and Nanoracks helped facilitate student-designed research investigations that launched to station. Dozens of students gathered at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to present their research flying on SpaceX CRS-29.
“Bacteria Boys” launch research to space. A group of students from Pinecrest Academy Space Coast launched an investigation on SpaceX CRS-29 that will test whether a component in horseshoe crab blood can be used to detect bacterial contamination in space.
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