Space Station Science Highlights: Week of May 29, 2023

Crew members aboard the International Space Station conducted scientific investigations during the week of May 29 that included assessing monoclonal antibody crystals, applying software written by students to control free-flying robots, and examining the effects of spaceflight adaptation on blood pressure. The 28th SpaceX commercial resupply services (CRS) mission scheduled to launch on Saturday June 3 brings new scientific experiments and technology demonstrations for the crew to conduct.

Here are details on some of the microgravity investigations currently taking place aboard the orbiting lab:

Targeting Cancer with Crystals

Monoclonal Antibodies PCG, sponsored by ISS National Lab, assesses the crystallization of various therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, lab-created immune system proteins designed to interact with specific targets such as cancer cells. Microgravity enables production of higher quality crystals, and this investigation could support development of drugs with reduced cost, improved stability, and greater ease of administration. Results also could enable development of an improved crystallization process on Earth. Crew members loaded protein crystal growth cards into the hardware for investigation operations during the week.

Student Robot Challenge

For the Kibo Robot Challenge 3 from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), students create software to solve various problems using NASA’s Astrobee and JAXA’s Internal Ball Camera free-flying robots. JAXA hosts this program in cooperation with NASA to provide students with opportunities to learn cutting-edge methodologies in science, technology, engineering, and math. The experience could inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders. During the week, crew members set up the robots in preparation for the challenge.

Assessing Blood Pressure Regulation

Space causes changes in cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems that can affect an astronaut’s ability to exercise and to maintain blood pressure when standing after return to Earth. An investigation from CSA (Canadian Space Agency), CARDIOBREATH studies the combined effects of cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations on blood pressure regulation during spaceflight. Results could provide a better understanding of the mechanisms behind these adaptations and support development of ways to assess their effects on blood pressure before and after spaceflight. Crew members conducted measurements for the investigation during the week.

Other Investigations Involving the Crew:

John Love, ISS Research Planning Integration Scientist Expedition 69