NASA awaits return of landmark space experiments cargo
8 Jan 2023
Samples from pioneering experiments into radiation, hydroponics and bioprospecting in microgravity environments will return to Earth this week from the International Space Station.
NASA’s Space Station Processing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida will take possession of an estimated 4,400 pounds of supplies and scientific experiments following touchdown on 11 January.
Live TV coverage of the journey by the SpaceX Dragon cargo resupply spacecraft has been available from around midday GMT when it began on Monday 9 January and can be viewed here.
Among the scientific investigations transported is a deep space radiation protection vest designed to protect astronauts from high doses of radiation caused by unpredictable solar particle events. Developers will employ data and astronaut feedback to make improvements for those undertaking subsequent Artemis missions to the Moon.
Also being tested are hydroponic and aeroponic plant growing methods. It is hoped this could inform schemes to produce crops for future space missions and enhance cultivation and food security.
Another investigation has examined ‘bioprospecting’ to identify plants and animals that may contain substances with potential for use as drugs or biochemicals. Previous studies found that space environments could cause genetic and physiological changes that could feasibly result in microbes yielding materials.
The Dragon vessel arrived at the International Space Station in late November to deliver more than 7,700 pounds of research investigations, crew supplies, and station hardware.
