Introduction
MicroSat Free Flyer (µSat FF) is an element of the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) ISS Non-Exploration Projects (NExP) effort that is focused on implementing peer-reviewed fundamental space biology investigations on a microsatellite free flyer platform. General µSat FF research themes and scope are defined by the goals of fundamental space biology, schedule, opportunity specifications and budget. The science and technology strategy will commensurate with the guidance provided in the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 and directions provided in the NASA Research and Utilization Plan for the International Space Station (ISS) and a Science Working Group of senior experts in relevant subject matter. This strategy will complement ISS science while providing an alternative space platform for conducting space environment dependent fundamental space biology investigations.
Fundamental Space Biology is the study of how life responds to gravity and space environments. The force of gravity plays a major role in shaping life into its myriad forms. In addition, the radiation environment on Earth differs from radiation environments in space, because Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere shield life on Earth from some components of space radiation. Rapid advances in biological technology and the increasingly rapid pace of new knowledge provide opportunities to examine the very foundations of life. Fundamental Space Biology uses the space environment to probe the fundamental nature of life on Earth in order to enhance our understanding of how life responds to physical phenomena and physical forces on Earth. To elucidate the effects of space environments on life and provide an understanding of life's foundations on Earth and beyond, Fundamental Space Biology strives to expand our knowledge in the following three broad areas:
1) Life at molecular and cellular levels.
Alterations in gravity and the space environment may affect cells in many ways including cell proliferation, chromosomal aberrations, gene expression and processes of reproductive cell formation. The research targets for this goal include: analyzing unique genetic, protein and metabolic responses to gravity and space radiation; determining the gravity-detection mechanisms in cells and their relationship to cellular metabolism; determining the gravity-detection and gravity response mechanisms in small organisms; determining the signaling pathways involved in gravity sensing, transduction, and response; determining mutation rates; and testing cellular responses to space environments using model systems.
2) Interactions between organisms.
Research is needed to determine the effect of space environments on interrelationships between the organisms that populate constructed ecosystems. Research targets for this goal include: examining how differences in species affect ecological processes in space environments; studies to determine the sensitivity of ecological processes to the environmental conditions in space; and identifying and testing key biological characteristics of ecological systems, including microbial virulence.
3) Life across generations.
This goal studies living systems over multiple generations over an increasingly longer exposure to the space environment. Research targets to address this goal include: identifying effects of altered gravity on patterns of reproduction and phenotype/genotype over multiple generations in organisms with short life cycles; addressing practical reproduction of target organisms through several generations in space environments; and assessing changes in reproductive capacity induced by space environments.
The development of µSat FF platform technologies and instruments is informed by the science goals defined. The general planned approach will be to leverage from previous technology investments and to advance technology capabilities in order to best support the science community. Building on the prior success of the GeneSat-1 technology demonstration and the upcoming PharmaSat-1 proof-of-concept Principal Investigator (PI) led investigation, a science-driven progressive microsatellite free flyer development and opportunity profile is planned. The overall goal is to develop platform(s) that could support multidisciplinary, solicited science and research investigations which will ultimately lead to collaborative efforts with other organizations within NASA, as well as with a variety of other government, academic and commercial partnerships.
