Biological and Physical Research 2: Space as a Laboratory

Use the space environment as a laboratory to test the fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and biology.

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The space environment offers a unique laboratory in which to study chemical, physical, and biological processes. Researchers will take advantage of this environment to conduct experiments that are impossible on Earth. For example, most combustion processes on Earth are dominated by the fact that hot gases rise. In space, this is not the case, and hidden properties of combustion emerge. Results from this research promise to improve fire safety, fuel efficiency, and pollution control. Materials scientists will study the role of gravity in important industrial processes. Their results may lead not only to the formation of new materials impossible to produce on Earth, but also to better control of Earth-based processes to obtain improved products. Physicists will take advantage of microgravity to study exotic forms of matter that are better handled in space. Biological research will investigate the role of gravity in life processes. The Enterprise will conduct research to integrate our understanding of the role of gravity in the evolution, development, and function of living organisms and in basic biological processes. The knowledge derived from BPR’s diverse research will not only inform and expand scientific understanding, but will also contribute fundamental knowledge NASA needs to achieve its strategic goals. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Conduct scientific and engineering research and enable commercial research activities on the ISS to enrich health, safety, and the quality of life on Earth - Establish dynamic research partnerships with the scientific community to open new fields of research in chemical, biological, and physical processes, including: Gravity effects on cellular genomics and mechanisms, Structure of biological materials, Safe and efficient combustion processes, Atomic physics investigations probing relativity and new forms of matter - Working with the HEDS Enterprise, identify important science objectives for 100-day class human missions

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