From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: Summaries of Spacelab-J experiments (Forwarded)
Apparently-To: sci-space-news@ames.arc.nasa.gov
Followup-To: sci.space
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1992 17:55:35 GMT

[Delayed due to travel. -PEY]

SUMMARIES OF SPACELAB-J EXPERIMENTS


The following summaries on SL-J experiments loosely adhere to a
format:

What is the purpose of this experiment?
How will it be performed?
Why is it important to science and/or industry?

Pages 2 through 24 cover Life Sciences experiments.  The first
seven are sponsored by NASA; next is the ISAIAH experiment,
which is a secondary payload and is sponsored by NASA and the
Israeli Space Agency; the remaining 12 are sponsored by NASDA.

Pages 25 through 38 cover the Materials Sciences experiments.
The first two are sponsored by NASA, the remaining 22 are
sponsored by NASDA.


Fluid Therapy System:  Inflight Demonstration of the Space
Station Freedom Health Maintenance Facility Fluid Therapy System
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Charles W. Lloyd, NASA Johnson Space Center

The Fluid Therapy System will be used to purify and deliver intravenous
fluids in microgravity.  This multipurpose unit produces sterile water
from onboard water sources, formulates and stores solutions and infuses
the appropriate solution into the patient.

The test will purify 10 liters of water with known contaminants into
sterile water, which will be formulated into solutions.  To test its
operation in microgravity, the solutions then will be administered to a
mannequin's arm with simulated veins.  After the flight, the quantity
and quality of the water and solutions will be analyzed.

This system has been designed as part of the Space Station Freedom
Health Maintenance Facility.  The design of this equipment will be
important for emergency treatment of sick or injured astronauts in
space.  It also may have implications for emergency medical care and
stabilization in remote areas on Earth.


Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) After Exposure to Microgravity
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Adrian LeBlanc
Baylor College of Medicine and Methodist Hospital


This study will use the noninvasive technique "Magnetic Resonance
Imaging" (MRI) to image the astronauts' bones and muscles.

MRI uses low frequency radio waves to probe the body.  This technique
has no known health hazards.  The experiment will be conducted on the
ground before and after the mission.

The microgravity environment of space induces muscle atrophy and bone
loss.  These may limit the time that humans can remain in space.  This
investigation will use recent technology developments in the field of
imaging to gain a better understanding of muscle and bone loss.

MRI forms an image by "reading" the hydrogen in the area being
scanned.  The scan not only measures the quantity of hydrogen in an
area but distinguishes between the different chemical forms of the
element.

MRI allows researchers to distinguish between fat, muscle, blood,
cartilage, bone and other tissues.  This sensitivity to chemical form
allows researchers to detect shifts in the chemical makeup of a region,
thereby allowing them to detect subtle changes.

The images of the astronauts will be compared to subjects undergoing a
bedrest study, to study changes in muscle, bone marrow and vertebral
discs.  Researchers hope that by comparing the data from these two
groups, they will gain a better understanding of the underlying
mechanisms of muscle atrophy and the effects of reduced gravity on the
spine.


Lower Body Negative Pressure:  Countermeasure for Reducing Postflight
Orthostatic Intolerance
Principal Investigator:  Dr. John B. Charles, NASA Johnson Space Center

This study will determine if Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP) is an
effective method of preventing the orthostatic intolerance seen
post-flight.  It is a condition in which the body is unable to maintain
the flow of blood to the head when in a standing position, causing
fainting or blacking out.

During space flight, the body's fluids redistribute to the head and
upper body.  This is an adaptive response to weightlessness.

The LBNP device is an airtight chamber that seals around the
astronaut's waist to enclose the lower body.  The pressure is reduced
in the chamber, causing the fluids that have shifted to the upper body
to be pulled to the legs and lower abdomen.

The astronaut wears the LBNP suit for 4 hours.  During this time, the
subject drinks a liter of a salt water solution.  Cardiac function and
blood pressure are monitored using an echocardiograph and an automatic
blood pressure device.

In ground studies, the LBNP treatment can keep plasma volume at a
preflight level and protect orthostatic function for up to 24 hours.
Therefore, to be used as a preventive measure for postflight
orthostatic intolerance, the treatment could be given 1 day before
landing.


Bone Cell Growth and Mineralization in Microgravity
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Nicole Partridge,St. Louis University,
School of Medicine

This study will examine the effects of microgravity on the shape,
structure, behavior and proliferation of osteoblasts.  Osteoblasts are
the bone-forming cells.  The effects of microgravity on the hormonal
sensitivity of the osteoblastic cells will be examined.  Also, the
secretion of collagenase and its inhibitors will be quantified.

In space, bones begin to lose calcium.  This appears to be due to
alterations in the function of the osteoblasts.  Osteoblasts may be the
gravity responsive cell in the bones.  Osteoblasts also may possess a
kind of "mechanostat" that senses changes in the gravity load and
causes an adjustment in bone mass.

It is thought that, in microgravity, the osteoblast responds to the
mechanostat by altering the osteoblast's sensitivity to hormones that
break down the bones.  Changes in the level of these hormones in the
body has been observed in space.

This experiment may provide information concerning the best
countermeasures for preventing spaceflight-induced osteopenia (bone
loss), as well as the osteopenia observed in patients on Earth as a
result of immobilization or aging.

This experiment also will provide knowledge at the cellular level of
the behavior and function of the bone in microgravity, possibly
providing new information about the mechanisms causing osteopenia.


Autogenic Feedback Training Experiment:  A Preventive Method for Space Motion
Sickness
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Patricia S. Cowings, NASA Ames Research Center

This study will examine the effectiveness of using biofeedback and
autogenic training to counteract the symptoms of Space Motion Sickness
(SMS).   Autogenic feedback training teaches the subject to control
physiological responses.

Astronauts will learn to control the responses that are part of space
motion sickness.  Prior to the mission, astronauts have been trained in
the autogenic feedback techniques.

During the flight, two crewmembers will don autogenic feedback suits,
which measure pulse rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, blood
volume, skin conductivity and respiration rate.

These indicators will allow the subjects to determine their
physiological state at all times, enabling them to use their autogenic
feedback training to control these parameters.  If successful,
autogenic feedback training could provide an alternative to using
medications to control SMS.

Crewmembers must be at peak performance throughout a mission to ensure
that their safety is not compromised and their work is completed. SMS
affects crew performance and occurs in over half of all astronauts and
cosmonauts.  It causes disorientation, nausea, and (in severe cases)
vomiting.  Also, it is similar in many ways to motion sickness
experienced on the Earth (sea sickness or car sickness).

Studies on Earth show that the physiological factors that lead to
motion sickness can be controlled without drugs through the use of
autogenic feedback training or biofeedback.   Autogenic feedback
teaches people to control their "involuntary" functions like heart
rate, skin temperature and blood pressure.  On Earth this training has
helped sufferers of migrane headaches and high blood pressure control
the symptoms of these problems without using medications.




The Effects of Weightlessness on the Development of Amphibian Eggs Fertilized
in Space
Principal Investigator:  Mr. Kenneth A. Souza, NASA Ames Research Center

The Frog Embryology Experiment (FEE) will investigate how frog eggs
develop under microgravity conditions.  This experiment will help to
answer some basic questions on the role of gravity in the fertilization
and development of animals.

The objective is to determine if gravity plays a crucial role in the
process of amphibian fertilization and embryonic development.  Two
areas of development will be examined in detail:  the formation of the
dorsal ventral axis and the development of the inner ear.  Postflight
analysis also will examine the influence of early development in
microgravity on behavior, maturation and reproduction.

Female frogs flown aboard the shuttle will be induced to shed eggs,
which will be fertilized in space.  This experiment will be the first
to fertilize eggs in space.  Previous experiments fertilized eggs prior
to flight.

It is believed that the processes that are most sensitive to gravity
may occur during and just after fertilization.  Fertilization in space
will allow the critical early stages and proceeding development to
occur totally under microgravity conditions.

This experiment will help determine if one gravity is required for
amphibian fertilization and normal embryonic development, and if all
developmental stages will occur independent of gravity.  This study
also will determine if the gravity-sensing structures in the inner ear
will develop normally and if tadpole swimming behavior will be abnormal
in microgravity.




Plant Culture Research:  Gravity, Chromosomes and Organized
Development in Aseptically Cultured Plant Cells
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Abraham Krikorian
State University of New York at Stony Brook

This experiment examines the effects of microgravity on plant
development.  An orderly progression of cellular events both in terms
of time and geometry is involved in plant development.

Specifically examined in this experiment are the affects of
microgravity on the growth and differentiation of plant cells and on
mitosis and chromosome behavior.  Microgravity may affect the pattern
and development of embryogenic cells from one critical stage to
another.

This experiment uses aseptic carrot and daylily cell cultures grown in
plant cell culture chambers provided by NASDA.  The cultures will
remain undisturbed during the flight, so this experiment requires no
crew interaction.

After the flight the cells' morphology, stage of development and
chromosomes will be analyzed using electron microscopy.

This experiment will provide information on whether the critical stages
of somatic embryo development can be completed in a microgravity
environment.  It also will provide information on chromosomal stability
in somatic cells grown in space.

This information will help to establish whether somatic embryos can
form and function in microgravity, a question that has implications for
future molecular biology and genetic engineering studies in space.




Israeli Space Agency Investigation About Hornets (ISAIAH)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Jacob S. Ishay, Tel-Aviv University
Israeli Space Agency

ISAIAH will examine the effects of microgravity on the orientation,
reproductive capability and social activity of 180, female Oriental
Hornets.  The direction of comb-building by hornet workers in
microgravity, as well as the structural integrity of the combs, will be
examined.

The cuticle (exoskeleton) and the venom will be examined for
differences in the biochemical substances produced by hornets in space
as compared to the Earth.  It is believed that there may be a
difference in the toxicity of hornet venom produced in space.

On Earth, hornets build combs in the direction of gravity.  Centrifuge
studies have shown that hornets build combs in the same direction of
the resultant gravitational and centrifugal forces.

Experimentation in microgravity will offer investigators an opportunity
to study the specific effects of other environmental cues on
comb-building.  Comb building ability appears to be a function of age,
with young hornets building combs faster and of better geometric
orientation.

ISAIAH will study comb-building behavior in different age groups --
juveniles and adults.  It is expected that there will be changes in
comb building (orientation, cell size, density, shape and number).  In
microgravity, it is believed, the geometric cues of the cages will
provide significant influence on the comb-building, especially in
adults hornets.




Studies on the Effects of Microgravity on the Ultrastructure
and Function of Cultured Mammalian Cells (L-6A)
Principal Investigator:   Dr. Atsushige Sato, Tokyo Medical and
Dental University

The purpose of this experiment is to observe the arrangement of certain
structures in animal kidney cells grown in space.

These structures are called microfilaments and intermediate filaments.
They are responsible for cellular movement and mechanical support.   In
a way, they provide for the cell the same sort of support as an
animal's muscles and bones.

If intermediate filaments and microfilaments are rearranged when in
microgravity, it will indicate that gravity directly affects the
organization and composition of cells.

This experiment also will study the way cells use energy by observing
the rate at which they consume nutrients and produce enzymes.  This
will help determine if there is a difference in the cells' function in
microgravity.

Previous investigations of monkey kidney cells grown in space have
shown a decrease in enzyme production, which indicates a change in the
cells' metabolism.

Establishing the cell culture technique in a space laboratory is
expected to be applicable in various fields of science.  It will be of
particular use to help clarify some of the basic phenomenon concerning
living things in space.




Study of the Effects of Microgravity on Cell Growth of Human
Antibody Producing Cells and Their Secretion (L-6B)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Hisayoshi Ooka, Tokyo Medical and
Dental University


This experiment will examine how the immune cells, called "B-cells,"
grow and produce antibodies in space.  B-cells are a vital part of the
body's immune system.  These antibodies are one of the defenses against
bacteria and other foreign substances that enter the body.

Past investigations in space have shown that the antibodies produced by
some types of immune cells are affected by microgravity.

After the flight, the amount of antibody produced and its effectiveness
will be examined.  Also, the way in which B-cells use energy in space
will be examined by analyzing the medium in which the cells were
grown.

The information obtained from this study will be important in
identifying the effects of microgravity on cell metabolism and antibody
production.  This experiment will provide information on how this part
of the immune system functions in space.



Organ Differentiation from Cultured Plant Cells Under Microgravity (L-6C)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Yasuyuki Yamada, Kyoto University

The purpose of this investigation is to establish a plant-cell culture
system under microgravity conditions.  This system will allow an
examination of the effects of microgravity on plant cell division,
differentiation and growth.

Cell differentiation is the process by which the different cell types
develop from a single parent cell.  All cells in an organism contain
the same genetic material but are different depending on their
function.

When a plant is growing, the genes that will make the first shoot are
"turned on."  This means that only shoot cells are made.  As the plant
continues to develop, the genes that produce the roots are "turned on"
and roots are formed.  Both the shoot cells and the root cells contain
the same genetic material but they are very different cells.

This investigation will examine shoot formation from de- differentiated
cells; these cells show no differentiation.  This experiment will
evaluate the effects of microgravity on the development and growth of
each organ.

The cells will be grown undisturbed in a semi-solid culture medium
during the flight.  After the flight, the cells will be examined under
an electron microscope.  Also, each cell's metabolism (rate it uses
energy) will be investigated.  This experiment will allow the
researcher to gain insight into the effects of microgravity on cell
differentiation and metabolism.


The Effect of Low Gravity on Calcium Metabolism and Bone Formation (L-7)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Tatsuo Suda, Showa University

This study will investigate bone formation in chicken eggs flown aboard
the shuttle.  These eggs will be at three stages of development.  The
eggs will be examined after the flight for cartilage growth, bone
formation and differentiation of different types of bone cells.

This experiment will lead to further knowledge of embryonic development
in space, especially the development of bones and muscles.  It will
provide insight on why bones become weaker and lose calcium under low
gravity.

The knowledge obtained by this study may be useful for preventing bone
loss in astronauts during prolonged space flight.

The skeletal system evolved under the influence of Earth's gravity.  In
a microgravity environment, it appears that there are changes in the
bone and calcium levels in animals adapted to Earth's gravity.

It has been reported that bone density decreases significantly during
prolonged spaceflight.  Past flights have shown that the amount of bone
loss is related to the length of spaceflight.

As part of this study, several Japanese and five U.S.  investigators
will receive tissue samples of various organs for analysis.  These
researchers will be examining samples of inner ear, eye, brain and
chorioallantroic membrane tissue.

Also, one of the U.S. investigators will be performing a vestibular
response test on the chicks after hatching.  These investigations will
help determine if other parts of the body develop normally in space.




Circadian Rhythm of Conidiation in Neurospora Crassa (L-12)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Yasuhiro Miyoshi, Tokyo University

This experiment investigates circadian rhythms, which are patterns of
behavior that occur every 24 hours and are unaffected by constant
conditions of light and temperature.

The question is whether this behavior is determined from within the
body or caused by some geophysical factors such as atmospheric
pressure, gravity or electromagnetic radiation.  This experiment will
attempt to answer this question.

The fungus used, Neurospora crassa, band A mutant, shows an obvious
circadian rhythm in its spore forming behavior on the ground.  Every 24
hours spores form, while the fungus is in the dark and exposed to a
constant temperature.

A fungi growth chamber containing six growth tubes will be flown.  An
identical unit will be used on the ground for a control.  The fungus is
introduced into the growth medium at one end of each tube.

The chamber is kept at 3!C[?? -PEY] to stop the growth of the fungus
until after the Spacelab has been activated.  The chamber is kept in
constant light for 24 hours and then are placed into the dark growth
chamber bag where they will be allowed to grow for 5 days at room
temperature.

The other chamber on the ground will receive the same treatment.  The
two will be compared postflight to determine if spaceflight affected
the rhythm.

This study will help determine the affects of spaceflight on the
circadian rhythms of living organisms.




Neurophysiological Study on Visuo-Vestibular Control of Posture
and Movement in Fish During Adaptation to Weightlessness (L-2)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Shigeo Mori, Nagoya University

The primary objective of this experiment is to provide evidence for the
"sensory conflict theory" of space adaptation syndrome.  Based on this
theory, the lack of gravity will cause a loss of input from the otolith
organ.  The otolith is a gravity-sensing structure that helps an animal
to sense its position with respect to gravity.

The loss of input to the otolith causes unusual nervous activities in
the sensory-motor control center of the brain.  This change causes a
person to feel motion sick.  It is believed that after a few days in
microgravity, the brain adapts to the unusual stimulus and the person
recovers.

It was found that fish on board Skylab swam unusually during the first
3 days in space but then returned to normal.

Fish on Earth orient their backs towards a light when the light is
coming from an angle above the horizontal.  This is called the dorsal
light response.  The angle a fish tilts its body is a function of the
intensity of light and the magnitude of gravity.

When tested aboard the KC135 aircraft (which provides a few minutes of
microgravity) or when the fish's otolith organs are removed, the fish
orientate its dorsal fin to the light no matter what angle the light is
coming from.  It is believed that in space both the otolith removed and
normal fish will respond to the light stimulus in a similar way.

In this experiment two Koi (or carp) will be flown.  The test fish will
have its otoliths removed, and the control fish will have otoliths.
Both fish will have electrodes attached to the brain surface through
which brain wave activity will be recorded.  The carp will be subjected
to light coming alternatively from the top and the side of the
containers while EEG and video data is taken.




Health Monitoring of the Japanese Payload Specialist  (L-0)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Chiharu Sekiguchi, NASDA

The primary objective of this experiment is to monitor the health
condition of the Japanese Payload Specialist (JPS) so that good health
can be maintained during and after spaceflight.

NASDA does not have experience with human space flight, so this flight
will provide them with the first opportunity to fly and monitor how
their astronaut responds to space.

Space Adaptation Syndrome (SAS), also known as space motion sickness,
is a response to the weightless environment of space.  It is similar to
motion sickness experienced on Earth.  It causes nausea, dizziness and
vomiting (in severe cases).  The JPS will be monitored for SAS
symptoms.

This experiment also will evaluate how being weightless effects the
cardiovascular system.  In space, the heart does not have to work as
hard to pump the blood through the body and becomes weaker.  This is
known as cardiovascular deconditioning.

The JPS will wear the physiological monitoring system, which will
continuously record various physiological variables including ECG
electrocardiograph readings, respiration rate and skin potential
response.  Three times a day, the JPS will send information on his
blood pressure, heart rate and a self evaluation of symptoms to
scientists on the ground.

The data obtained from this study will contribute to the general body
of flight data of measurements of human responses and will be
especially important for data bases concerning two other experiments on
SL-J -- Autogenic Feedback Training Experiment and Lower Body Negative
Pressure.

Information obtained from this study will be especially valuable to the
Japanese because it will provide the basis for a database of
information on the physiological effects of spaceflight.




Endocrine and Metabolic changes in the Payload Specialist (L-1)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Nobuo Matsui, Nagoya University

This investigation will examine the metabolic and endocrine responses
of the body to spaceflight.  The endocrine system is part of the body's
regulatory system.  Through hormones and other chemical substances,
this system controls the body's temperature and the rate that energy is
used.

In space, the new environment may cause changes in the function of this
system.  The hormonal changes associated with fluid and electrolyte
metabolism will be examined through analysis of blood and urine samples
before flight, from space and after flight.

This study also will examine the relationship between bone- muscle
atrophy and the secretion of anabolic (hormones which help in building
muscles) and catabolic (hormones which help break down muscle)
hormones.

Also, hormonal secretion as it relates to circadian rhythms and changes
in circadian rhythms will be examined.

By monitoring the endocrine and metabolic changes that occur in space,
this study will allow a clearer view of how the body adapts when it is
exposed to a new environment.




Comparative Measurement of Visual Stability in Earth and Cosmic Space (L-4)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Kazou Koga, Nagoya University


Information will be obtained on the coordination between eye movements
and neck muscle activity using an EOG (electrooculargraph) and EMG
(electomyograph).  Data also will be collected from the payload
specialist through questionnaires which will help to judge unusual
perceptions.

Past space flights have indicated that sensory mismatch probably plays
an important role in space adaptation syndrome (SAS).  This experiment
will examine the possible relationship between loss of visual stability
(the ability to hold a steady gaze) and SAS.

It is believed that irregular eye movement and unusual neck muscle
activity will be observed.  This unusual activity may result in
decreased visual stability in space.

This experiment will help to determine if sensory conflict is a cause
of SAS.  By learning more about the role of visual stability in SAS,
the development of more effective countermeasures will be possible.



Research on Perceptual Motor Functions Under the Zero Gravity Condition (L-10)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Akira Tada, National Aerospace Laboratory

The purpose of this investigation is to study how visual/motor
coordination is affected by space flight.  In a microgravity
environment, there are changes in the body's perceptual functions.
These changes may affect hand-eye coordination.

In this study, the Japanese Payload Specialist (JPS) will use a
joystick and a light target to learn more about how space effects
hand-eye coordination.  The JPS will move a joystick forward and
backward to keep the movement of the light spot within the central
point of the display.

The position of the light spot moves randomly.  When the position of
the joystick is moved from the neutral position, a motion -- whose
acceleration is proportional to the angle of the hand movement -- is
added to the movement of the light spot.

A better understanding of how visual motor coordination is affected by
spaceflight will help in the production of human- machine systems for
space.



Separation of Biogenic Materials by Electrophoresis Under Zero Gravity (L-3)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Masoa Kuroda, Osaka University


This experiment will use the Japanese-built "Free-Flow Electrophoresis
Unit" to separate a sample of mixed proteins (cytochrome C, bovine
serum albumin, and trypsin inhibitor) while in space.

Free flow electrophoresis is a method of separating biological material
into individual components using an electrical field.  Certain proteins
and cellular components are very difficult to separate on Earth.  In
Earth's gravity there are convection currents and sedimentation which
remix the compounds.

Previous experiments have demonstrated that electrophoresis is
significantly improved in microgravity.

The difference in separation capabilities of free-flow electrophoresis
on the Earth and in space will be examined.  After returning to Earth
the component containers will be examined.

This experiment will help determine if free-flow electrophoresis can be
improved significantly in space.  The high purification ability may be
important in the development of pharmaceuticals and for biomedical
research.





Separation of the Animal Cells and Cellular Organella by
Means of Free Flow Electrophoresis (L-8)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Takio Yamaguchi, Tokyo Medical and
Dental University

This experiment will demonstrate the effectiveness of using
electrophoresis in space to obtain a pure strain of the bacteria,
Salmonella typliymurium.

Free flow electrophoresis is a method of separating biological material
into individual components using an electrical field.  Certain proteins
and cellular components are very difficult to separate on Earth.  In
Earth's gravity there are convection currents and sedimentation which
remix the compounds.

Previous experiments have demonstrated that electrophoresis is
significantly improved in microgravity.

The difference in separation capabilities of free flow electrophoresis
on the Earth and in space will be examined.  After returning to Earth
the component containers will be examined.

This experiment will help determine if free flow electrophoresis can be
improved significantly in space.  The high purification ability may be
important in the development of pharmaceuticals and for biomedical
research.




Crystal Growth of Enzymes in Low Gravity (L-5)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Yuhei Morita, Kyoto University

The purpose of this experiment is to grow large, single crystals of
proteins.

On Earth, the force of gravity limits the size and perfection of
crystals.  In space, however, the crystals can be grown larger and
purer.  These protein crystals will be examined using x-ray
diffraction.  This will help to determine the molecular structure of
the protein.

The protein/enzymes being grown are egg white lysozyme, horse skeletal
muscle myoglobin, w-amino acid transferase, glucoamylase,
ovotransferrin and insulin.

Understanding the basic structure of proteins may help to produce
synthetic proteins that could lead to improvements in nutrition and
medicine.


Genetic Effects of HZE and Cosmic Radiation (L-9)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Mituo Ikenaga, Kyoto University

The purpose of this investigation is to assess the possible radiation
hazard for astronauts during long-duration space flight.  Specifically
investigated will be the possible genetic effects of high-charge and
high-energy particles (HZE) and other cosmic radiation on living
organisms.

This experiment will examine if space radiation causes mutations in the
fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster.  Four hundred males flies and 7,200
larvae will be flown.

In space there are different types of radiation arising from three
sources: galactic/cosmic, solar particle and trapped particle.

Previous measurements of the space-radiation environment indicate that
during a typical 7 to 10 day shuttle flight, the radiation levels are
small enough that there are no harmful effects.  However, with the
advent of longer flights on the space station, a lunar base and a Mars
mission, the radiation hazard will become more severe.

After the flight, the flies will be examined for mutations.  When a
high energy radiation particle strikes a fruit fly larva, it causes a
change in the hair cells on the wings.

The flies also will be examined for mutations in the sperm caused by
radiation.  This examination will be done by mating the male flies that
have flown in space with females that have not flown in space to derive
a large number of descendant flies.

The resulting descendants will be subjected to brother-sister mating.
The resulting generation will have a condition in which the genes for
the male fly will be the same from both parents.  If there is a
mutation, none of the male flies in this generation will live.



Study on the Biological Effect of Cosmic Radiation and
the Development of Radiation Protection Technology (L-11)
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Shunji Nagoka, National Space Development Agency

This experiment will examine the radiation environment of the spacelab
using the Radiation Monitoring Container Device (RMCD).  This device
consists of solid state track detectors and biological specimens.

After the mission, the specimens are allowed to develop.  Those which
were subject to radiation hits will be carefully observed to determine
the biological affects of the radiation.

This investigation will examine the biological effects of high- energy
particles (HZE), such as changes in DNA level, damage in cells and
subcells, somatic mutations within plants and changes in embryonic
development.

This study also will help determine the radiation doses for other
experiments onboard the Spacelab.  This will help to determine
microgravity effects versus radiation effects.  It is one of a series
of flights of the RMCD experiment.

Layers of radiation detectors, bacterial spores (Baccilus subtilis),
shrimp eggs (Altemia salina) and maize seeds (Zea mays) are sandwiched
between track detectors in the RMCD.  The track detectors will register
the nuclear track of the cosmic radiation in three dimensions.

The specimen and the track detectors are analyzed postflight to
determine the correlation between the radiation characteristics and the
biological effects.  The specimen will be allowed to develop, and the
effects of radiation hits on the organism will be determined on
cellular, organ and individual levels.

By learning more about the space radiation environment, proper
shielding and countermeasures for future spacecraft can be developed.



Protein Crystal Growth Experiment
Principal Investigator:  Dr. Charles E. Bugg
Center for Macromolecular Crystallography, Alabama U. at Birmingham

During this experiment, investigators hope to grow higher quality
crystals than those produced on Earth.  In the Shuttle Middeck, this
experiment will be carried out in 60 crystal growth chambers in one
Refrigerator/Incubator Module.  Eight different types of protein
crystals will be grown in three Vapor Diffusion Apparatus trays.  The
samples are:

[Table damaged, unable to recover -PEY]

Sample
Material Significance
Lysozyme

Peroxidase
Epidermal
growth factor
receptor
Factor D

Rat CD4:FAB
Complex
Mouse
Monoclonal
Antibody
Human alpha-
Thrombin
TRP-RS-tRNA
complex
Model protein from hen
egg white
Model protein

Hormone/growth factor
receptor
Enzyme which plays role
in activation of host
defense against
pathogens
Receptor for the AIDS
virus (HIV)
Antibody against cancer
in dogs
Protease involved in
coagulation of fibrin
Compound involved in
protein synthesis

Proteins are one of the basic building blocks of life.  Scientists are
working to decipher the internal structure of proteins to find how they
work and how to make them.  Proteins crystals are composed of molecules
that arrange themselves in a regular, repeating pattern.

Scientists determine the three-dimensional shape of proteins by
bombarding these protein crystals with x-rays, which are diffracted
(scattered in a determined pattern) by the proteins' crystalline
structure to produce patterns that can be analyzed with computers. This
information may lead to a better understanding of their biological
functions and help in designing new and better drugs.

Frequently, Earth-grown crystals grow poorly and produce weak X-ray
diffraction patterns.  Scientists think that flows in the liquid
surrounding the crystal caused by gravity may disrupt ideal protein
crystal growth.  Past microgravity experiments have produced protein
crystals that had greater structural perfection than the best
Earth-grown counterparts.

Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS)
Principal Investigator: Richard Delombard NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland

In this experiment, sensitive devices are used to measure and record
disturbances in the Spacelab so that they can be considered when the
results of other SLPJ experiments are evaluated and when experiments
are developed for future shuttle missions.

The Space Acceleration Measurement System uses three sensors at
different locations in the Spacelab to map accelerations over a broad
range of frequencies.  During SpacelabPJ, the data from these sensors
will be stored on an optical disk for post-flight analysis.  SpacelabPJ
will be the fifth flight of the SAMS (the fourth flight on a
Spacelab).

Although the effects of Earth's gravity are significantly smaller in
orbit than on the ground, they are not eliminated.  Crew movements,
equipment operations, shuttle maneuvers and the slight atmospheric drag
on the shuttle can create disturbances that imitate gravity.

The data collected from the SAMS will not only benefit the SpacelabPJ
investigators, but also will be used to further study the
shuttle/Spacelab system.  By combining data from several missions,
engineers can determine the best locations to place experiments in
future missions.





CONTINUOUS HEATING FURNACE

This furnace has five experiments within.  The information collected
will contribute to fundamental theories and applied materials research
in superconductors, composites and alloys.

The continuous-heating furnace consists of two parts.  The first has
two chambers where samples can be heated in vacuum conditions.  The
second has two chambers that will cool samples in a Helium-gas
environment.

This design allows the furnace to simultaneously process four samples
at different temperatures under computer control.  Two samples are
heated while the other two are cooled.

Casting of Superconducting Filamentary Composite Materials  (M-4)
Principal Investigator: Kazumasa Togano, National Research Institute for Metals

This experiment investigates two series of high temperature
superconductors.  The first series is composed of aluminum, lead and
bismuth.   The second is composed of silver and copper; silver,
yttrium, barium and copper; and silver, ytterbium, barium and copper.

Diffusion in Liquid State and Solidification of Binary System (M-7)
Principal Investigator:  Takehiro Dan, National Research Institute for Metals

This experiment studies diffusion and its controlling mechanism.  It
seeks to further understand the structure of liquid metals, using rods
of silver and gold.

Fabrication of Very-Low Density, High-Stiffness Carbon Fiber/AL
Hybridized Composites (M-11)
Principal Investigator:  Tomoo Suzuki, Tokyo Institute of  Technology

For this experiment, 1-millimeter or shorter aluminum-coated carbon
fibers are processed in the continuous-heating furnace.

Fabrication of Si-As-Te:  Ni Ternary Amorphous Semiconductor in
the Microgravity Environment in Space (M-13)
Principal Investigator:  Yoshiro Hamakawa, Osaka University

In this experiment, several samples of Si-As-Te, mixed with nickel so
the electronic properties can be examined, are heated to 1300 !C then
rapidly cooled.  After the mission, scientists will study the structure
and electronic properties of the materials.

Solidification of Eutectic System Alloys in Space (M-19)
Principal Investigator:  Atsumi Ohno, Chiba Institute of Technology

Samples of aluminum and copper alloys are processed at 700 !C in the
CHF.  The composition and structure of the samples are examined after
the mission to see how they solidified.



IMAGE FURNACE

The image furnace creates a floating zone, where a central liquid zone
is held between two solid zones of the sample material.  The sample is
held at the focus of two halogen lamp lights whose light energy is
concentrated by two elliptical mirrors.  This furnace can pull or twist
the floating zone if the sample is not enclosed in a container.

This furnace has four experiments, which may help improve
semiconductors and fiber optical glasses, as well as provide basic
materials knowledge.

Growth of Pb-Sn Te Single Crystal by Traveling-Zone Method in Low Gravity (M-2)
Principal Investigator:  Souhachi Iwai, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp.

This experiment allows scientists to study the fundamental mechanism of
crystal growth and possibly, to propose new methods of crystal growth.

Growth of Semiconductor Compound Single Crystal by Floating Zone Method (M-3)
Principal Investigator: Isao Nakatani, National Research Institute for Metals

The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the properties of
In-Sb crystals grown in space and to verify both the feasibility and
usefulness of the float-zone method for producing high-density,
low-surface-tension crystals in microgravity.

High Temperature Behavior of Glass (M-8)
Principal Investigator:  Naohiro Soga, Kyoto University

The twofold purpose of this experiment is to obtain data on how glass
flows in microgravity and to confirm data obtained on Earth for
volume-temperature relationships of glass.

Growth of Samarskite Crystal under Microgravity Conditions (M-20)
Principal Investigator:  Shunji Takekawa
National Institute for Research in Inorganic Materials

The purpose of this experiment is to study the structure of Samarskite,
a mineral composed of calcium, iron, yttrium, uranium, thorium,
niobium, tantalum, oxygen, and other elements.


LARGE ISOTHERMAL FURNACE

This furnace is used to heat large samples uniformly.  It provides
computer-controlled, temperature profiles in a vacuum chamber.

Helium gas is used for rapid cooling.  Some cartridges use a gas-driven
piston to press the sample being tested.  This is done to prevent "free
surfaces" from forming during the molten state.  Free surfaces can
result in defects in the finished samples.

This furnace has three experiments on metal alloys.  The experiments
have potential benefits in improving high- performance structural
materials, such as those used in the aerospace industry.

Formation Mechanism of Deoxidation Products in Iron Ingot Deoxidized with Two
or Three Elements (M-5)
Principal Investigator:  Akira Fukazawa, National Research Institute for Metals

This experiment examines the structure and form (morphology),
composition and distribution of deoxidation products in iron and
iron-nickel alloys that have had silicon, manganese and aluminum added
for deoxidation.

Preparation of Ni Base Dispersion Strengthened Alloys (M-6)
Principal Investigator:  Yuji Muramatsu, National Research Institute for Metals

This investigation studies the effect of microgravity on the production
of particle dispersion alloys (nickel-molybdenum, with particles of
titanium-carbon) in microgravity using conventional melting.

Study on the Mechanism of Liquid Phase Sintering (M-12)
Principal Investigator:  Shiro Kohara, Science University of Tokyo

The experiment uses tungsten and varying concentrations of nickel
powder, compacted into cylinders, to study sintering (heating and
cooling under pressure) in microgravity.



GRADIENT HEATING FURNACE

This furnace is used for crystal growth of semiconductors, ceramics and
alloys.  Also, it accurately controls the temperature for
solidification processes.  The furnace has a moving (traveling) heater
with vacuum-heating capability.  There are three heating zones of high,
gradient (sloped) and low temperatures.  Helium gas is used for rapid
cooling.

A cartridge is installed into this furnace, then the heating block
moves along its sample portion during the experiment according to the
programmed temperature profile.  An ultrasonic vibrator can be attached
to the cartridge.  This furnace has three experiments that help develop
improved semiconductors test current solidification theories.

Growth Experiment of Narrow Band-Gap Semiconductor
Pb-Sn-Te Single Crystal in Space (M-1)
Principal Investigator:  Tomaoki Yamada
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

This experiment attempts to produce homogeneous crystalline ingots of
Pb-Sn-Te (lead-tin-tellurium) by directionally solidifiying the samples
in a temperature gradient between 375!C and 565!C.

Study on Solidification of Immiscible Alloy (M-10)
Principal Investigator:  Akihiko Kamio, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Four samples of indium with varying amounts of aluminum and one sample
of copper and lead are processed in the Gradient Heating Furnace.  Each
sample is melted to 955 !C with an ultrasonic vibrator operating to mix
them.  The alloy structure will be analyzed to determine the effect of
microgravity.

Crystal Growth of Compound Semiconductors in a low-Gravity
Environment (In Ga As Crystals) (M-22)
Principal Investigator:  Masami Tatsumi, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.

This experiment will examine the diffusion-growth of crystals and the
impact this method has on the microscopic characteristics and
macroscopic properties of In-Ga-As (indium-gallium-arsenic)
semiconductor crystals grown in bulk.


ACOUSTIC LEVITATION FURNACE

This furnace is capable of suspending a sample and heating it to about
2,550 degrees Farenheit (1,400 degrees Centigrade), which is about the
temperature of molten lava.

The furnace will automatically establish an optimal sound frequency,
intensity and gas flow for studying a sample of material.

This experiment has applications in the optical fields.  Contamination
is avoided, since containers are not used, and glasses of high purity
may be created.

Preparation of Optical Materials Used in Non-Visible Region (M-17)
Principal Investigator:  Junji Hayakawa
Government Industrial Research Institute

This experiment will attempt  to create a non-silicon-based glass
(calcium-oxide (CaO), gallium-oxide (Ga2O3) and germanium-oxide (GeO2))
that has superior transmission properties in the infrared wavelength
region by using containerless glass-melting techniques.



FLUID PHYSICS FACILITY

This facility has two main components:  the Bubble Behaviour Unit and
the Marangoni Convection Unit.  These experiments will study fluid
behavior, which has a variety of industrial and scientific
applications, ranging from metal casting to improved semiconductors.

BUBBLE BEHAVIOR EXPERIMENT UNIT

The bubble behavior experiment unit observes bubble motions in liquid
under given temperature conditions at one test cell and under
stationary acoustic waves at the other cell.

Study of Bubble Behavior in Weightlessness:  Effects of
Temperature Gradient and Ultrasonic Wave Field (M-16)
Principal Investigator:  Hisao Azuma, National Aerospace Laboratory

The objectives of this experiment are to measure bubble migration speed
over a range of thermal conditions to measure the interactions between
bubbles, to measure the speed of sound in a bubble liquid and to
observe bubble movement and collective behavior in a sound wave.

MARANGONI CONVECTION EXPERIMENT UNIT

This experiment applies a temperature gradient to a fluid surface by
cooling on one side and heating on the other.  By using a transparent
material, one can observe the motion caused by the pull of cold fluid
on hotter fluid.

Heat Transfer under Marangoni Effect Induced Convection (M-18)
Principal Investigator:  Shintaro Enya
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries, Ltd.

This experiment simulates the flow of molten material in semiconductor
crystal growth, using liquid wax in a heated chamber.  Fine aluminum
flakes are used to visualize the fluid motion.



LIQUID DROP EXPERIMENT FACILITY

This facility observes the behavior of a liquid drop that is levitated,
rotated and deformed by sound.  The frequency and phase of sound are
driven by three acoustic speakers.

Containerless processing is a promising concept that may be of great
use in fabricating purer materials.  Contamination is avoided since
containers are not used, and materials of high purity may be created.

Drop Dynamics in Space and Interference with Acoustic Field (M-15)
Principal Investigator:  Tatsuo Yamanaka, National Aerospace Laboratory

This experiment uses drops of mineral oil to examine the behavior of
liquid drops being levitated in an acoustic field.

The information gathered will lead to a better understanding of drop
shape and behavior, which is necessary for the development of
containerless processing.


GAS EVAPORATION EXPERIMENT FACILITY

This facility evaporates a sample material, such as silver, on a
tungsten filament heater in a low-pressure, inert-gas atmosphere.

This experiment has direct application in the production of superior
coatings, which have a variety of industrial uses, such as optical
discs and television screens.

Gas-Evaporation in Low Gravity Field (Congelation Mechanism of
Metal Vapors) (M-14)
Principal Investigator:  Nobuhiko Wada, Nagoya University

This experiment studies particle formation in a gas atmosphere in
microgravity.

Uniform sub-micron-size particles could be very useful to science and
industry as coatings on high-density magnetic and optical recording
media, electrodes, fine florescence screens and for fabricating
high-density alloys and ceramics.


CRYSTAL GROWTH EXPERIMENT FACILITY

This facility grows a spherical crystal from a melted sample material,
such as silicon, under a spherical temperature distribution in a pure
Argon atmosphere.

Study of this crystal will give scientists a better understanding of
the classic, semiconductor substrate material.  Results of this
experiment have implications for the electronics industry.

Growth of Si Spherical Crystals and the Surface Oxidation (M-9)
Principal Investigator:  Tatau Nishinaga, University of Tokyo

This experiment will attempt to produce a single spherical crystal of
silicon to study its growth behavior, electronic properties and surface
oxidation.

Nearly 90% of semiconductor devices are produced with silicon
crystals.  For example, integrated circuits, used in almost all
electronic equipment such a tape reorders, televisions and audio
amplifiers, are made after various processings of silicon
single-crystal wafers.

In these wafers, some controlled amounts of impurities are introduced.
The uniformity of the distribution of the impurities is extremely
important in producing products like circuitry.  Growth under
microgravity makes it possible to distribute the impurities more
uniformly in the crystal.

Without the influences of gravity, the growth of this crystal can be
studied in detail.



ORGANIC CRYSTAL GROWTH EXPERIMENT FACILITY

This facility is used to grow single crystals of organic metal
compounds.

Scientists hope that crystals grown in microgravity will be
substantially bigger and of higher quality than those grown on the
ground.  These crystals will be analyzed to help improve understanding
of superconductivity, with the eventual goal of creating materials that
possess superconducting properties at room temperatures.

Growth Experiment of Organic Metal Crystal in Low Gravity (M-21)
Principal Investigator:  Hiroyuki Anzai, National Electrotechnical Laboratory

The purpose of this experiment is to grow two single, large crystals of
the organic metal TMTTF-TCNQ (tetramethyltetrathiafulvalenium
tetracyanoquinodimethanide).  At very low temperatures, this material
is a superconductor -- it conducts electric current with no
resistance.
Newsgroups: sci.space.news