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Updated July 25, 2001

EXPEDITION THREE Expedition 3

Expanding Space Station 

Scientific Research
Expedition Three Press Kit

Table of Contents

Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 1

Crew.............................................................................................................................................. 5

EVA ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Science Overview.................................................................................................................... 11

Payload Operations Center.................................................................................................. 15

Experiments

Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility (APCF): Growing Large, High-Quality 

Protein Crystals in Space...................................................................................................... 20

Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS)—

ARIS ISS Characterization Experiment (ARIS ICE)......................................................... 21

Bonner Ball Neutron Detector ................................................................................................. 22

Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System (CBOSS).......................................... 23

Crew Earth Observations (CEO) ............................................................................................ 24

Dynamically Controlled Protein Crystal Growth ................................................................... 25

Dreamtime High Definition Television Camera/Recorder................................................... 26

EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) ................................. 27

Physics of Colloids in Space (PCS)....................................................................................... 28

EXPRESS Rack ........................................................................................................................ 29

Human Research Facility Rack 1 ........................................................................................... 30

Effects of Altered Gravity on Spinal Cord Excitability (H-Reflex) ...................................... 31

Crewmember and Crew-Ground Interactions During ISS Missions (Interactions) ......... 32

Acceleration Measurements Aboard the International Space Station.............................. 35

Materials International Space Station Experiments............................................................. 36

PuFF - The Effects of EVA and Long-Term Exposure to Microgravity on 

Pulmonary Function............................................................................................................... 37

Renal Stone Risk During Space Flight: Assessment and 

Countermeasure Validation.................................................................................................. 38

Sub-Regional Assessment of Bone Loss In the Axial Skeleton In Long-Term 

Space Flight ............................................................................................................................ 39

Xenon 1: Effects of Microgravity on the Peripheral Subcutaneous Veno-arteriolor 

Reflex in Humans ................................................................................................................... 40

Media Contacts.......................................................................................................................... 41
Expedition Three Press Kit

Overview 

Expedition Three to Expand Space Station Scientific Research 

The third trio of space travelers to live and work aboard the International Space Station 

(ISS) will be launched aboard the shuttle Discovery in August on the STS-105 mission and 

will return to Earth in December aboard Endeavour. Their four-month expedition will be 

highlighted by the extension of scientific research and the addition of a new Russian 

docking port to the expanding complex. 

Expedition Three will be commanded by veteran U.S. Astronaut Frank Culbertson, 52, a 

retired Navy captain who flew on two previous shuttle missions and served as manager of 

the Shuttle-Mir Program. That program was the first phase of the buildup leading to the 

assembly of the ISS. Shuttles docked to the Russian space station Mir and seven 

American astronauts lived and worked on that outpost during that so-called Phase One. 

Culbertson is joined on Expedition Three by Pilot Vladimir Dezhurov, 39, a lieutenant 

colonel in the Russian Air Force who commanded the Mir during a 115-day mission in 

which he hosted Astronaut Dr. Norm Thagard, the first American to live on the Russian 

station. Dezhurov, Thagard and cosmonaut Gennady Strekalov returned to Earth on July 7, 

1995, on the STS-71 mission of Atlantis. It was the first shuttle flight to link up to the Mir, 

which delivered a replacement crew of cosmonauts. 

Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin, 41, rounds out the crew. Tyurin will be making his first 

flight on Expedition Three as a researcher and flight engineer representing RSC-Energia. 

After replacing Expedition Two crewmembers Yury Usachev, Jim Voss and Susan Helms 

during the STS-105 mission in August, Culbertson, Dezhurov and Tyurin will begin to 

activate new racks of experiments which are being delivered to the station in the Leonardo 

Multipurpose Logistics Module. They also will prepare for the arrival of the fifth in a series of 

Progress resupply vehicles less than two weeks into their stay on orbit. A sixth Progress 

will arrive at the ISS with supplies, food and fuel in mid-November. 

In mid-September, the Russian Docking Compartment will be launched on a Soyuz rocket 

from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for an automated linkup to the nadir, or 

earthward facing, docking port on the Zvezda Service Module. Once it arrives, the 16-footlong, 8,090-pound module built by RSC-Energia will serve as an additional docking port for 

visiting Soyuz and Progress craft, and as an airlock from which Russian segment 

spacewalks can be conducted. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Russian Docking Compartment 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

“Egress” hatch Electrical connectors for

hooking up science equipment

Passive docking

assembly AC

“Kurs-P” system

antennas

Handholds

Active docking assembly

ACA-

T 	


system antennas

T 

 

General Information About the Docking Compartment (DC-1) 

Mass during insertion stage: 7,892 pounds 

Total mass with support equipment: 8,090 pounds 

Maximal length: 14.6 feet 

With docking assembly probe extended: 16.1 feet 

Maximum diameter: 8.3 feet 

Pressurized compartment volume: 13 cubic meters 

Three spacewalks are planned during Expedition Three from the new component, two by 

Dezhurov and Tyurin and one by Culbertson and Dezhurov. The spacewalks are designed 

to electrically mate the Docking Compartment to Zvezda and to install additional equipment 

to the exterior of the module. All of the spacewalks are scheduled to occur in a four-week 

period beginning in early October. 

In addition, Dezhurov will be at the controls of the Soyuz return vehicle currently linked to 

the nadir docking port of the Zarya module around the third week in October to reposition 

the vehicle in the first linkup to the new Docking Compartment port. This will clear the Zarya 

port for the arrival of a fresh Soyuz return vehicle around Oct. 23 in the second so-called 

“taxi” flight featuring two Russian cosmonauts and French Flight Engineer Claudie AndreDeschays, who will be representing CNES, the French Space Agency. The “taxi” crew will 

spend a week aboard the ISS, conducting joint investigations and a host of CNESsponsored experiments. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

After the sixth Progress craft arrives at the ISS to deliver final supplies to the crew, 

Culbertson, Dezhurov and Tyurin will gear up for the launch of Endeavour in late November 

on the STS-108/Utilization Flight-1 (UF-1) mission to deliver new experiments to the station 

and the Expedition Four crew, consisting of Russian Commander Yuri Onufrienko and 

American Flight Engineers Carl Walz and Dan Bursch. Culbertson and his crew will return 

on Endeavour to close out the first full year of the permanent occupancy of space aboard 

the ISS. 

Here is a list of missions to the space station during Expedition Three: 

7A.1 – STS-105 Mission (Rotates Expedition Three crew for Expedition Two crew). 

5P – Progress 5 Supply Craft Launch (will dock to Zvezda aft port). 

4R – Russian Docking Compartment (DC-1) Launch (will dock to Zvezda nadir port). 

2S – Current Soyuz Taxi Vehicle at ISS (to be relocated from Zarya nadir port to DC-1). 

3S – New Soyuz Taxi Vehicle Arriving at ISS (will dock to Zarya nadir port). 

6P – Progress 6 Supply Craft Launch (will dock to Zvezda aft port). 

UF-1 – STS-108 Utilization Flight-1 Mission (launches Expedition Four crew and brings 

Expedition Three crew back to Earth). 

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Expedition 3 Crew

2001 JULY SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER 05 AUG

07

DEC

09AUG 14NOV 29NOV

7A.1 

(MPLM)

6P UF1 

(MPLM)

JUN 01

Increment 3

From 7A.1 Launch 

NET August 9, 2001

To UF-1 Undock 

December 7, 2001

Duration - 124 Days

Increment 3

From 7A.1 Launch 

NET August 9, 2001

To UF-1 Undock 

December 7, 2001

Denotes EVA Duration - 124 Days

21OCT

INCREMENT AUGUST 3

4R

(DC-1)

15SEP

5P

21AUG

Vladimir 

Dezhurov

Mikhail Tyurin

Frank Culbertson 

(Commander)

DECEMBER

19OCT

2S

Relocation

3S

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Crew Members 

Commander: Frank Culbertson 

Frank Culbertson, 52, a retired Navy captain, former test pilot, and 

former manager of the ISS Phase One (Shuttle-Mir) Program, will 

command the Expedition Three mission to the space station. As 

commander, he will have overall responsibility for expedition safety 

and success as the station’s size and scientific capabilities continue 

to increase. Culbertson also will have a number of responsibilities 

aboard Discovery during STS-105. Among them will be primary 

responsibility for shuttle communication with the station and with 

Mission Control Moscow during rendezvous and docking and for 

pressure and leak checks once docking is complete. He also will be 

responsible for water transfer from Discovery to the station and for 

MPLM commanding and vestibule preparation. 

Culbertson was pilot on STS-38, a five-day Defense Department mission in November 

1990. He commanded STS-51, which launched the Advanced Communications 

Technology Satellite and the Shuttle Pallet Satellite in September 1993. 

Flight Engineer: Vladimir Dezhurov 

Vladimir Nikolaevich Dezhurov is a veteran of one longduration spaceflight, having served as commander of a 

mission aboard the Russian space station Mir in 1995. That 

crew returned to Earth aboard the shuttle Atlantis July 7, 1995, 

after 115 days in orbit. Dezhurov is a lieutenant colonel in his 

country’s air force and served as a pilot and senior pilot, 

earning three Armed Forces Medals. He was first assigned to 

the Cosmonaut Training Center in 1987. Since 1989 he has 

trained with a group of test cosmonauts. He served as a 

backup member of the Expedition One crew to the 

International Space Station. 

Dezhurov commanded the Mir-18 mission, a 115-day flight in 1995. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Flight Engineer: Mikhail Tyurin 

Mikhail Tyurin, 41, worked as an engineer at the RSC-Energia 

Corporation after his graduation from the Moscow Aviation Institute 

in 1984. At Energia he worked in dynamics, ballistics and software 

development. He continues graduate studies, and his personal 

scientific research relating to psychological aspects of cosmonauts’ 

training for manual control of spacecraft. Tyurin himself was 

selected to begin cosmonaut training in 1993. Since 1998 he has 

trained as an ISS flight engineer. He was a backup crewmember 

for Expedition One before being named an Expedition Three 

crewmember. 

Tyurin is making his first spaceflight. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

EVA 

Expedition Three International Space Station Spacewalks 

During the Expedition Three crew's planned four-month stay aboard the station, three 

spacewalks are planned, focusing on hooking up and outfitting the Russian segment 

Docking Compartment module that will arrive during their mission. 

All of the spacewalks are to originate from the Russian segment of the station and use 

Russian Orlan spacesuits and spacewalking hardware. The Docking Compartment will 

function as a Russian airlock on the station, and all of the Expedition Three spacewalks will 

originate from that module. Dezhurov and Tyurin will conduct two of the spacewalks while 

Dezhurov and Culbertson will conduct one. 

Although built to accommodate both Russian and U.S. spacesuits, the U.S.-supplied Joint 

Airlock on the station cannot be used with Orlan spacesuits during Expedition Three 

because it will not yet be fully outfitted. Orlan spacesuit umbilicals and water recharging 

connections are to be installed in the Joint Airlock during later flights. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

The first spacewalk, to be conducted by Dezhurov and Tyurin, will outfit the Docking 

Compartment and make connections between that newly arrived compartment and the 

station’s Zvezda module. The spacewalkers will install a cable that will allow spacewalk 

radio communications between the two station sections. Dezhurov and Tyurin also will 

install handrails on the new compartment and secure external insulation on the new 

compartment. They also will install an exterior ladder used to help spacewalkers leave the 

compartment's hatch. 

They will remove a Strela cargo crane launched inside the Docking Compartment, install it 

on the station, and check its operation. The crane's base, called the operator’s post, will be 

secured to the compartment first, and then its boom and boom extension attached to the 

base to complete the Strela. Other tasks include attaching antennas and docking targets 

associated with the Russian Kurs automated rendezvous and docking system. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

The second spacewalk, to be conducted by Dezhurov and Culbertson, will connect cables 

on the exterior of the Docking Compartment for the Kurs system. They will complete checks 

of the Strela cargo crane, using one spacewalker at the end of the crane's boom to 

simulate a cargo. They also may inspect and photograph a small panel of one solar array 

on the Zvezda living quarters module that has one portion of a panel not fully unfolded. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

The third spacewalk, to be conducted by Dezhurov and Tyurin, will install Russian 

commercial experiments on the exterior of the Docking Compartment. Among the 

experiments is a set of investigations of how various materials react to the space 

environment over a long time. Called MPAC-SEEDS, the investigation is housed in three 

briefcase-sized containers that will be clamped to exterior handrails on the Docking 

Compartment. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Science Overview 

Expedition Three: Increasing Space Station Science Capability 

Pioneering research in space begun by two previous crews aboard the International Space 

Station will expand during the Expedition Three mission with the launch of the STS-105 

mission of Discovery. With the launch, the station’s third crew begins its four-month 

mission. They are scheduled to return to Earth aboard Endeavour on STS-108 in early 

December. 

New science facilities and experiments will be added to lab equipment and continuing 

research projects launched aboard the two earlier science expeditions. Expedition Three 

science will focus on the effects of space flight on bone and muscle mass during extended 

stays in space and how such phenomena may relate to similar conditions on Earth. 

Additional experiments during Expedition Three are intended to lead to new insights in the 

fields of human life sciences, biotechnology, education and video technology. 

Expedition Three crewmembers are Commander Frank L. Culbertson, an astronaut, Soyuz 

Commander Vladimir Dezhurov and Flight Engineer Mikhail Tyurin, both cosmonauts. 

They will continue maintaining the station, adding to its capabilities and working with 

science teams on the ground to operate experiments and collect data. 

On Earth, a new cadre of controllers for Expedition Three will replace their Expedition Two 

colleagues in the International Space Station's Payload Operations Center at NASA's 

Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Controllers work in three shifts around the 

clock, seven days a week in the Payload Operations Center, the world's primary science 

command post for the space station. Its mission is to link Earth-bound researchers around 

the world with their experiments and astronauts aboard the space station. 

Research facilities to be launched to the station during Expedition Three include two 

EXPRESS (Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station) Racks and the 

Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System (CBOSS). 

EXPRESS Racks are standardized payload racks that transport, store and support 

experiments on the station. Utilities provided to experiments by the racks include power, 

fluids, gasses, cooling, and data. EXPRESS Racks No. 4 and No. 5 will support a variety of 

experiments that could improve life on Earth and in space. 

CBOSS is designed to augment cell growth and research aboard the station, providing 

preservation, temperature regulation and proper stowage of specimens during delivery, 

experimentation and return to Earth. The system is comprised of four elements: the 

Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller, the Biotechnology Refrigerator, the Gas 

Supply Module and the Biotechnology Cell Science Stowage-1 facility. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

EXPRESS Racks No. 1 and No. 2, as well as the Human Research Facility, will continue to 

support existing and new experiments with power, cooling, fluids, data management and 

other utilities. 

One focus of Expedition Three science is the study of loss of bone mass and muscle 

atrophy that can occur during prolonged exposure to microgravity. This behavior 

resembles some forms of bone loss on Earth but is reversible. Treatment of bone and 

muscle mass loss in space may hold clues on how to treat similar conditions on Earth, 

while research on how to treat terrestrial bone and muscle conditions may help NASA’s 

search for bone- and muscle-loss countermeasures for astronauts. 

Continuing from Expedition Two, the Sub-regional Assessment of Bone Loss in the Axial 

Skeleton in Long-term Space Flight Experiment will measure crewmembers’ bone loss and 

post-flight recovery. 

Other new experiments and payloads beginning with the Expedition Three crew are the 

Dynamically Controlled Protein Crystal Growth Experiment and the Advanced Protein 

Crystallization Facility for growing biological materials that may lead to insights in the fields 

of medicine, agriculture and more; and the Renal Stone experiment examining the 

increased risk of kidney stone development during and immediately after space flight. Also 

new are Dreamtime – a high definition television camcorder on the station which is part of a 

public/private partnership to upgrade NASA’s equipment to next generation HDTV; the 

Materials International Space Station Experiment to test the durability of hundreds of 

samples ranging from lubricants to solar cell technologies; Xenon 1, a study of blood 

pressure problems and fainting that may occur when astronauts return to Earth; and 

Pulmonary Function in Flight, which focuses on measuring changes in the evenness of gas 

exchange in the lungs and on detecting changes in respiratory muscle strength. 

Experiments continuing into Expedition Three from earlier missions are the Space 

Acceleration Measurement System and Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System, 

which are helping scientists understand, track and measure tiny disturbances caused by 

the aerodynamic drag on the station and crew activities on board; the Active Rack Isolation 

System International Space Station Characterization Experiment, designed to test a 

payload rack vibration suppressor system; and a fluids science investigation called the 

Experiment on Physics of Colloids in Space that could lead to new materials and products. 

Others are the EarthKAM that allows students to select targets for a station camera then 

transmits the pictures back to Earth for classroom study; the Hoffman Reflex experiment to 

study changes in neurovestibular function; the Bonner Ball Neutron Detector used to study 

the radiation environment on board; the Interactions experiment to identify and characterize 

interpersonal and cultural factors that may affect crew and ground support personnel 

performance during station missions; and the Crew Earth Observations experiment to 

photograph natural and human-caused changes. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Facility/ 

Experiment 

Mission 

Information

Duration Location on 

ISS

Research Area

EXPRESS 

Racks 4 and 5

Mission 7A.1

STS-105

15 years Destiny 

module

Multidisciplinary

Cellular 

Biotechnology 

Operations 

Support System

Mission 7A.1

STS-105

4 months 

(Return on 

STS-108, UF1)

Mid-deck 

locker in 

EXPRESS 

Rack No. 4

Cell & tissue 

growth, cellular 

biotech research

Dynamically 

Controlled 

Protein Crystal 

Growth

Mission 7A.1

STS-105

4 months 

(Return on 

STS-108, UF1)

EXPRESS 

Rack No. 1

Destiny 

module

Physical 

Sciences – 

Protein 

crystallization

Renal Stone 

Investigation

Mission 7A.1

STS-105

40 months 

(Expeditions 

3-12) 

N/A – preand postmission onlyHuman Life 

Sciences

Earth 

Knowledge 

Acquired by 

Middle school 

students

Mission 5A 

STS-98

15 years Russian 

Service 

Module 

window

Space Flight 

Utilization – 

Earth 

observation and 

outreach

Advanced 

Protein 

Crystallization 

Facility

Mission 7A.1

STS-105

4 months 

(Return on 

STS-108, UF1)

EXPRESS 

Rack No. 1, 

Locker 5

Physical 

Sciences – 

Protein 

crystallization

Dreamtime Mission 7A.1

STS-105

4 months 

(Return on 

STS-108, UF1)

Destiny 

module

Commercialization – HDTV 

technology

Materials 

International 

Space Station 

Experiment

Mission 7A.1

STS-105

Approx. 1 

year

Outside 

airlock 

between 

PMA1 and 

Destiny

Physical 

Sciences

Subregional 

Bone

Mission 7A.1

STS-105

Approx. 24 

months 

(Expeditions 

2-6)

N/A – 

Preflight and 

postflight 

data 

collection 

only

Human Life 

Sciences – bone 

and muscle

Crew 

Interactions

Mission 7A.1

STS-105

28 months 

(Expeditions 

2-6)

HRF rack

Destiny 

module

Human Life 

Sciences -- 

psychosocial

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Facility/ 

Experiment 

Mission 

Information

Duration Location on 

ISS

Research Area

Hoffman-Reflex Mission 5A.1 

STS-102

Approx. 1 

year 

(Expeditions 

2-4)

HRF Rack 

Destiny 

module

Human Life 

Sciences -- 

neurovestibular

Xenon 1 Mission 7A.1

STS-105

Approx. 16 

months 

(Expeditions 

3-6)

N/A pre- and 

post-flight

Human Life 

Sciences

Pulmonary 

Function in 

Flight

Mission 7A.1

STS-105

Approx. 1 

year 

(Expeditions 

3-6)

HRF rack

Destiny 

module

Human Life 

Sciences

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Expedition Three Press Kit

The Payload Operations Center 

The Payload Operations Center (POC) at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in 

Huntsville, Ala., is the world’s primary science command post for the International Space 

Station. 

The Payload Operations team is responsible for managing all science research 

experiments aboard the station. The center also is home for coordination of the missionplanning work of a variety of international sources, all science payload deliveries and 

retrieval, and payload training and payload safety programs for the station crew and all 

ground personnel. 

State-of-the-art computers and communications equipment deliver round-the-clock reports 

from science outposts around the planet to systems controllers and science experts staffing 

numerous consoles beneath the glow of wall-sized video screens. Other computers stream 

information to and from the space station itself, linking the orbiting research facility with the 

science command post on Earth. 

The completed space station will boast six fully equipped laboratories, nearly 40 payload 

"racks" or experiment storage facilities, and more than 15 external payload locations for 

conducting experiments in the vacuum of space. 

Managing these science assets -- as well as the time and space required to accommodate 

experiments and programs from a host of private, commercial, industry and government 

agencies worldwide -- makes the job of coordinating space station research a critical one. 

The POC continues the role Marshall has played in management and operation of NASA’s 

on-orbit science research. In the 1970s, Marshall managed the science program for Skylab, 

the first American space station. Spacelab -- the international science laboratory carried to 

orbit in the early '80s by the space shuttle for more than a dozen missions -- was the 

prototype for Marshall’s space station science operations. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

The POC is the focal point for incorporating research and experiment requirements from all 

international partners into an integrated space station payload mission plan. 

Four international partner control centers -- in the United States, Japan, Russia and one 

representing the 11 participating countries of Europe -- prepare independent science plans 

for the POC. Each partner’s plan is based on submissions from its participating universities, 

science institutes and commercial companies. 

The U.S. partner control center incorporates submissions from Italy, Brazil and Canada 

until those nations develop partner centers of their own. The U.S. center’s plan also 

includes payloads commissioned by NASA from the four Telescience Support Centers in 

the United States. Each support center is responsible for integrating specific disciplines of 

study with commercial payload operations. They are: 

Marshall Space Flight Center, managing microgravity (materials sciences, 

biotechnology research, microgravity research, space product development) 

Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., managing gravitational biology and 

ecology (research on plants and animals) 

John Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, managing microgravity (fluids and 

combustion research) 

Johnson Space Center in Houston, managing human life sciences (physiological and 

behavioral studies, crew health and performance) 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

The POC combines inputs from all the partners into a Science Payload Operations master 

plan, delivered to the Space Station Control Center at Johnson Space Center to be 

integrated into a weekly work schedule. All necessary resources are then allocated, 

available time and rack space are determined, and key personnel are assigned to oversee 

the execution of science experiments and operations in orbit. 

Once payload schedules are finalized, the POC oversees delivery of experiments to the 

space station. These will be constantly in cycle: new payloads will be delivered by the 

space shuttle, or aboard launch vehicles provided by international partners; completed 

experiments and samples will be returned to Earth via the shuttle. This dynamic 

environment provides the true excitement and challenge of science operations aboard the 

space station. 

Housed in a two-story complex at Marshall, the POC is staffed around the clock by three 

shifts of 13 to 19 systems controllers -- essentially the same number of controllers that 

staffed the operations center for Spacelab more than a decade earlier. 

During space station operations, however, center personnel will routinely manage three to 

four times the number of experiments as were conducted aboard Spacelab, and also will be 

responsible for station-wide payload safety, planning, execution and troubleshooting. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

The POC’s main flight control team, or the "cadre," is headed by the Payload Operations 

Director, who approves all science plans in coordination with Mission Control at Johnson, 

the station crew and various outside research facilities. 

The Payload Communications Manager, the voice of the POC, coordinates and delivers 

messages and project data to the station. The Systems Configuration Manager monitors 

station life support systems. The Operations Controller oversees station science operations 

resources such as tools and supplies. The Photo and TV Operations Manager is 

responsible for station video systems and links to the POC. 

The Timeline Maintenance Manager maintains the daily calendar of station work 

assignments, based on the plan generated at Johnson Space Center, as well as daily 

status reports from the station crew. The Payload Rack Officer monitors rack integrity, 

temperature control and the proper working conditions of station experiments. 

Additional systems and support controllers routinely monitor payload data systems, provide 

research and science expertise during experiments, and evaluate and modify timelines and 

safety procedures as payload schedules are revised. 

The international partner control centers include Mission Control Center, Moscow; the 

Columbus Orbital Facility Control Center, Oberpfaffenhhofen, Germany; Tsukuba Space 

Center, Tsukuba, Japan; and the Space Station Control Center at Johnson Space Center. 

NASA’s primary Space Station Control Center, Johnson, is also home to the U.S. partner 

control center, which prepares the science plan on behalf of the United States, Brazil, 

Canada and Italy. 

For updates to this fact sheet, visit the Marshall News Center at: 

http://www.msfc.nasa.gov/news

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility (APCF): Growing Large, 

High-Quality Protein Crystals in Space 

Project Manager: Pasquale Di Palermo, European Space Agency 

Overview 

Scientists study the three-dimensional structure of protein crystals to determine how 

structure affects the function of individual proteins. They want to understand how proteins 

work, how to build them from scratch, or how to improve them. To do this they need large, 

uniform crystals. Protein crystals grown in microgravity are often larger and of better quality 

than those grown on Earth. The APCF is designed to develop difficult-to-produce, 

biologically important protein crystals for analysis, and to study different methods of protein 

crystal growth. It is sponsored by the European Space Agency. 

After return to Earth, selected high-quality crystals are examined through a process called 

X-ray diffraction, in which X-rays are directed into the crystal and are scattered in a regular 

manner by the atoms in the crystal. The scattered X-rays are recorded on photographic film 

or electron counters. The information helps scientists map the probable positions of the 

atoms within each protein molecule. 

Facility Operations 

The computer-controlled APCF will be in EXPRESS Rack 1 in the U.S. Destiny laboratory 

module. Each APCF unit can accommodate 48 modular protein crystal growth chambers, 

or reactors, of which 10 can be observed by a high-resolution video camera. The hardware 

consists of a process chamber, power and data electronics, the camera electronics, optical 

and video system, thermal control system, and tape recorder. 

Flight History/Background 

The APCF has been used on five missions: Spacelab-1 in June 1993, International 

Microgravity Lab-2 in July 1994, U.S. Microgravity Lab-2 in October 1995, Life and 

Microgravity Spacelab in June 1996 and STS-95 in October 1998. 

Benefits 

High-quality crystals could help with the rational design of new drugs. Other potential 

applications include agricultural products and bioprocesses for manufacturing and waste 

management. 

More information on this facility and other Expedition Three experiments is available at: 

www.scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov 

www.spaceflight.nasa.gov 

www.flightprojects.msfc.nasa.gov 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Active Rack Isolation System (ARIS)— 

ARIS ISS Characterization Experiment (ARIS ICE) 

Principal 

Investigator: Jim Allen, The Boeing Co., Houston, Texas. 

Project Manager: Albert Reville, The Boeing Co., Huntsville, Ala. 

Program Manager: Naveed Quraishi, International Space Station Program Office, 

 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. 

Overview 

Even in the virtually gravity-free environment of the International Space Station, tiny 

potential vibrations or disturbances—such as those caused by crew exercise—can upset 

the delicate balance of sensitive science experiments. The Active Rack Isolation System 

(ARIS) acts as a vibration absorber to help isolate them. By acting as a buffer between the 

experiment and these vibrations, ARIS protects delicate experiments housed in EXPRESS 

Rack No. 2 from outside influences that could potentially affect research results. The 

EXPRESS Rack, which stands for EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to the Space 

Station, is a standardized payload rack system that transports, stores and supports 

experiments aboard the space station. 

A related experiment to the ARIS system, the ARIS ISS Characterization Experiment (ARIS 

ICE), is a separate payload created to characterize ARIS' on-orbit performance. In addition 

to generating controlled disruptions on and off the rack, ARIS ICE will enable real-time 

monitoring of the on-orbit vibration isolation capabilities of various ARIS configurations. 

History/Background 

A prototype of the ARIS system was tested during the STS-79 mission, a 1996 flight during 

which Space Shuttle Atlantis docked with the Russian space station Mir. To simulate the 

weight of future scientific payloads, five lockers within the ARIS rack on STS-79 were filled 

with 375 pounds of Russian food packages delivered to the Mir crew during the mission. 

After the ARIS system was activated, the astronauts conducted an extensive series of tests 

that indicate ARIS was successful in reducing the impact of off-board disturbances. 

Benefits 

The ISS will permit long-duration microgravity experiments in an environment similar to 

Earth-based laboratories—minus the gravity. The ARIS system will enhance the ability of 

scientists to conduct these experiments. By countering vibrational disturbances that could 

potentially damage the research results of certain delicate experiments, ARIS will play a 

key role in the success of this permanent laboratory in space. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Bonner Ball Neutron Detector

Principal 

Investigator: Dr. Tateo Goka, National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) 

Project Manager: Takao Akutsu, National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) 

Overview 

Traveling in space can be dangerous for humans because of the large amounts of radiation 

present, especially during times of extreme solar flare activity. In the future, radiation will 

pose a critical concern to crewmembers that engage in long-duration missions to Mars or 

other planets. High doses of radiation can kill cells and damage tissue, leading to cancer 

and cataracts. It can even cause injury to the central nervous system. 

Monitoring devices have been flown on several space shuttle missions and the Russian 

Space Station Mir to provide data on how to protect space flight crews from the effects of 

radiation. The measurements yielded valuable information, but it was limited to radiation 

doses on the external part of the body. 

The Bonner Ball Neutron Detector measures neutron radiation. Neutrons are uncharged 

atomic particles that have the ability to penetrate living tissues. Neutron radiation can affect 

the blood-forming marrow in the mineral bones of human beings and other animals. By 

operating the Bonner Ball in space, neutron radiation information can be collected and used 

for the development of safety measures to protect crewmembers during long-duration 

space flights. 

History/Background 

The Bonner Ball Neutron Detector first flew during STS-89 to perform neutron radiation 

measurements inside the space vehicle during a trip to the Russian space station Mir. This 

was the first time neutron radiation was measured by an active detector inside the space 

shuttle. Active detectors use power to record and transmit data to Earth from space. 

Previous measurements were recorded passively, which meant data had to be returned to 

Earth for analysis. 

During the STS-98 mission, the Bonner Ball was able to differentiate between neutron and 

proton radiation. Protons are positively charged subatomic particles. Neutron radiation is 

more common than proton radiation, which rarely is produced naturally on Earth. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System (CBOSS) 

Principal Investigators: Jeanne L. Becker, Ph.D., University of South Florida, Tampa; 

Timothy G. Hammond, M.B., B.S., Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans; J. 

Milburn Jessup, M.D., University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas; 

Peter I. Lelkes, Ph.D., Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Program Manager: Dr. Neal Pellis, Manager, Cellular Biotechnology Program Office,

NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. 

Project Manager: Melody Anderson, Cellular Biotechnology Program Office, NASA 

Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. 

Payload Experiment Developer: Fred R. Williams, Life Sciences Systems and Services, 

Wyle Labs, Inc., Houston, Texas. 

Overview 

The objective of the Cellular Biotechnology Operations Support System (CBOSS) is to 

provide a controlled environment for the cultivation of cells into healthy, three-dimensional 

tissues that retain the form and function of natural, living tissue. CBOSS will enable 

investigations on normal and cancerous mammalian cells, including ovarian and colon 

cancer cells, neural precursor and human renal cells. The system is comprised of the 

Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller (BSTC), the Biotechnology Refrigerator 

(BTR), the Gas Supply Module (GSM) and the Biotechnology Cell Science Stowage 

(BCSS). The crew will support the experiment by periodic recording of scientific data, 

adding fresh media to the tissue culture modules and processing samples for return to 

Earth. Periodically, the crew will perform preventive maintenance on system components. 

Background/Flight History 

The first cellular experiments flew aboard the space shuttle in the mid-1990s during STS-70 

and STS-85. Long-duration cellular biotechnology experiments also were conducted in the 

Biotechnology System Facility on the Russian space station Mir from 1996 through 1998. 

Benefits 

Bioreactor cell growth in a microgravity environment permits cultivation of in vitro tissue 

cultures of sizes and quality not possible on Earth. Such a capability provides 

unprecedented opportunities for breakthrough research in the study of human diseases, 

including various types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and AIDS. 

More information on NASA biotechnology research and other Expedition Three 

experiments is available on the Web at: 

http://scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov/ 

http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/science/experiments/index.html 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Crew Earth Observations (CEO) 

Principal Investigator: Kamlesh Lulla, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 

Payload Developer: Sue Runco, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 

Overview 

Using photographs taken from space, the Crew Earth Observations (CEO) experiment 

provides people on Earth with data needed to better understand our planet. The 

photographs—taken by crewmembers using handheld cameras—record observable Earth 

surface changes over a period of time, as well as more fleeting events such as storms, 

floods, fires and volcanic eruptions. 

Orbiting 220 miles or more above the Earth, the International Space Station offers an ideal 

vantage point for crewmembers to continue observational efforts that began in the early 

1960s when space crews first photographed the Earth. This experiment on the space 

station began during Expedition One, STS-97 (ISS Assembly Flight 4A), and is planned to 

continue through the life of the space station. 

History/Background 

This experiment has flown on every crewed NASA space mission beginning with Gemini in 

1961. Since that time, astronauts have photographed the Earth, observing the world’s 

geography and documenting events such as hurricanes and other natural phenomena. 

Over the years, space crews also have documented human impacts on Earth -- city growth, 

agricultural expansion and reservoir construction. The CEO experiment aboard the ISS will 

build on that knowledge. 

Benefits 

Today, images of the world from 10, 20 or 30 years ago provide valuable insight into Earth 

processes and the effects of human developments. Photographic images taken by space 

crews serve as both primary data on the state of the Earth and as secondary data to be 

combined with images from other satellites in orbit. Worldwide more than one million users 

log on to the Astronaut Earth Photography database each year. Through their photography 

of the Earth, space station crewmembers will build on the time series of imagery started 35 

years ago -- ensuring this record of Earth remains unbroken. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Dynamically Controlled Protein Crystal Growth 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Lawrence (Larry) DeLucas, Center for Biophysical Sciences 

and Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham 

Project Manager: Tim Owen, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 

Overview 

Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies and the living world around us. Within our 

bodies, some proteins make it possible for red blood cells to carry oxygen, while others help 

transmit nerve impulses that allow us to see, hear, smell and touch. Other proteins play 

crucial roles in causing diseases. Pharmaceutical companies may be able to develop new or 

improved drugs to fight those diseases once the exact structure of the proteins is known. 

These protein structures can be established only after growing biological crystals of proteins. 

The low-gravity environment of space often improves the quality of biological crystals 

beyond those grown on Earth. Scientists frequently grow these crystals by dissolving a 

protein in a specific liquid solution, and then allowing that solution to evaporate. 

Dynamically Controlled Protein Crystal Growth is the first hardware for space that can 

control the rate of this evaporation, and will hopefully provide more perfect crystals. 

By sending X-rays through crystals, scientists are then able to produce computer models of 

the three-dimensional structures of proteins and other biological macromolecules. 

Knowledge of the precise three-dimensional atomic structure of a biological macromolecule 

is an important component in biotechnology, particularly in the areas of protein engineering 

and rational drug design. 

Flight History/Background 

Protein crystal growth experiments have been conducted by the Center for Biophysical 

Sciences and Engineering on almost 40 space shuttle missions, beginning in 1985. 

Benefits 

Benefits from protein growth experiments have already been seen. Many of the crystallization 

experiments conducted on the space shuttle have yielded crystals that furthered structural 

biology projects. For example, crystallization experiments have been conducted with 

recombinant human insulin. These studies have yielded X-ray diffraction data that helped 

scientists to determine higher-resolution structures of insulin formations. This structural 

information is valuable for ongoing research toward more effective treatment of diabetes. 

Additional information on this Expedition Three experiment is available at: 

http://crystal.nasa.gov, http://science.nasa.gov/PhysicalScience.htm

http://www.scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov and http://www.spaceflight.nasa.gov

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Dreamtime High Definition Television Camera/Recorder 

Principal Investigators: Rodney Grubbs, chairman, NASA DTV Working Group, Center 

 Operations Directorate, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, 

 Ala.; Paul Coan and Ben Mason, Dreamtime Holdings Inc., 

 Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Overview 

The deployment of a high definition television camcorder on the International Space Station 

is part of a public/private NASA partnership with Dreamtime Holdings Inc., Moffet Field, 

Calif., to upgrade NASA’s equipment to next-generation HDTV technology. Crewmembers 

will use the equipment to acquire a variety of high quality video of the space shuttle and the 

space station. They will also gather footage for documentary, future training, historical and 

educational use. This includes crew activities, Earth observation, and experiment 

documentation. In addition to the traditional applications of imagery captured in orbit for 

public information, education and operations, the camera will be used to capture 

commercial imagery that may be used for a variety of purposes by NASA’s multimedia 

partner, Dreamtime. 

History/Background 

HDTV equipment was flown on STS-95 in 1998, STS-93 in 1999 and STS-99 in 2000. 

Benefits 

High-resolution images will provide clearer pictures about life on the space station and will 

improve the documentation of space exploration. In addition, the system will enhance the 

ability of NASA scientists, researchers and engineers to conduct their research and monitor 

experiments as the higher resolution imagery provides a significantly greater amount of 

visual data that will better describe experiment activities. Finally, HDTV will allow the public 

to experience NASA’s explorations more realistically. Dreamtime will use the footage 

captured by the crews to produce a documentary about life on the space station. It and 

other footage will tell the story of space to audiences around the world. 

More information on the NASA/Dreamtime partnership is available at: 

www.dreamtime.com. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Sally Ride, University of California, San Diego 

Project Manager: Brion J. Au, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 

Overview 

EarthKAM (Earth Knowledge Acquired by Middle school students) is a NASA-sponsored 

educational program that enables students to photograph and examine the Earth from the 

vantage point of the International Space Station. EarthKAM is operated by the University of 

California, San Diego and NASA field centers. Using a digital camera mounted at the 

optical quality window in the station's Destiny lab, EarthKAM students are able to remotely 

photograph the Earth's coastlines, mountain ranges and other geographic items of interest 

from the unique vantage point of space. 

Experiment Operations 

EarthKAM students determine the images they want to acquire, then their requests are 

collected and compiled into a "Camera Control File" at the University of California in San 

Diego. This file is then sent to a Station Support Computer aboard the ISS. This laptop 

activates the camera at specified times, taking the desired images and transferring them to 

the camera's hard disk card, which is capable of storing up to 81 images. The laptop 

computer then transfers these images to its own hard drive, storing them until they can be 

sent to Earth via the station's Operations Local Area Network (OPS LAN). Approximately 

one hour after receiving the images from the ISS, the EarthKAM team posts the images at 

http://www.earthkam.ucsd.edu/ for easy access by participating schools. 

Flight History/Background 

In 1994, Dr. Sally Ride, a physics professor, former NASA astronaut and the first American 

woman to fly in space, started what is now EarthKAM with the goal of integrating education 

with the space program. EarthKAM flew on five space shuttle flights before being taken to 

the space station. Since 1996, EarthKAM students from schools in the United States, 

Japan, Germany and France have taken thousands of photographs of the Earth. 

The EarthKAM camera was installed in February 2001 during STS-98 as part of the 

Expedition One. After the Expedition One crew mounted the camera at the Destiny Lab 

window, the payload required no further crew interaction for nominal operations. 

Benefits 

By integrating Earth images with inquiry-based learning, EarthKAM offers students and 

educators the opportunity to participate in a space mission and develop teamwork, 

communication and problem-solving skills. Educators also use the images alongside 

suggested curriculum plans for studies in physics, computers, geography, math, earth 

science, biology, art, history, cultural studies and more. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Physics of Colloids in Space (PCS) 

Principal Investigator: Prof. David Weitz, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. 

Co-Investigator: Prof. Peter Pusey, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK 

Project Manager: Michael Doherty, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH 

Overview 

A colloid is a system of fine particles suspended in a fluid. Paint, milk and ink are some 

common examples. Though these products are routinely produced and used, scientists still 

have much to learn about the underlying properties of colloidal systems. Understanding 

their properties may allow scientists to manipulate the physical structures of colloids -- a 

process called “colloidal engineering” -- for the manufacture of new materials and products. 

The PCS experiment began during Expedition Two with International Space Station 

Mission 6A (STS-100, April 2001) and is to conclude with the return of the samples on 

Flight UF-2. It gathers data on the basic physical properties of colloids by studying three 

different colloid sample types. This experiment represents the first in-depth study of the 

growth and properties of colloidal superlattices -- formed from mixtures of different-sized 

colloidal particles -- performed in a microgravity environment. Scientists hope to better 

understand how colloid structures grow and behave with the long-term goal of learning how 

to control their growth to create new materials. 

The experiment will focus on the growth and behavior of three different classes of colloid 

mixtures of tiny manmade particles of either polymethyl methacrylate or silica or 

polystyrene; these will include samples of binary colloidal crystal alloys, samples of colloidpolymer mixtures and samples of colloidal gels. Binary colloidal crystal alloys are 

dispersions of two different size particles in a stabilizing fluid. Colloid-polymer mixtures are 

solutions of mono-disperse particles mixed with a polymer in a stabilizing fluid, where the 

phase behavior -- solid, liquid and gas -- is controlled by the concentration of the polymer. 

Colloidal gels include aqueous solutions of particles, in this case aggregated on-orbit with a 

salt solution, to form fractal structures. The structure, stability and equilibrium properties of 

all the samples, as well as their structure, dynamics and mechanical properties, are being 

studied. 

History/Background 

The first generation experiments by these investigators in microgravity were Glovebox 

experiments with binary colloidal crystal alloys and colloid-polymer mixtures, flown on the 

Russian space station Mir and on the STS-95 mission in October 1998. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

EXPRESS Racks 

Project Manager: Annette Sledd, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 

Overview 

The EXPRESS Rack is a standardized payload rack system that transports, stores and 

supports experiments aboard the International Space Station. EXPRESS stands for 

EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to the Space Station, reflecting the fact this 

system was developed specifically to maximize the station’s research capabilities. The 

EXPRESS Rack system supports science payloads (including commercial activities) in 

several disciplines including biology, chemistry, physics, ecology and medicine. 

Operations 

With its standardized hardware interfaces and streamlined approach, the EXPRESS Rack 

enables quick, simple integration of multiple payloads aboard the ISS. The system is 

comprised of elements that remain on the ISS, as well as elements that travel back and 

forth between the space station and Earth via the space shuttle. EXPRESS Racks stay on 

orbit continually, while experiments are exchanged in and out of them as needed – 

remaining on the space station for three months to several years. 

Eight EXPRESS Racks are being built for use on the ISS. The first two were installed in the 

ISS during Expedition Two on the STS-100 mission (ISS Assembly Flight 6A) in April 2001. 

Racks 4 and 5 will be installed during Expedition Three (STS-105/ISS Assembly Flight 

7A.1). Rack No. 3 is scheduled to be installed on the space station in April 2002. 

EXPRESS Racks 1 and 2 are successfully supporting payload operations for eight different 

experiments. These racks will continue to operate and support payload operations on 

Expedition Three, with the exchange of some experiments within them. Seven additional 

experiments will be hosted by the EXPRESS Racks on Expedition Three.

Benefits 

By housing, supporting and transporting these experiments, the EXPRESS Rack could play 

a key role in the development of better medicines, more powerful computer chips or lighter 

metals. Similarly, by reducing the time, complexity and expense historically associated with 

orbital research, the EXPRESS Rack system will help universities and industry achieve 

these advances more quickly and for less money. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Human Research Facility Rack 1 

Project Manager: Dennis Grounds, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. 

Overview 

The Human Research Facility, the first rack-sized payload to be installed in the U.S. 

Laboratory module of the International Space Station, provides an on-orbit laboratory that 

will enable life science researchers to study and evaluate the physiological, behavioral and 

chemical changes in human beings induced by space flight. 

The Human Research Facility is a rack which provides services and utilities to experiments 

and instruments installed within it. These include electrical power, command and data 

handling, cooling air and water, pressurized gases and vacuum. 

The first of two Human Research Facility racks was transported to the ISS on Mission 5A.1 

during Expedition Two. The second will launch in 2002 and will also be located in the 

U.S. laboratory Destiny. 

History/Background 

Experiments conducted on board Spacelab, the space shuttle and the Russian space 

station Mir have required unique equipment to be transported for individual investigations. 

The Human Research Facility is unique to the ISS because its standardized equipment can 

support multiple experiments, reducing the amount of equipment transported to and from 

the space station. 

The development phase began in 1996 with the formation of a science working group made 

up of non-NASA researchers and medical practitioners. They defined the needs of 

prospective science experiment investigators and assisted NASA in designing and 

developing the rack and its hardware. 

Benefits 

Areas of concern to human well-being and performance, such as renal stone risk, bone 

density deterioration and the effects of ionizing radiation, will be studied using the Human 

Research Facility system and hardware. The human research will contribute to improving 

the scientific foundation of our understanding of the processes related to life, health and 

disease; strengthening the scientific underpinning of programs to assure safe and 

productive human space flight; and developing various applications of space technologies 

relevant to solutions of scientific and medical problems on Earth. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Effects of Altered Gravity on Spinal Cord Excitability (H-Reflex) 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Douglas Watt, McGill University, Montreal, Canada 

Project Engineer: Luc Lefebvre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada 

Overview 

Experiments performed on space shuttle missions and on Skylab and Mir have shown that 

exposure to weightlessness causes changes in a person’s neurovestibular system—

changes related to the inner ear, equilibrium and awareness of body or limb orientation. In 

the H-Reflex experiment, also carried out on Expedition Two crewmembers, researchers 

for the Canadian Space Agency are seeking additional information on changes to the 

human neurological system that occur during long-duration space flights. Researchers 

already know prolonged weightlessness results in a loss of muscle strength and decreased 

bone density. Currently, the only known treatment for this problem is in-flight exercise. But 

does exercise work on a long space flight? 

A goal of the H-Reflex experiment is to help researchers determine if exercise could be 

made more effective on long space flights. The experiment measures spinal cord 

excitability—its ability to respond to stimuli. Researchers believe that spinal cord excitability 

decreases during prolonged space flight. If this proves true, they hypothesize that in-flight 

exercise would be less effective and the crews will have to work harder and longer to 

achieve any benefit. If spinal cord excitability does decrease on prolonged flights, 

researchers may be able to reverse the effect and lower the amount of exercise now 

required in space and thus increase crewmember productivity during the flight. 

History/Background 

Related experiments flew on eight previous space shuttle missions (STS-9, STS-41G, 

STS-61, STS-40, STS-42, STS-52, STS-58 and STS-78), on Skylab and on Expedition Two. 

Benefits 

Studies such as the H-Reflex experiment will enable researchers to better understand and 

assess the physiological risks of long-duration space flight and help them better prepare 

crews for those flights. By knowing how a crewmember’s body is affected in space, 

scientists can reduce the risk of acute and chronic health problems, increase productivity 

and make the spacecraft more habitable. Benefits from the H-Reflex study range from the 

obvious—potential improvement of crewmember health—to the less obvious—the potential 

for improving health care on Earth. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Crewmember and Crew-Ground Interactions During ISS Missions 

(Interactions) 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Nick Kanas, Veterans Administration Medical Center, 

San Francisco, Calif. 

Overview 

Space flight places humans in an environment unlike any found on Earth. The nearly 

complete absence of gravity is perhaps the most prominent obstacle that astronauts face. It 

requires a significant modification of living and working habits by the astronauts. Not only 

do they have to learn to adapt to the way they perform routine operations, such as eating, 

moving and operating equipment, but they must also learn to adjust to the internal changes 

that their bodies experience and to the psychosocial stressors that result from working 

under isolated and confined conditions. 

The Interactions experiment seeks to identify and characterize important interpersonal and 

cultural factors that may impact the performance of the crew and ground support personnel 

during International space station missions. The study will examine — as it did in similar 

experiments on the Russian Space Station Mir and during Expedition Two — issues 

involving tension, cohesion and leadership roles in the crew in orbit and in the ground 

support crews. The study will have both the crewmembers and ground control personnel 

complete a standard questionnaire. 

History/Background 

NASA performed similar “interaction” studies during the Shuttle/Mir Program in the late 

1990s. That experiment examined the crewmembers’ and mission control personnel’s 

perception of tension, cohesion, leadership and the crew-ground relationship. 

Benefits 

Because interpersonal relationships can affect crewmembers in the complicated day-to-day 

activities they must complete, studies such as this are important to crew health and safety 

on future long-duration space missions. Findings from this study will allow researchers to 

develop actions and methods to reduce negative changes in behavior and reverse gradual 

decreases in mood and interpersonal interactions during the ISS missions—and even 

longer missions, such as an expedition to Mars. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Acceleration Measurements Aboard the International Space Station 

Program Manager: David Francisco, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio 

Scientist: Richard DeLombard, NASA Glenn Research Center 

Overview 

Providing a quiescent microgravity, or low-gravity, environment for fundamental scientific 

research is one of the major goals of the International Space Station Program. However, 

tiny disturbances aboard the space station mimic the effects of gravity, and scientists need 

to understand, track and measure these potential disruptions. Two accelerometer systems 

developed by the Glenn Research Center will be used aboard the station. Operation of 

these systems began with Expedition Two and will continue throughout the life of the 

station. 

The Space Acceleration Measurement System II (SAMS-II) will measure accelerations 

caused by vehicle, crew and equipment disturbances. To complement the SAMS-II 

measurements, the Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS) will record 

accelerations caused by the aerodynamic drag created as the station moves through 

space. It also will measure accelerations created as the vehicle rotates and vents water. 

These small, quasi-steady accelerations occur in the frequency range below 1 Hertz. 

Using data from both accelerometer systems, the Principal Investigator Microgravity 

Services project at the Glenn Research Center will help investigators characterize 

accelerations that influence their station experiments. The acceleration data will be 

available to researchers during the mission via the World Wide Web. It will be updated 

nominally every two minutes as new data is transmitted from the station to Glenn’s 

Telescience Support Center. A catalog of acceleration sources also will be maintained. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Space Acceleration Measurement System II (SAMS-II) 

Project Manager: William M. Foster, Glenn Research Center 

SAMS-II began operations on ISS Mission 6A. It measures vibrations that affect nearby 

experiments. SAMS-II uses small remote triaxial sensor systems that are placed directly 

next to experiments throughout the laboratory module. For Expedition Two, five sensors 

were placed in the EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to the Space Station 

(EXPRESS) Racks with experiments before launch. 

As the sensors measure accelerations electronically, they transmit the measurements to 

the interim control unit located in an EXPRESS Rack drawer. SAMS-II is designed to 

record accelerations for the lifetime of the space station. As larger, facility-size experiments 

fill entire space station racks in the future, the interim control unit will be replaced with a 

more sophisticated computer control unit. It will allow on-board data analysis and direct 

dissemination of data to the investigators’ telescience centers located at university 

laboratories and other locations around the world. Special sensors are being designed to 

support future experiments that will be mounted on the exterior of the space station. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS) 

Project Manager: William Foster, Glenn Research Center 

MAMS measures accelerations that affect the entire space station, including experiments 

inside the laboratory. It fits in a double middeck locker, in the U.S. Laboratory Destiny in 

EXPRESS Rack No.1. It will be preinstalled in the rack, which was placed in the laboratory 

during Expedition Two, ISS Flight 6A. At the start of Expedition Three, MAMS will be 

relocated to EXPRESS Rack No. 4. 

The MAMS accelerometer sensor is a spare flight sensor from the Orbital Acceleration 

Research Experiment (OARE) program that characterizes similar accelerations aboard the 

space shuttle. Unlike SAMS-II, MAMS measures more subtle accelerations that only affect 

certain types of experiments, such as crystal growth. Therefore MAMS will not have to be 

on all the time. During early expeditions, MAMS will require a minimum operational period 

of 48 or 96 hours to characterize the performance of the sensors and collect baseline data. 

During later increments, MAMS can be activated for time periods sufficient to satisfy 

payload or space station requirements for acceleration data. 

MAMS is commanded on and off from the Telescience Support Center at Glenn. MAMS is 

activated when the crew switches on the power switch for the EXPRESS Rack No. 1, and 

the MAMS computer is powered up from the ground control center. When MAMS is 

powered on, data is sent to Glenn Research Center’s Telescience Support Center where it 

is processed and displayed on the Principal Investigator Microgravity Services Space 

Station Web site to be viewed by investigators. 

History/Background 

The Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) – on which SAMS-II is based -- first 

flew in June 1991 and has flown on nearly every major microgravity science mission. 

SAMS was used for four years aboard the Russian space station Mir where it collected 

data to support science experiments on Web site to be viewed by investigators. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments

Materials International Space Station Experiments 

Overview 

The Materials International Space Station Experiments (MISSE) Project is a NASA Langley 

Research Center-managed cooperative endeavor to fly materials and other types of space 

exposure experiments on the space station. The objective is to develop early, low-cost, 

non-intrusive opportunities to conduct critical space exposure tests of space materials and 

components planned for use on future spacecraft. 

Johnson Space Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, Glenn Research Center, the 

Materials Laboratory at the Air Force Research Laboratory and Boeing Phantom Works are 

participants with Langley in the project. 

History/Background 

The MISSE experiments will be the first externally mounted experiments conducted on the 

ISS. The experiments are in four Passive Experiment Containers (PECs) that were initially 

developed and used for an experiment on Mir in 1996 during the Shuttle-Mir Program. The 

PECs were transported to Mir on STS-76. After an 18-month exposure in space, they were 

retrieved on STS-86. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiment 

PuFF - The Effects of EVA and Long-Term Exposure to Microgravity 

on Pulmonary Function

Principal Investigator: John B. West, M.D., Ph.D., University. of California - San Diego 

Project Manager: Suzanne McCollum, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Overview 

Little is known about how human lungs are affected by long-term exposure to the reduced 

pressure in spacesuits during spacewalks or long-term exposure to microgravity. Changes 

in respiratory muscle strength may result. The Pulmonary Function in Flight (PuFF) 

experiment focuses on the lung functions of astronauts both while they are aboard the 

International Space Station and following spacewalks. 

The first PuFF test will be performed on the Expedition Three crew two weeks into their 

mission, then once monthly thereafter. Crewmembers also will perform a PuFF test at least 

one week before each space walk. Following each spacewalk, the crewmembers will 

perform another PuFF test, either on the day of the spacewalk or on the following day. 

PuFF uses the Gas Analyzer System for Metabolic Analysis Physiology instrument in the 

Human Research Facility rack, along with a variety of other equipment. Data is stored in a 

personal computer located in the HRF rack and then transmitted to the ground. 

History/Background 

The PuFF experiment builds on research conducted during several Spacelab missions 

during the last decade. Comprehensive measurements of lung function in astronauts were 

first made during Spacelab Life Sciences-1 in June 1991. 

Benefits 

Gravity affects the way the lungs operate and may even exaggerate some lung disorders, 

such as emphysema and tuberculosis. In space, changes in lung anatomy may cause 

changes in lung performance. By performing lung experiments on astronauts living aboard 

the International Space Station, scientists hope to find new ways to not only protect the 

health of future space travelers, but to gain a better understanding of the effects of gravity 

on the lungs of people who remain on Earth. 

To read more about the Expedition Three science experiments, visit the Web at: 

www.scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/science/index.html

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Renal Stone Risk During Space Flight: 

Assessment and Countermeasure Validation 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Peggy A. Whitson, Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Project Manager: Michelle Kamman, Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Overview

Exposure to microgravity results in a number of physiological changes in the human body, 

including alterations in kidney function, fluid redistribution, bone loss and muscle atrophy. 

Previous data have shown that human exposure to microgravity increases the risk of 

kidney stone development during and immediately after space flight. Potassium citrate, a 

proven Earth-based therapy to minimize calcium-containing kidney stone development, will 

be tested during Expedition Three as a countermeasure to reduce the risk of kidney stone 

formation. This study also will assess the kidney stone-forming potential in humans based 

on mission duration, and determine how long after space flight the increased risk exists. 

Beginning three days before launch and continuing through 14 days after landing, each 

Expedition Three crewmember will either ingest two potassium citrate pills or two placebos 

daily with the last meal of the day. Urine will be collected for later study over several 24-

hour periods before, during and after flight. Food, fluid, exercise and medications also will 

be monitored before and during the urine collection period in order to assess any 

environmental influences other than microgravity. 

Benefits 

The formation of kidney stones could have severe health consequences for ISS 

crewmembers and negatively impact the success of a mission. This study will provide a 

better understanding of the risk factors associated with kidney stone development both 

during and after a space flight, as well as test the effectiveness of potassium citrate as a 

countermeasure to reduce this risk. Understanding how the disease may form in otherwise 

healthy crewmembers under varying environmental conditions also may provide insight into 

kidney stone-forming diseases on Earth. 

For more information on Expedition Three science experiments, visit the Web at: 

www.scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/science/index.html

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Sub-Regional Assessment of Bone Loss 

In The Axial Skeleton In Long-Term Space Flight 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Thomas F. Lang, University of California, San Francisco 

Project Manager: David K. Baumann, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Overview 

As demonstrated by Skylab and Russian space station Mir missions, bone loss is an 

established medical risk in long-duration space flight. There is little information about the 

extent to which lost bone is recovered after space flight. This experiment is designed to 

measure bone loss and recovery experienced by crewmembers on the International Space 

Station. 

Experiment Operations 

Bone loss in the spine and hip will be determined by comparing preflight and postflight 

measurements of crewmembers’ spine and hip bones using Quantitative Computed 

Tomography -- a three-dimensional technique that examines the inner and outer portions of 

a bone separately. It can determine if the loss was localized in a small sub-region of the 

bone or over a larger area. 

Bone recovery will be assessed by comparing tomography data taken before and after 

flight and one year later. Results will be compared with ultrasound measurements and Dual 

X-Ray Absorptiometry taken at the same times. The measurements will include Dual X-Ray 

Absorptiometry of the spine, hip and heel, and ultrasound of the heel. The experiment 

began with the Expedition Two crewmembers. Expedition Three through Six crews also will 

be measured. To determine how the bone loss in space compares to the range of bone 

density in a normal adult population, crewmember bone measurements in the spine and hip 

will be compared to measurements of 120 healthy people of different genders and races 

between ages 35 and 45. 

Benefits 

This study will provide the first detailed information on the distribution of spaceflight-related 

bone loss between the trabecular and cortical compartments of the axial skeleton, as well 

as the extent to which lost bone is recovered in the year following return. The study will 

provide information that could be used in determining the frequency of crewmember 

assignments to long-duration missions, and for studying their health in older age. It also 

may be of use in the design of exercise or pharmacological countermeasures to prevent 

bone loss. Finally, comparison of bone mineral density in the hip and spine in the control 

population will help to improve understanding of the prevalence of osteoporosis between 

different race and gender sub-groups. 

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Experiments 

Xenon 1: Effects of Microgravity on the Peripheral Subcutaneous 

Veno-arteriolor Reflex in Humans 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Anders Gabrielson, National University Hospital, 

Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Project Manager: Suzanne McCollum, Johnson Space Center, Houston 

Overview 

When a person stands, there is a pooling of blood in the lower part of the body and legs. If 

blood circulation is impeded, this leads to a reduced filling of the heart, which in turn results 

in a decrease in blood pressure and possibly fainting or swooning. An important 

mechanism which is activated to protect the circulation is a reflex in muscle and skin called 

local veno-arteriolar reflex. 

Activation of these local reflexes results in constriction of the small blood vessels in skin 

and muscle tissue, which increases the resistance to blood flow and helps maintain blood 

pressure during upright posture. 

After being in the microgravity environment of space, the body's ability to regulate blood 

pressure while standing is reduced. This is called orthostatic intolerance, which can 

severely inhibit the functional capacity of crewmembers during re-entry and landing. The 

Xenon 1 study will investigate the mechanism of this syndrome, specifically the extent to 

which the blood vessels are active in maintaining normal blood pressure, laying an 

important foundation for the development of treatments for orthostatic intolerance. 

To study orthostatic intolerance, a tracer material, 133Xenon, will be injected just below the 

skin in the lower leg above the ankle. Arterial blood pressure will then be recorded 

continuously to calculate how blood vessels help regulate arterial blood pressure and 

prevent orthostatic hypotension, or dizziness when standing. The rate at which the Xenon 

is removed from the area by the circulatory system will also be measured. These 

measurements will be done on each of the Expedition Three crewmembers 30 days before 

their launch and repeated one day after they return to Earth. 

Benefits 

Understanding the local veno-arteriolar reflex following exposure to microgravity could lead 

to future treatments to ensure normal blood circulation for ISS crewmembers returning to 

Earth, enhancing mission effectiveness and crewmembers’ safety. 

For more information on Expedition Three science experiments, please visit the Web at: 

www.scipoc.msfc.nasa.gov

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/station/science/experiments/index.html

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Expedition Three Press Kit

Media Contacts 

Carlos Fontanot NASA Moscow PAO 256 961-6225 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

carlos.fontanot1@jsc.nasa.gov

Debbie Rahn International Partners 202 358-1638 

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, DC 

debbie.rahn@hq.nasa.gov

Dwayne Brown Shuttle, Space Station Policy 202 358-1726 

NASA Headquarters 

Washington, DC 

dwayne.brown@hq.nasa.gov

Eileen Hawley Astronauts/Mission Operations 281 483-5111 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

eileen.hawley1@jsc.nasa.gov

Kari Kelley Allen International Space Station 281 336-4844 

The Boeing Company 

Houston, TX 

kari.k.allen@boeing.com

Kyle Herring Space Station Operations 281 483-5111 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

kyle.j.herring1@jsc.nasa.gov

June Malone Space Station Science 256 544-0031 

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center 

Huntsville, AL 

june.malone@msfc.nasa.gov

Catherine Watson Human Physiology Experiments 281 483-5111 

NASA Johnson Space Center 

Houston, TX 

catherine.e.watson@jsc.nasa.gov

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