SPACE STATION MISSION

EXPEDITION

30-31

PRESS KIT/November 2011

A New Era of 

Research and 

Resupply Begins

www.nasa.gov

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NOVEMBER 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS i

Section Page 

MISSION OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................... 1

EXPEDITION 30/31 CREW ...................................................................................................... 5

EXPEDITION 30/31 SPACEWALKS ......................................................................................... 19

H-II TRANSFER VEHICLE-3 ..................................................................................................... 21

RUSSIAN SOYUZ ..................................................................................................................... 27

SOYUZ BOOSTER ROCKET CHARACTERISTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2

PRELAUNCH COUNTDO W N T I M E L I N E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 33

ASCENT/INSERTION T I M E L I N E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 34

ORBITAL INSERTION TO DOC K I N G T I M E L I N E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

SOYUZ LANDING .................................................................................................................................. 40

EXPEDITION 30/31 SCIENCE OVERVIEW ............................................................................... 43

EXPEDITION 30/31 S C I E N C E T A B L E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 46

NASA’S COMMERCIAL ORBITAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES (COTS) ................................ 77

MEDIA ASSISTANCE ............................................................................................................... 79

EXPEDITION 30/31 PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERS (PAO) CONTACTS ...................................... 81

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 

 

 
ii TABLE OF CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2011

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NOVEMBER 2011 MISSION OVERVIEW 1

Mission Overview

Expeditions 30 and 31

The International Space Station is featured in this image photographed by an STS-133 

crew member on space shuttle Discovery after the station and shuttle began their 

post-undocking relative separation. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 

7 a.m. (EST) on March 7, 2011. Discovery spent eight days, 16 hours, and 46 minutes 

attached to the orbiting laboratory. Photo credit: NASA

The 30th and 31st expeditions aboard the 

International Space Station not only will be 

focused on cutting-edge science and 

research, but also welcome a new era of 

commercial resupply services from the 

United States.

NASA astronaut Dan Burbank will take over 

operations as commander of Expedition 30 

when Mike Fossum, Sergei Volkov and 

Satoshi Furukawa depart and return to 

Earth. Burbank will be joined on 

Expedition 30 by Russian cosmonauts 

Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin. 
2 MISSION OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

They will launch to the station on the Soyuz 

TMA-22 in November.

Completing the complement of Expedition 

30 will be the addition of European Space 

Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, NASA 

astronaut Don Pettit and Russian 

cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko. The three will 

launch to the station on the Soyuz 

TMA-03M in late December.

The crew will be busy with dozens of 

experiments during their time aboard the 

station. They will be continuing work that 

examines how the human body and 

different materials react to being in the 

weightless environment of space. How do 

the body’s bones and muscles adapt? What 

kinds of materials are more suitable for the 

harsh environment of space travel? How 

can we build those materials, and what can 

space teach us about manufacturing 

processes here on Earth? All of these 

questions will be explored by the crew 

during the upcoming Expedition, all in the 

pursuit of helping humans venture farther 

into the solar system.

Expedition 30 has a spacewalk scheduled 

out of the Russian segment in early 2012. 

Shkaplerov and Kononenko will install new 

debris shields on parts of the Zvezda 

service module and a materials exposure 

experiment on the Poisk module. 

Shkaplerov will collect some surface 

samples from the station’s exterior hull to 

examine what types of bacteria might be 

surviving in the vacuum of space and also 

what types of corrosion could be 

happening. This will give the ground teams 

excellent data on the station’s structure.

The crew will see the arrival of the third 

Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-3) at the 

International Space Station. The ATV is the 

European Space Agency’s cargo ship, 

bringing vital supplies to the station such as 

water, oxygen, food, spare parts and fuel, 

and acting as a means to remove old 

equipment and waste from the station. In 

addition, the ATV supports station activities 

by performing debris avoidance maneuvers, 

by controlling the station’s attitude (e.g., 

during docking procedures of other visiting 

vehicles) and reboosting the station to a 

higher altitude to account for atmospheric 

drag in low Earth orbit or to place the 

station in the correct orbital profile for the 

arrival or departure of visiting spacecraft. 

ATV-3, known as Edoardo Amaldi, will be 

launched by an Ariane 5 from Europe’s 

Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, 

in March. According to current planning, 

Edoardo Amaldi will carry almost

two-and-a-half tons of dry cargo, 285 kg

(628 pounds) of water and about three tons 

of propellants. The ATV is the biggest cargo 

carrier servicing the space station and a 

vital element of station logistics. The ATV 

uses state-of-the-art systems to carry out 

autonomous rendezvous and docking with 

the Russian Zvezda module at the back of 

the station, with ATV maneuvers monitored 

and controlled from the ATV Control Center

in Toulouse, France.

ATV-3 follows on from the mission of the 

first ATV, “Jules Verne” in 2008, and the 

mission of the second ATV, “Johannes 

Kepler” in 2011, the latter of which 

reboosted the station by more than 40 km

(24.8 miles) in altitude, the biggest boost for 

human spaceflight since the Apollo 

missions to the moon. 

The next Progress launch – Progress

M-14M/46P – is planned for Jan. 25, 2012.
NOVEMBER 2011 MISSION OVERVIEW 3

Expedition 30 is also expected to greet the 

arrival of Dragon, a commercial resupply 

ship being built by SpaceX. Dragon will 

perform a test flight and rendezvous with 

the station, soon followed by Cygnus 

(scheduled for flight during Expedition 31), 

another commercial resupply ship being 

built by Orbital Sciences. Both of these 

vehicles fly to the station, and then the crew 

uses the station’s robotic arm to grapple the 

spacecraft and plug them into the bottom of 

the Harmony node. The successful test 

flights of both of these vehicles will set the 

stage for commercial cargo resupply of the 

station from these two companies, in 

addition to the current complement of 

Russian, European and Japanese vehicles.
4 MISSION OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

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NOVEMBER 2011 CREW 5

Expedition 30/31 Crew

Expedition 30

Expedition 30 Patch

The International Space Station Program is 

completing the transition from assembly to 

full utilization as humankind celebrates the 

golden anniversary of human space 

exploration. In recognition of these 

milestones and especially of the 

contribution of those whose dedication and 

ingenuity make spaceflight possible, a fully 

assembled station is depicted rising above 

a sunlit Earth limb. Eastward of the sunlit 

limb, the distinctive portrayal of Earth’s 

surface illuminated by nighttime city lights is 

a reminder of mankind’s presence on the 

planet, most readily apparent from space 

only by night, and commemorates how 

human beings have transcended their early 

bonds throughout the previous 50 years of 

space exploration. The station, a unique 

space-based outpost for research in 

biological, physical, space, and Earth 

sciences, in the words of the crew 

members, is an impressive testament to the 

tremendous teamwork of the engineers, 

scientists, and technicians from 15 

countries and five national space agencies.
6 CREW NOVEMBER 2011

Expedition 30 crew members take a break from training at NASA's Johnson Space 

Center to pose for a crew portrait. Pictured on the front row from left are NASA 

astronaut Dan Burbank, commander; and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, flight 

engineer. Pictured on the back row from left are Russian cosmonauts Anton 

Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin; along with European Space Agency astronaut Andre 

Kuipers and NASA astronaut Don Pettit, all flight engineers. Photo credit: NASA and 

International Space Station partners

The six crew members of Expedition 30, 

like those who have gone before them, 

have expressed that they are honored to 

represent their countries and the space 

station team in conducting research aboard 

the station and adding to the body of 

knowledge that will enable the world’s 

spacefaring countries to live more safely 

and more productively, and work and 

explore outer space, paving the way for 

future missions beyond low Earth orbit, and 

inspiring young people to join in this great 

adventure. 
NOVEMBER 2011 CREW 7

Expedition 31

Expedition 31 Patch

Thin crescents along the horizons of Earth 

and its moon depict International Space 

Station Expedition 31. The shape of the 

patch represents a view of our galaxy. The 

black background symbolizes the research 

into dark matter, one of the scientific 

objectives of Expedition 31. At the heart of 

the patch are Earth, its moon, Mars, and 

asteroids, the focus of current and future 

exploration. The station is shown in an 

orbit around Earth, with a collection of stars 

for the Expedition 30 and 31 crews. The 

small stars symbolize the visiting vehicles 

that will dock with the complex during this 

expedition.
8 CREW NOVEMBER 2011

The Expedition 31 crew members take a break from training at NASA's Johnson Space 

Center to pose for a crew portrait. Pictured on the front row are Russian cosmonauts 

Oleg Kononenko (right), commander; and Gennady Padalka, flight engineer. Pictured 

on the back row from left are NASA astronaut Joe Acaba, Russian cosmonaut 

Sergei Revin, European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers and NASA astronaut 

Don Pettit, all flight engineers. Photo credit: NASA

Short biographical sketches of the crew 

follow with detailed background available at

the following Web site: 

http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/
NOVEMBER 2011 CREW 9

Dan Burbank

This is the third spaceflight mission for 

NASA astronaut Dan Burbank, 50, a retired 

U.S. Coast Guard captain. Burbank and 

his crewmates launched to the space 

station Nov. 13, 2011. He will serve as 

commander for Expedition 30. Burbank 

has accumulated more than 23 days in 

space and more than seven hours of 

spacewalk experience.
10 CREW NOVEMBER 2011

Anton Shkaplerov

This will be the first spaceflight mission for 

Anton Shkaplerov, 39, a colonel in the 

Russian Air Force. Shkaplerov was 

selected as a test-cosmonaut candidate in 

May 2003 and will serve as the Soyuz 

commander.
NOVEMBER 2011 CREW 11

Anatoly Ivanishin

A lieutenant colonel in the Russian Air 

Force, Anatoly Ivanishin, 42, will serve as a 

Soyuz flight engineer for the Expedition 30 

crew. Like Shkaplerov, he began his 

training as a cosmonaut in 2003. He will 

serve as a flight engineer for the longduration mission.
12 CREW NOVEMBER 2011

Oleg Kononenko

Oleg Kononenko, 47, will serve as a flight 

engineer for Expedition 30 and commander 

for Expedition 31. He first flew as a 

Soyuz and International Space Station 

commander for the Expedition 17 crew in 

2008. He also performed two spacewalks 

during the increment, acquiring more than 

12 hours of extravehicular experience.
NOVEMBER 2011 CREW 13

Andre Kuipers

European Space Agency astronaut 

Andre Kuipers, 58, will return to space for 

his second spaceflight mission. A medical 

doctor, he flew aboard the Soyuz 

spacecraft in 2004 as part of the DELTA 

mission. During the flight, he performed 

21 science experiments. He will serve as a 

flight engineer for this mission.
14 CREW NOVEMBER 2011

Donald Pettit

NASA astronaut Donald Pettit, 56, and his 

crewmates will launch to the station via a 

Soyuz spacecraft on Dec. 21. Pettit, who 

holds a doctorate in chemical engineering, 

will be embarking on his third spaceflight 

and second long-duration mission. 

He previously served as flight engineer 

during Expedition 6 in 2002 and 2003 and 

as mission specialist on STS-126 in 2008. 

He will again serve as flight engineer during 

the upcoming mission.
NOVEMBER 2011 CREW 15

Gennady Padalka

This will be the fourth mission for Gennady 

Padalka, 53, whose first mission was as 

commander aboard the MIR space station 

in 1998. He returned to space in 2002 as 

commander of Expedition 9, and returned 

to the complex in 2009 to command 

Expedition 19. He will serve as flight 

engineer for Expedition 31.
16 CREW NOVEMBER 2011

Joseph Acaba

Former educator Joe Acaba, 44, will be 

returning to space for a second time. His 

first mission was in 2009 as a mission 

specialist on the STS-119 mission. Acaba 

accumulated nearly 13 hours of spacewalk 

experience during the mission. He will 

serve as a flight engineer during 

Expedition 31.
NOVEMBER 2011 CREW 17

Sergei Revin

This will be the first spaceflight mission for 

cosmonaut Sergei Revin. He was selected 

to train as a cosmonaut in 1996, and 

completed spaceflight training in 1998. He 

will serve as a flight engineer for the 

Expedition 31 crew. 
18 CREW NOVEMBER 2011

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NOVEMBER 2011 SPACEWALKS 19

Expedition 30/31 Spacewalks 

There are no U.S.-based spacewalks 

currently scheduled for Expedition 30 or 31. 

However, cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko 

and Anton Shkaplerov will don Russian 

Orlan spacesuits for the station’s 30th 

Russian spacewalk. Kononenko has 

12 hours and 15 minutes of spacewalk 

experience from the two spacewalks he 

performed on Expedition 17. Shkaplerov 

will perform his first spacewalk. 

Spacewalk 30 is currently planned for 

Feb. 14, and scheduled to last six hours. 

Kononenko and Shkaplerov will conduct a 

variety of work, including installing 

five shields on the Zvezda service module 

to protect it from micrometeoroid orbital 

debris and moving the Strela1 crane from 

the Piers docking compartment to the Poist 

Mini Research Module 2. If time permits, 

they also will install struts on a ladder used 

by spacewalkers on Piers. 

As another get-ahead, they may install an 

experiment called Vynoslivost – which 

means “Endurance” – on the Poisk Mini 

Research Module 2. As part of Vynoslivost, 

two trays of metal samples would be left 

exposed on the surface of the Poisk. One 

will be brought in after one year, and the 

other after three years, at which point the 

samples will be returned to Earth for study. 
20 SPACEWALKS NOVEMBER 2011

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NOVEMBER 2011 H-II TRANSFER VEHICLE-3 21

H-II Transfer Vehicle-3

The H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI” 

(HTV), developed by Japan Aerospace 

Exploration Agency (JAXA) in Japan, is an 

unmanned cargo transfer spacecraft that 

delivers supplies to the International Space 

Station. 

The HTV is launched from the 

Tanegashima Space Center aboard an 

H-IIB launch vehicle with up to 6,000 kg of 

supplies. When the HTV approaches close 

to the space station, the Space Station 

Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), 

known as "Canadarm2," will grapple the 

HTV and berth it to the station. Then, crew 

items and internal and external equipment 

are carried into the station. After unloading 

the supplies, HTV will be loaded with waste 

materials, such as used experiment 

equipment and used clothes. The HTV will 

then undock and separate from the station 

and re-enter the atmosphere. While the 

HTV is berthed to the station, the station 

crew will be able to enter and remove the 

supplies from the HTV Pressurized 

Logistics Carrier. 

Russia's Progress spacecraft, the European 

Space Agency's Automated Transfer 

Vehicle (ATV), and Japan's HTV are used 

for delivering supplies to the station. 

Among these cargo-carrying spacecraft, the 

HTV is the only vehicle that can carry large 

pressurized cargo, and also can 

accommodate unpressurized cargo to the 

station. These are unique special features 

of the HTV. 

The HTV successfully completed its 

mission in 2009 and 2011, and its flight is 

scheduled once every year. 

The station arm grapples the HTV-2 

The H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 2 with 

the KOUNOTORI2 (HTV2, a cargo 

transporter to the International Space 

Station) on board was launched from 

the Tanegashima Space Center at 

2:37:57 p.m. on Jan. 22 

(Sat., Japan Standard Time) 
22 H-II TRANSFER VEHICLE-3 NOVEMBER 2011

HTV-2 makes it voyage in space 

The HTV was nicknamed “KOUNOTORI,” 

meaning “White Stork,” in 2010. 

HTV Specifications 

HTV is 4 meters across and about 

10 meters long, the same size as a 

sightseeing bus. It consists primarily of 

three parts: (1) a propulsion module 

installed at the rear and composed of four 

main engines for orbital transfer, 

28 Reaction Control System (RCS) 

thrusters for position and attitude control, 

fuel and oxidizing reagent tanks, and 

high-pressure air tanks; (2) an avionics 

module installed in the center part, with 

electronic equipment for guidance control, 

power supply, and telecommunications data 

processing; (3) and a logistics carrier that 

stores supplies. 
NOVEMBER 2011 H-II TRANSFER VEHICLE-3 23

Diagram of HTV specifications 

HTV specifications 

Item Specification 

Length Approx. 10 m (including thrusters) 

Diameter Approx. 4.4 m 

Total Mass Approx. 10,500 kg 

Cargo capacity (supplies and equipment) Approx. 6,000 kg 

-Pressurized cargo: Approx. 5,200 kg 

-Unpressurized cargo: Approx. 1,500 kg 

Cargo capacity (waste) Approx. 6,000 kg 

Target orbit to International Space Station Altitude: 350 km to 460 km 

Inclination: 51.6 degrees 

Mission Duration (Nominal) Rendezvous Flight: Approx. 5 days 

Berthed Operation: Approx. 30 days 

Reserve: Approx. 7 days 
24 H-II TRANSFER VEHICLE-3 NOVEMBER 2011

HTV3 Mission

The HTV3 is scheduled to be launched in 

2012. Major objectives of the HTV3 mission 

are as follows: 

1. Cargo Delivery

(a) Pressurized carrier

Cargo Transfer Bags (CTB) of food

and experiment equipment will be 

transferred.

Cargo Transfer Bag (CTB)

(b) Unpressurized carrier

Two external cargo payloads will be 

transferred. One is a Japanese 

payload, Multi-mission Consolidated 

Equipment (MCE), which installs 

five pieces of equipment. 

(1) International Space Station Ionosphere, Mesosphere, Upper 

Atmosphere and Plasmasphere 

mapping (IMAP) 

(2) Global Lightning and Sprite 

Measurements (GLIMS) 

(3) Space Inflatable Membrane 

Pioneer Long-term Experiment 

(SIMPLE) 

(4) Robot EXperiment on 

JEM:REXJ

(5) Commercial Off-The-Shelf HighDefinition Television Camera 

System HDTV-EF

Multi-mission Consolidated 

Equipment (MCE)

The other is NASA`s in-orbit facility. The

Space Communications And Navigation 

(SCAN) test bed will be an International 

Space Station-based experimental facility 

aimed at advancing communications, 

navigation and networking technology. The 

test bed includes three reconfigurable 

radios and five different antennas capable 

of S-band, Ka-band and L-band (GPS) 

communications. Experiments with the 

facility will include high-data rate 

transmission and reception, new data 

coding and modulation, real-time 

networking and precise navigation. The 

experiments will further these technologies 

and enable them to be used on future 

human and robotic space missions. 
NOVEMBER 2011 H-II TRANSFER VEHICLE-3 25

1. The SCAN testbed payload public 

Web site is 

http://spaceflightsystems.grc.nasa.gov/S

paceOps/CoNNeCT/

Space Communications And Navigation 

(SCAN) Testbed 

2. Trash Loading 

3. Major Modification 

HTV’s four main engines and 28 Reaction 

Control System (RCS) thrusters were 

domestically produced for HTV3. 
26 H-II TRANSFER VEHICLE-3 NOVEMBER 2011

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NOVEMBER 2011 RUSSIAN SOYUZ 27

Russian Soyuz 

Diagram of the Soyuz-TMA spacecraft 

The Soyuz-TMA spacecraft is designed to 

serve as the station’s crew return vehicle, 

acting as a lifeboat in the unlikely event an 

emergency would require the crew to leave 

the station. A new Soyuz capsule is 

normally delivered to the station by a Soyuz 

crew every six months, replacing an older 

Soyuz capsule already docked to the space 

station. 

The Soyuz spacecraft is launched to the 

space station from the Baikonur 

Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan aboard a 

Soyuz rocket. It consists of an orbital 

module, a descent module, and an 

instrumentation/propulsion module. 

Orbital Module 

This portion of the Soyuz spacecraft is used 

by the crew while in orbit during free flight. 

It has a volume of 230 cubic feet, with a 

docking mechanism, hatch and rendezvous 

antennas located at the front end. The 

docking mechanism is used to dock with 

the space station and the hatch allows entry 

into the station. The rendezvous antennae 

are used by the automated docking system 

 a radar-based system  to maneuver 

toward the station for docking. There is 

also a window in the module. 

The opposite end of the orbital module 

connects to the descent module via a 

pressurized hatch. Before returning to 

Earth, the orbital module separates from 

the descent module  after the deorbit 

maneuver  and burns up upon re-entry 

into the atmosphere. 

Descent Module 

The descent module is where the 

cosmonauts and astronauts sit for launch, 

re-entry and landing. All the necessary 

controls and displays of the Soyuz are 

located here. The module also contains life 

support supplies and batteries used during 

descent, as well as the primary and backup 

parachutes and landing rockets. It also 

contains custom-fitted seat liners for each 
28 RUSSIAN SOYUZ NOVEMBER 2011

crew member’s couch/seat, which are 

individually molded to fit each person’s 

body − this ensures a tight, comfortable fit 

when the module lands on the Earth.

The module has a periscope, which allows 

the crew to view the docking target on the 

station or Earth below. The eight hydrogen 

peroxide thrusters on the module are used 

to control the spacecraft’s orientation, or 

attitude, during the descent until parachute 

deployment. It also has a Guidance, 

Navigation, and Control (GNC) system to 

maneuver the vehicle during the descent 

phase of the mission.

This module weighs 6,393 pounds, with a 

habitable volume of 141 cubic feet. 

Approximately 110 pounds of payload can 

be returned to Earth in this module and up 

to 331 pounds if only two crew members 

are present. The descent module is the 

only portion of the Soyuz that survives the 

return to Earth.

Instrumentation/Propulsion Module

This module contains three compartments: 

intermediate, instrumentation and 

propulsion.

The intermediate compartment is where the 

module connects to the descent module. It 

also contains oxygen storage tanks and the 

attitude control thrusters, as well as 

electronics, communications and control 

equipment. The primary guidance, 

navigation, control and computer systems 

of the Soyuz are in the instrumentation 

compartment, which is a sealed container 

filled with circulating nitrogen gas to cool 

the avionics equipment. The propulsion 

compartment contains the primary thermal 

control system and the Soyuz radiator, 

which has a cooling area of 86 square feet. 

The propulsion system, batteries, solar 

arrays, radiator and structural connection to 

the Soyuz launch rocket are located in this 

compartment.

The propulsion compartment contains the 

system that is used to perform any 

maneuvers while in orbit, including 

rendezvous and docking with the space 

station and the deorbit burns necessary 

to return to Earth. The propellants are 

nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetricdimethylhydrazine. The main propulsion 

system and the smaller reaction control 

system, used for attitude changes while in 

space, share the same propellant tanks. 

The two Soyuz solar arrays are attached to 

either side of the rear section of the 

instrumentation/propulsion module and are 

linked to rechargeable batteries. Like the 

orbital module, the intermediate section of 

the instrumentation/propulsion module

separates from the descent module after 

the final deorbit maneuver and burns up in 

the atmosphere upon re-entry.

TMA Improvements and Testing

The Soyuz TMA-01M spacecraft is the first 

to incorporate both newer, more powerful 

computer avionics systems and new digital 

displays for use by the crew. The new 

computer systems will allow the Soyuz 

computers to interface with the onboard 

computers in the Russian segment of the 

station once docking is complete.

Both Soyuz TMA-15, which launched to the 

station in May 2009, and Soyuz TMA-18, 

which launched in April 2010, incorporated 

the new digital “Neptune” display panels, 

and seven Progress resupply vehicles have 

used the new avionics computer systems. 
NOVEMBER 2011 RUSSIAN SOYUZ 29

The Soyuz TMA-01M vehicle integrates 

those systems. The majority of updated 

components are housed in the Soyuz 

instrumentation module.

For launch, the new avionics systems 

reduce the weight of the spacecraft by 

approximately 150 pounds, which allows a 

small increase in cargo-carrying capacity. 

Soyuz spacecraft are capable of carrying a 

limited amount of supplies for the crew’s 

use. This will increase the weight of 

supplies the spacecraft is capable of 

carrying, but will not provide any additional 

volume for bulky items.

Once Soyuz is docked to the station, the 

new digital data communications system 

will simplify life for the crew. Previous 

versions of the spacecraft, including both 

the Soyuz TM, which was used from 1986 

to 2002, and the Soyuz TMA in use since 

2002, required Mission Control-Moscow 

(MCC-M), to turn on the Soyuz computer 

systems periodically so that a partial set of 

parameters on the health of the vehicle 

could be downlinked for review. In addition, 

in the case of an emergency undocking and 

deorbit, crew members were required to 

manually input undocking and deorbit data 

parameters. The new system will eliminate 

the need for the crew to perform these 

checks and data updates, with the 

necessary data being automatically 

transferred from the space station to the 

Soyuz.

The updates required some structural 

modifications to the Soyuz, including the 

installation of cold plates and an improved 

thermal system pump capable of rejecting 

the additional heat generated by the new 

computer systems.

The majority of Soyuz TMA systems remain 

unchanged. In use since 2002, the TMA 

increased safety, especially in descent and 

landing. It has smaller and more efficient 

computers and improved displays. In 

addition, the Soyuz TMA accommodates 

individuals as large as 6 feet, 3 inches tall 

and 209 pounds, compared to 6 feet and 

187 pounds in the earlier TM. Minimum 

crew member size for the TMA is 4 feet, 

11 inches and 110 pounds, compared to 

5 feet, 4 inches and 123 pounds for the TM.

Two new engines reduced landing speed 

and forces felt by crew members by 15 to 

30 percent, and a new entry control system 

and three-axis accelerometer increase 

landing accuracy. Instrumentation 

improvements included a color “glass 

cockpit,” which is easier to use and gives 

the crew more information, with hand 

controllers that can be secured under an 

instrument panel. All the new components 

in the Soyuz TMA can spend up to one year 

in space.

New components and the entire TMA were 

rigorously tested on the ground, in 

hangar-drop tests, in airdrop tests and in 

space before the spacecraft was declared 

flight-ready. For example, the 

accelerometer and associated software, as 

well as modified boosters (incorporated to 

cope with the TMA’s additional mass), were 

tested on flights of Progress, the unpiloted 

supply spacecraft, while the new cooling 

system was tested on two Soyuz TM flights.

Descent module structural modifications, 

seats and seat shock absorbers were 

tested in hangar drop tests. Landing 

system modifications, including associated 

software upgrades, were tested in a series 

of air drop tests. Additionally, extensive 

tests of systems and components were 

conducted on the ground.
30 RUSSIAN SOYUZ NOVEMBER 2011

Soyuz Launcher

A Soyuz TMA spacecraft launches from 

the Baikonur Cosmodrome in 

Kazakhstan on Oct. 12, 2008 carrying a 

new crew to the ISS. Photo Credit: 

NASA/Bill Ingalls

Throughout history, more than 

1,500 launches have been made with 

Soyuz launchers to orbit satellites for 

telecommunications, Earth observation, 

weather, and scientific missions, as well as 

for human space flights.

The basic Soyuz vehicle is considered a 

three-stage launcher in Russian terms and 

is composed of the following: 

• A lower portion consisting of four 

boosters (first stage) and a central core 

(second stage).

• An upper portion, consisting of the third 

stage, payload adapter and payload 

fairing.

• Liquid oxygen and kerosene are used 

as propellants in all three Soyuz stages.

First Stage Boosters

The first stage’s four boosters are 

assembled laterally around the second 

stage central core. The boosters are 

identical and cylindrical-conic in shape with 

the oxygen tank in the cone-shaped portion 

and the kerosene tank in the cylindrical 

portion.

An NPO Energomash RD 107 engine with 

four main chambers and two gimbaled 

vernier thrusters is used in each booster. 

The vernier thrusters provide three-axis 

flight control.

Ignition of the first stage boosters and the 

second stage central core occur 

simultaneously on the ground. When the 

boosters have completed their powered 

flight during ascent, they are separated and 

the core second stage continues to 

function.

First stage booster separation occurs when 

the predefined velocity is reached, which is 

about 118 seconds after liftoff.
NOVEMBER 2011 RUSSIAN SOYUZ 31

Second Stage

An NPO Energomash RD 108 engine 

powers the Soyuz second stage. This 

engine differs from those of the boosters by 

the presence of four vernier thrusters, 

which are necessary for three-axis flight 

control of the launcher after the first stage 

boosters have separated.

An equipment bay located atop the second 

stage operates during the entire flight of the 

first and second stages.

Third Stage

The third stage is linked to the Soyuz 

second stage by a latticework structure. 

When the second stage’s powered flight is 

complete, the third stage engine is ignited. 

Separation of the two stages occurs by the 

direct ignition forces of the third stage 

engine.

A single-turbopump RD 0110 engine from 

KB KhA powers the Soyuz third stage.

The third stage engine is fired for about 

240 seconds, and cutoff occurs when the 

calculated velocity increment is reached. 

After cutoff and separation, the third stage 

performs an avoidance maneuver by 

opening an outgassing valve in the liquid 

oxygen tank.

Launcher Telemetry Tracking & Flight 

Safety Systems

Soyuz launcher tracking and telemetry is 

provided through systems in the second 

and third stages. These two stages have 

their own radar transponders for ground 

tracking. Individual telemetry transmitters 

are in each stage. Launcher health status 

is downlinked to ground stations along the 

flight path. Telemetry and tracking data are 

transmitted to the mission control center, 

where the incoming data flow is recorded. 

Partial real-time data processing and

plotting is performed for flight following an 

initial performance assessment. All flight 

data is analyzed and documented within a 

few hours after launch.

Baikonur Cosmodrome Launch 

Operations

Soyuz missions use the Baikonur 

Cosmodrome’s proven infrastructure, and 

launches are performed by trained 

personnel with extensive operational 

experience.

Baikonur Cosmodrome is in the Republic of 

Kazakhstan in Central Asia between 

45 degrees and 46 degrees North latitude 

and 63 degrees East longitude. Two 

launch pads are dedicated to Soyuz 

missions. 

Final Launch Preparations

The assembled launch vehicle is moved to 

the launch pad on a horizontal railcar. 

Transfer to the launch zone occurs two 

days before launch, during which the 

vehicle is erected and a launch rehearsal is 

performed that includes activation of all 

electrical and mechanical equipment.

On launch day, the vehicle is loaded with 

propellant and the final countdown 

sequence is started three hours before the 

liftoff time.

Rendezvous to Docking

A Soyuz spacecraft generally takes two 

days after launch to reach the space 

station. The rendezvous and docking 

are both automated, though once the 

spacecraft is within 492 feet of the station, 

the Russian Mission Control Center just 

outside Moscow monitors the approach and 

docking. The Soyuz crew has the capability 

to manually intervene or execute these 

operations.
32 RUSSIAN SOYUZ NOVEMBER 2011

Soyuz Booster Rocket Characteristics

First Stage Data - Blocks B, V, G, D

Engine RD-107

Propellants LOX/Kerosene

Thrust (tons) 102

Burn time (sec) 122

Specific impulse 314

Length (meters) 19.8

Diameter (meters) 2.68

Dry mass (tons) 3.45

Propellant mass (tons) 39.63

Second Stage Data - Block A

Engine RD-108

Propellants LOX/Kerosene

Thrust (tons) 96

Burn time (sec) 314

Specific impulse 315

Length (meters) 28.75

Diameter (meters) 2.95

Dry mass (tons) 6.51

Propellant mass (tons) 95.7

Third Stage Data - Block I

Engine RD-461

Propellants LOX/Kerosene

Thrust (tons) 30

Burn time (sec) 240

Specific impulse 330

Length (meters) 8.1

Diameter (meters) 2.66

Dry mass (tons) 2.4

Propellant mass (tons) 21.3

PAYLOAD MASS (tons) 6.8

SHROUD MASS (tons) 4.5

LAUNCH MASS (tons) 309.53

TOTAL LENGTH (meters) 49.3
NOVEMBER 2011 RUSSIAN SOYUZ 33

Prelaunch Countdown Timeline

T- 34 Hours Booster is prepared for fuel loading

T- 6:00:00 Batteries are installed in booster

T- 5:30:00 State commission gives go to take launch vehicle

T- 5:15:00 Crew arrives at site 254

T- 5:00:00 Tanking begins

T- 4:20:00 Spacesuit donning

T- 4:00:00 Booster is loaded with liquid oxygen

T- 3:40:00 Crew meets delegations

T- 3:10:00 Reports to the State commission

T- 3:05:00 Transfer to the launch pad

T- 3:00:00 Vehicle 1st and 2nd stage oxidizer fueling complete

T- 2:35:00 Crew arrives at launch vehicle

T- 2:30:00 Crew ingress through orbital module side hatch

T- 2:00:00 Crew in re-entry vehicle

T- 1:45:00 Re-entry vehicle hardware tested; suits are ventilated

T- 1:30:00 Launch command monitoring and supply unit prepared

Orbital compartment hatch tested for sealing

T- 1:00:00 Launch vehicle control system prepared for use; gyro instruments 

activated

T- :45:00 Launch pad service structure halves are lowered

T- :40:00 Re-entry vehicle hardware testing complete; leak checks 

performed on suits

T- :30:00 Emergency escape system armed; launch command supply unit 

activated

T- :25:00 Service towers withdrawn

T- :15:00 Suit leak tests complete; crew engages personal escape 

hardware auto mode

T- :10:00 Launch gyro instruments uncaged; crew activates onboard 

recorders

T- 7:00 All prelaunch operations are complete

T- 6:15 Key to launch command given at the launch site

Automatic program of final launch operations is activated

T- 6:00 All launch complex and vehicle systems ready for launch

T- 5:00 Onboard systems switched to onboard control

Ground measurement system activated by RUN 1 command

Commander's controls activated

Crew switches to suit air by closing helmets

Launch key inserted in launch bunker
34 RUSSIAN SOYUZ NOVEMBER 2011

Prelaunch Countdown Timeline (concluded)

T- 3:15 Combustion chambers of side and central 

with nitrogen

engine pods purged 

T- 2:30 Booster propellant tank pressurization starts

Onboard measurement system activated by RUN 2 command

Prelaunch pressurization of all tanks with nitrogen begins

T- 2:15 Oxidizer and fuel drain and safety valves of launch vehicle are 

closed

Ground filling of oxidizer and nitrogen to the launch vehicle is 

terminated

T- 1:00 Vehicle on internal power

Automatic sequencer on

First umbilical tower separates from booster

T- :40 Ground power supply umbilical to third stage is disconnected

T- :20 Launch command given at the launch position

Central and side pod engines are turned on

T- :15 Second umbilical tower separates from booster

T- :10 Engine turbopumps at flight speed

T- :05 First stage engines at maximum thrust

T- :00 Fueling tower separates

Lift off

Ascent/Insertion Timeline

T- :00 Lift off

T+ 1:10 Booster velocity is 1,640 ft/sec

T+ 1:58 Stage 1 (strap-on boosters) separation

T+ 2:00 Booster velocity is 4,921 ft/sec

T+ 2:40 Escape tower and launch shroud jettison

T+ 4:58 Core booster separates at 105.65 statute miles

Third stage ignites

T+ 7:30 Velocity is 19,685 ft/sec

T+ 9:00 Third stage cut-off

Soyuz separates

Antennas and solar panels deploy

Flight control switches to Mission Control, Korolev
NOVEMBER 2011 RUSSIAN SOYUZ 35

Orbital Insertion to Docking Timeline

FLIGHT DAY 1 OVERVIEW 

Orbit 1 Post insertion: 

docking probe

Deployment of solar panels, antennas and 

- Crew monitors all deployments

- Crew reports on pressurization of OMS/RCS and ECLSS 

systems and crew health. Entry thermal sensors are manually 

deactivated

- Ground provides initial orbital insertion data from tracking

Orbit 2 Systems Checkout: IR Att Sensors, Kurs, Angular Accels, 

“Display” TV Downlink System, OMS engine control system, 

Manual Attitude Control Test

- Crew monitors all systems tests 

indications

and confirms onboard 

- Crew performs manual RHC stick inputs for attitude control test

- Ingress into HM, activate HM CO2 scrubber and doff Sokols

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Manual maneuver to +Y to Sun and initiate a 2 deg/sec yaw 

rotation. MCS is deactivated after rate is established

Orbit 3 Terminate +Y solar rotation, reactivate MCS and establish 

LVLH attitude reference (auto maneuver sequence)

- Crew monitors LVLH attitude reference build up

- Burn data command upload 

Delta Vs)

for DV1 and DV2 (attitude, TIG 

- Form 14 preburn emergency deorbit pad read up

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Auto maneuver to DV1 burn attitude (TIG -

LOS

8 minutes) while 

- Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required

DV1 phasing burn while LOS

- Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required

Orbit 4 Auto maneuver to DV2 burn attitude (TIG -

LOS

8 minutes) while 

- Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required

DV2 phasing burn while LOS

- Crew monitor only, no manual action nominally required
36 RUSSIAN SOYUZ NOVEMBER 2011

FLIGHT DAY 1 OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

Orbit 4 Crew report on burn performance upon AOS

(continued) - HM and DM pressure checks read down

- Post burn Form 23 (AOS/LOS pad), Form 14 and “Globe”

corrections voiced up

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Manual maneuver to +Y to Sun and initiate a 2 deg/sec yaw

rotation. MCS is deactivated after rate is established

External boresight TV camera ops check (while LOS)

Meal

Orbit 5 Last pass on Russian tracking range for Flight Day 1

Report on TV camera test and crew health

Sokol suit clean up

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 6-12 Crew Sleep, off of Russian tracking range

- Emergency VHF2 comm available through NASA VHF Network

FLIGHT DAY 2 OVERVIEW 

Orbit 13 Post sleep activity, report on HM/DM Pressures

Form 14 revisions voiced up

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 14 Configuration of RHC-2/THC-2 work station in the HM

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 15 THC-2 (HM) manual control test

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 16 Lunch

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 17 (1) Terminate +Y solar rotation, reactivate MCS and establish 

LVLH attitude reference (auto maneuver sequence)

RHC-2 (HM) Test

- Burn data uplink (TIG, attitude, delta V)

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Auto maneuver to burn attitude (TIG - 8 min) while LOS

Rendezvous burn while LOS

Manual maneuver to +Y to Sun and initiate a 2 deg/sec yaw 

rotation. MCS is deactivated after rate is established
NOVEMBER 2011 RUSSIAN SOYUZ 37

FLIGHT DAY 2 OVERVIEW (CONTINUED)

Orbit 18 (2) Post burn and manual maneuver to +Y Sun report when AOS

- HM/DM pressures read down

- Post burn Form 23, Form 14 and Form 2 (Globe correction) 

voiced up

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 19 (3) CO2 scrubber cartridge change out

Free time

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 20 (4) Free time

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 21 (5) Last pass on Russian tracking range for Flight Day 2

Free time

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 22 (6) - 

(11)

27 Crew sleep, off of Russian tracking range

- Emergency VHF2 comm available through NASA VHF Network

FLIGHT DAY 3 OVERVIEW 

Orbit 28 (12) Post sleep activity

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 29 (13) Free time, report on HM/DM pressures

- Read up of predicted post burn Form 23 and Form 14

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

Orbit 30 (14) Free time, read up of Form 2 “Globe Correction,” lunch

- Uplink of auto rendezvous command timeline

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radar and radio transponder tracking

FLIGHT DAY 3 AUTO RENDEZVOUS SEQUENCE

Orbit 31 (15) Don Sokol spacesuits, ingress DM, close DM/HM hatch

- Active and passive vehicle state vector uplinks

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radio transponder tracking
38 RUSSIAN SOYUZ NOVEMBER 2011

FLIGHT DAY 3 AUTO RENDEZVOUS SEQUENCE (CONCLUDED) 

Orbit 32 (16) Terminate +Y solar rotation, reactivate MCS and establish 

LVLH attitude reference (auto maneuver sequence)

Begin auto rendezvous sequence

- Crew monitoring of LVLH reference build and auto rendezvous 

timeline execution

- A/G, R/T and Recorded TLM and Display TV downlink

- Radio transponder tracking

FLIGHT DAY 3 FINAL APPROACH AND DOCKING

Orbit 33 (1) Auto Rendezvous sequence continues, flyaround and station 

keeping

- Crew monitor

- Comm relays via SM through Altair established

- Form 23 and Form 14 updates

- Fly around and station keeping initiated near end of orbit

- A/G (gnd stations and Altair), R/T TLM (gnd stations), Display 

TV downlink (gnd stations and Altair)

- Radio transponder tracking

Orbit 34 (2) Final Approach and docking

- Capture to “docking sequence complete” 20 minutes, typically

- Monitor docking interface pressure seal

- Transfer to HM, doff Sokol suits

- A/G (gnd stations and Altair), R/T TLM (gnd stations), Display 

TV downlink (gnd stations and Altair)

- Radio transponder tracking

FLIGHT DAY 3 STATION INGRESS

Orbit 35 (3) Station/Soyuz pressure equalization

- Report all pressures

- Open transfer hatch, ingress station

- A/G, R/T and playback telemetry

- Radio transponder tracking
NOVEMBER 2011 RUSSIAN SOYUZ 39

Typical Soyuz Ground Track
40 RUSSIAN SOYUZ NOVEMBER 2011

Soyuz Landing 

The Soyuz TMA-20 spacecraft is seen as it glides to a landing with Russian 

cosmonaut Dmitry Kondratyev, Expedition 27 commander, and two flight engineer 

crewmates - Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency and Cady Coleman of 

NASA - in a remote area southeast of the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, 

May 24, 2011 (local time or May 23 in USA time zones). The three return from more than 

five months on board the International Space Station where they served as members of 

the Expedition 26 and 27 crews. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls 

After about six months in space, the 

departing crew members from the 

International Space Station will board their 

Soyuz spacecraft capsule for undocking 

and a one-hour descent back to Earth. 

About three hours before undocking, the 

crew will bid farewell to the other three crew 

members who will remain on the station 

awaiting the launch of a new trio of 

astronauts and cosmonauts from the 
NOVEMBER 2011 RUSSIAN SOYUZ 41

Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan 

about 17 days later.

The departing crew will climb into its Soyuz 

vehicle and close the hatch between 

Soyuz and its docking port. The Soyuz 

commander will be seated in the center 

seat of the Soyuz’ descent module, flanked 

by his two crewmates.

After activating Soyuz systems and getting 

approval from flight controllers at the 

Russian Mission Control Center outside 

Moscow, the Soyuz commander will send 

commands to open hooks and latches 

between Soyuz and the docking port.

He will then fire the Soyuz thrusters to back 

away from the docking port. Six minutes 

after undocking, with the Soyuz about 66 

feet away from the station, the Soyuz 

commander will conduct a separation 

maneuver, firing the Soyuz jets for about 

15 seconds to begin to depart the vicinity of 

the complex.

About 2.5 hours after undocking, at a 

distance of about 12 miles from the station, 

Soyuz computers will initiate a deorbit 

burn braking maneuver. The 4.5-minute 

maneuver to slow the spacecraft will enable 

it to drop out of orbit and begin its re-entry 

to Earth.

About 30 minutes later, just above the 

first traces of the Earth’s atmosphere, 

computers will command the pyrotechnic 

separation of the three modules of the 

Soyuz vehicle. With the crew strapped in 

the centermost descent module, the 

uppermost orbital module, containing the 

docking mechanism and rendezvous

antennas, and the lower instrumentation 

and propulsion module at the rear, which 

houses the engines and avionics, will 

separate and burn up in the atmosphere.

The descent module’s computers will orient 

the capsule with its ablative heat shield 

pointing forward to repel the buildup of 

heat as it plunges into the atmosphere. 

The crew will feel the first effects of gravity 

about three minutes after module 

separation at the point called entry 

interface, when the module is about 

400,000 feet above the Earth.

About eight minutes later, at an altitude of 

about 33,000 feet, traveling at about 

722 feet per second, the Soyuz will begin 

a computer-commanded sequence for the 

deployment of the capsule’s parachutes. 

First, two “pilot” parachutes will be 

deployed, extracting a larger drogue 

parachute, which stretches out over an area 

of 79 square feet. Within 16 seconds, 

the Soyuz’ descent will slow to about 

262 feet per second.

The initiation of the parachute deployment 

will create a gentle spin for the Soyuz as it 

dangles underneath the drogue chute, 

assisting in the capsule’s stability in the 

final minutes before touchdown.

A few minutes before touchdown, the 

drogue chute will be jettisoned, allowing the 

main parachute to be deployed. Connected 

to the descent module by two harnesses, 

the main parachute covers an area of about 

3,281 feet. The deployment of the main 

parachute slows the descent module to a 

velocity of about 23 feet per second. 

Initially, the descent module will hang 

underneath the main parachute at a 

30-degree angle with respect to the horizon 

for aerodynamic stability. The bottommost 

harness will be severed a few minutes 
42 RUSSIAN SOYUZ NOVEMBER 2011

before landing, allowing the descent 

module to right itself to a vertical position 

through touchdown.

At an altitude of a little more than 16,000 

feet, the crew will monitor the jettison of the 

descent module’s heat shield, which 

will be followed by the termination of the 

aerodynamic spin cycle and the dissipation 

of any residual propellant from the Soyuz. 

Also, computers will arm the module’s seat 

shock absorbers in preparation for landing.

When the capsule’s heat shield is 

jettisoned, the Soyuz altimeter is exposed 

to the surface of the Earth. Signals are 

bounced to the ground from the Soyuz and 

reflected back, providing the capsule’s 

computers updated information on altitude 

and rate of descent.

At an altitude of about 39 feet, cockpit 

displays will tell the commander to prepare 

for the soft landing engine firing. Just 

three feet above the surface, and just 

seconds before touchdown, the six solid 

propellant engines will be fired in a final 

braking maneuver. This will enable the 

Soyuz to settle down to a velocity of about 

five feet per second and land, completing 

its mission.

As always is the case, teams of Russian 

engineers, flight surgeons and technicians 

in fleets of MI-8 helicopters will be poised 

near the normal and “ballistic” landing 

zones, and midway in between, to enact the 

swift recovery of the crew once the capsule 

touches down.

A portable medical tent will be set up near 

the capsule in which the crew can change 

out of its launch and entry suits. Russian 

technicians will open the module’s hatch 

and begin to remove the crew members. 

The crew will be seated in special reclining 

chairs near the capsule for initial medical 

tests and to begin readapting to Earth’s 

gravity.

About two hours after landing, the crew will 

be assisted to the recovery helicopters for a 

flight back to a staging site in northern 

Kazakhstan, where local officials will 

welcome them. The crew will then return to 

Chkalovsky Airfield adjacent to the Gagarin 

Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, 

Russia, or to Ellington Field in Houston 

where their families can meet them.
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 43

Expedition 30/31 Science Overview

Expedition 30/31 will continue to expand 

the scope of research aboard the 

International Space Station now that 

assembly of the orbiting laboratory is 

complete. 

Among the many educational activities 

planned will be a contest for students 14 to 

18 years of age to have an experiment 

flown on the space station as part of a joint 

effort by NASA, the U.S. National 

Laboratory Office, YouTube and Lenovo. 

The YouTube Space Lab Global Science 

contest challenges students to design an 

experiment pertaining to biology or physics 

to be conducted on board the station by 

crew members, presenting their ideas with 

a two-minute YouTube video. The top 

60 finalists will be announced, allowing for 

public voting along with evaluation by a 

panel of distinguished judges, after 

Jan. 3, 2012. The top six regional winners 

will be announced Jan. 31, with the final 

two global winners announced March 13. 

The deadline for submittals is Dec. 7, 2011. 

This event has the capacity to expose 

hundreds of thousands of students around 

the world to the excitement of space and to 

the unique scientific platform the station 

provides. 

As with prior expeditions, many 

investigations are designed to gather 

information about the effects of long-duration 

spaceflight on the human body, which will 

help us understand complicated processes 

such as immune systems with plans for 

future exploration missions. The 

investigations cover human research; 

biological and physical sciences; technology 

development; Earth observation; and 

education. 

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s 

Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI) 

investigation will be finishing up its stay on 

the station. MAXI has been installed on the 

Exposed Facility (EF) of the Japanese Kibo 

laboratory since Expedition 19-20, 

monitoring more than 1,000 X-ray sources 

in space once every 96 minutes using slit 

cameras, and has already produced 

significant results in the area of space 

science. In 2010, MAXI, along with the 

SWIFT spacecraft, found two new X-ray 

sources from its sky scans. Both 

instruments made the first observation of a 

relativistic (moving at a velocity 

approaching the speed of light) X-ray burst 

from a supermassive black hole destroying 

a star and creating a jet of X-rays. 

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer 

(AMS-02), a state-of-the-art particle physics 

detector delivered during Expedition 27-28, 

is continuing to collect data on anti-matter, 

dark matter, and cosmic rays in an effort to 

provide highly developed knowledge, and a 

better understanding of the origin of the 

universe. As the largest and most 

advanced magnetic spectrometer in space, 

information is being collected from cosmic 

sources originating from stars and galaxies 

millions of light-years beyond the Milky 

Way, and at a much faster rate than 

anticipated. The foundations of modern 

physics will be explored, including the 

investigation of quark (elementary particle 

or fundamental particle considered 

to be one of the basic building blocks 

of the universe) types and strangelets 
44 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

(hypothetical particles) that could lead to 

the discovery of a totally new form of 

matter.

The Commercial Generic Bioprocessing 

Apparatus Science Insert – 05 (CSI-05) 

Directional Plant Growth (also referred to as 

Plants in Space) investigation is continuing, 

comparing plant growth on the ground (by 

thousands of students in classrooms 

around the world) to plant growth in 

microgravity on board the station. Results 

from this investigation will continue to 

expand the knowledge base regarding how 

plants react in a microgravity environment, 

using this information to support longduration deep space missions providing 

food and oxygen generation. This also 

allows students to work essentially side-byside with scientists and astronauts.

Space radiation exposure is always a 

concern, and must be protected against. 

The European Space Agency’s Dose 

Distribution Inside the International Space 

Station - 3D (DOSIS-3D) investigation will 

employ various active and passive radiation 

detector devices to assemble a threedimensional dose distribution map, of all 

segments of the station, to determine the 

radiation field parameters dose and dose 

equivalent to assist in assessing radiation 

safe exposure limits and exposure health 

risks. This investigation will provide 

important information regarding devices 

used for data collection and real-time data 

monitoring, proving valuable to commercial 

crews and military flight crews regarding 

radiation monitoring.

As part of U.S. National Laboratory 

activities on the station, Nanoracks 

e 

modules provide autonomous,

self-contained experiments that can b

flown quickly and inexpensively by 

students, companies and other U.S. 

government agencies. Nanorack 

investigations during this timeframe will look 

at exploring the use of readily available 

commercial-off-the-shelf products and 

technologies (a smart phone and an 

electronic book) in microgravity, remote 

control mechanisms and mechanical 

devices, the behavior of 18S Ribosomal 

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA), and the MC3T3 

mouse bone cell line, along with several 

student-based investigations.

Earth science is also on the list of topics 

that generates much interest, and there are 

many investigations involving this aspect. 

AuroraMax (simultaneous photography of 

the aurora borealis from the space station 

and ground-based observatories), Crew 

Earth Observations (CEO) (photography of 

natural and man-made surface changes), 

HREP-HICO (coastal imagery), and 

Geoflow-2 (studying heat and flow currents 

in the Earth’s mantle to better understand 

and predict volcanic eruptions, plate 

tectonics and earthquakes) are all recording 

images, many never seen before.

The Burning and Suppression of Solids 

(BASS) investigation examines burning and 

extinction characteristics of a wide variety 

of fuel samples in microgravity. Results 

from this investigation will assist in devising 

strategies for extinguishing accidental fires 

in microgravity, along with contributing to 

advances in fire detection and suppression 

in microgravity and on Earth. Crew

members will observe the burning process, 

noting flame shape (as a function of flow 

speed), flame spread rate, and flame 

dynamics, along with extinction data to be 

used for comparison to modeling data. A 
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 45

nitrogen suppressant system is used as the 

means for flame extinction.

Checkout and testing of hand motions for 

Robonaut 2, installed in the U.S. Destiny 

Laboratory, are planned for later this year.

Managing the international laboratory’s 

scientific assets, as well as the time and 

space required to accommodate 

experiments and programs from a host of 

private, commercial, industry and 

government agencies nationwide, makes 

the job of coordinating space station 

research critical. Teams of controllers and 

scientists on the ground continuously plan, 

monitor, and remotely operate experiments 

from control centers around the globe. 

Controllers staff payload operations centers 

around the world, effectively providing for 

researchers and the station crew around 

the clock, seven days a week.

State-of-the-art computers and

communications equipment deliver 

up-to-the-minute reports about experiment 

facilities and investigations between 

science outposts across the United States 

and around the world. The payload 

operations team also synchronizes the 

payload timelines among international 

partners, ensuring the best use of valuable 

resources and crew time.

The control centers of NASA and its 

partners are

• NASA Payload Operations Center 

(POC), Marshall Space Flight Center in 

Huntsville, Ala. 

• RSA Center for Control of Spaceflights 

(“TsUP” in Russian) in Korolev, Russia

• JAXA Space Station Integration and 

Promotion Center (SSIPC) in 

Tskuba, Japan

• ESA Columbus Control Center (Col-CC) 

in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany

• CSA Payloads Operations Telesciences 

Center, St. Hubert, Quebec, Canada

NASA’s POC serves as a hub for 

coordinating much of the work related to 

delivery of research facilities and 

experiments to the space station as they 

are rotated in and out periodically when 

vehicles make deliveries and return 

completed experiments and samples to 

Earth.

The payload operations director leads the 

POC’s main flight control team, known as 

the “cadre,” and approves all science plans 

in coordination with Mission Control at 

NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, 

the international partner control centers and 

the station crew.

On the Internet

For fact sheets, imagery and more on 

Expedition 30/31 experiments and payload 

operations, visit the following Web site: 

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/

science/
46 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Expedition 30/31 Science Table

Research Experiments

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

AuroraMax Coordinated Aurora CSA Earth and Space This joint public engagement and Ruth Ann USOS

Photography from Earth Sciences science activity aims to enhance the Chicoine, 

and Space (AuroraMAX) public’s awareness of the science of Canadian Space 

the aurora and the Sun-Earth Agency; 

relationship. AuroraMax consists of Dr Emma 

simultaneous photography of the Spanswick, 

aurora borealis from the station and University of 

ground-based observatories during Calgary, Calgary, 

periods of peak solar activity Alberta, Canada

BCAT-C1 Binary Colloidal Alloy Test CSA Physical Science BCAT will study binary colloidal alloys Dr. Barbara JEM 

– Canadian 1 with time lapse photography. Frisken, SFU;

Samples are initially homogenized Dr. Art Bailey, 

and allowed to evolve over 10 to 20 Scitech 

days to reveal their structure. Instruments; 

Samples 1-7 from Simon Fraser Dr. Paul Chaikin 

University (SFU) will focus on phase and Dr. Andrew 

competing processes. Samples 8-10 Hollingsworth, 

from New York University (NYU) will NYU

study seeded growth

TOMATOSPHERE III TOMATOSPHERE III CSA Education TOMATOSPHERE III primary Dr. Michael Dixon, None

Activity objectives are to increase student University of 

interest in space science and Guelph, Ontario, 

horticultural technology and to Canada

increase student familiarity and 

experience with research 

methodology. Following exposure of 

the tomato seeds to weightlessness, 

they will be distributed to 

approximately 13,000 classrooms 

across Canada and the United 

States. Students in grades 3-10 will 

plant the seeds, make observations, 

record data and investigate the effect 

of spaceflight on seed germination 

rate, seedling vigor and other growth 

parameters

VASCULAR Cardiovascular Health CSA Human Health Consequences of Long- Richard Lee Columbus

Consequences of Long- Research and Duration Flight (VASCULAR) will Hughson, Ph.D., 

Duration Space Flight Counter- conduct an integrated investigation of University of 

measures mechanisms responsible for changes Waterloo, 

Development in blood vessel structure with long- Waterloo, Ontario,

duration space flight, which are Canada

similar to changes that occur during 

the aging process. Space flight 

accelerates the aging process 

requiring a better understanding to 

determine the need for specific 

countermeasures. Data will be 

collected before, during, and after 

spaceflight to assess inflammation of 

the artery walls, and changes in blood 

vessel properties and cardiovascular 

fitness
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 47

Research Experiments (continued)

Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Principal 

Investigator

Ops 

Location

ALTEA-SHIELD Anomalous Long-Term 

Effects in Astronauts – 

Central Nervous System 

Radiation Shielding

ESA Technology 

Development 

and 

Demonstration

ALTEA-SHIELD aims at obtaining a 

better understanding of the light flash 

phenomenon (perception of seeing 

light flashes when eyes are closed), 

and more generally the interaction 

between cosmic rays and brain 

function, as well as testing different 

types of shielding material. Also 

provides an assessment of the 

radiation environment inside the 

space station

Italy: 

L. Narici, 

F. Ballarini,

G. Battistoni, 

M. Casolini,

A. Ottolenghi, 

P. Picozza, 

W. Sannita,

S. Villari

USA: E. Benton,

J. Miller,

M. Shavers 

Switzerland: 

A. Ferrari 

Germany:

H. Iwase, 

D. Schardt 

Japan: T. Sato 

Sweden: 

L. Sihver

Destiny

CARD Long Term Microgravity: 

A Model for Investigating 

Mechanisms of Heart 

Disease with New Portable 

Equipment

ESA Human 

Research and 

Countermeasures 

Development

CARD aims to understand how 

weightlessness affects the regulation 

of blood pressure and establish how 

some hormones responsible for 

regulating the cardiovascular system 

are affected by long-term exposure to 

weightlessness

Denmark: 

P. Norsk, 

N.J. Christensen,

B. Pump, 

A.Gabrielsen, 

J.G. Nielsen, 

N. Gadsboll 

Germany: 

C. Drummer, 

M. Kentsch

Columbus

CARD -(Sympatho) Sympatho-Adrenal Activity 

in Humans During 

Spaceflight

ESA Human 

Research and 

Countermeasures 

Development

SYMPATHO, which forms part of the 

CARD experiment, is an ongoing 

study of adrenal activity of the 

sympathetic nervous system in 

weightlessness

Denmark: 

N.J. Christensen,

P. Norsk

Merged 

protocol with 

CARD

DOSIS-3D Dose Distribution Inside 

the International Space 

Station - 3D

ESA Technology 

Development 

and 

Demonstration

DOSIS-3D determines the radiation 

field parameters absorbed dose and 

dose equivalent inside the station with 

various active and passive radiation 

detector devices, aiming for a concise 

three dimensional dose distribution 

(3D) map of all the segments of the 

space station

Germany:

T. Berger

 

EDOS Early Detection of 

Osteoporosis

ESA Human 

Research and 

Countermeasures 

Development

EDOS will study the mechanisms 

underlying the reduction in bone 

mass, which occurs in astronauts in 

weightlessness, and will test the 

ability of XtremeCT technology to 

evaluate bone structure pre- and 

post-flight

France: 

C. Alexandre,

L. Braak, 

L. Vico 

Switzerland: 

P. Ruegsegger 

Germany:

M. Heer

Groundbased

EKE Assessment of Endurance 

Capacity by Gas 

Exchange and Heart Rate 

Kinetics During Physical 

Training.

ESA Human 

Research and 

Countermeasures 

Development

EKE will make an assessment of 

endurance capacity and heart rate 

kinetics during physical training of 

station expedition crew members

Germany:

U. Hoffman, 

S. Fasoulas, 

D. Essfeld,

T. Drager

Data sharing 

with NASA 

VO2max 

protocol

ENERGY Astronaut's Energy 

Requirements for LongTerm Spaceflight.

ESA Human 

Research and 

Countermeasures 

Development

ENERGY measures changes in 

energy balance/expenditure due to 

long-term spaceflight; and derive an 

equation for astronaut’s energy 

requirements

France:

S. Blanc,

A. Zahariev, 

M. Caloin, 

F. Crampes 

USA: 

D. Schoeller

Columbus
48 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

EPO - CONVECTION EPO Convection ESA Education Introducing the concept of convection Netherlands: Columbus

to European children age 10-18. J. van Loon, 

School children will be able to operate S. de Vet, 

identical experiment on the ground A. Adawy 

and witness how convection differs E. Celton, 

under gravity compared to the space ESA/ESTEC 

station microgravity environment

EPO - FOAM S2 EPO Foam-Stability ESA Education Introducing the concept of foams to Netherlands: Columbus

European children age 10-18. School E. Celton, 

children will be able to operate N. Savage,

identical experiment on the ground C. Hartevelt, 

and witness how foams differ under ESA/ESTEC

gravity compared to the space station 

microgravity environment

EPO - MISSION X Mission-X Train Like an ESA Education NASA-led project using strict Netherlands: Node 3

Astronaut astronaut training and diets to E. Celton, /Columbus

emphasise importance of exercise N. Savage,

and healthy eating to children aged C. Hartevelt 

8-14 from around the world ESA/ESTEC

EPO - SCRIPTS SpaceShip Earth Scripts ESA Education Aims to record educational Netherlands: Cupola

photography and video related to the E. Celton, 

subthemes of the SpaceShip N. Savage,

education project: human life, C. Hartevelt 

biodiversity and climate ESA/ESTEC

EPO – SPHERES ZeroRobotics ESA/NASA Education NASA/MIT-led project using Netherlands: Kibo

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, N. Savage, 

Reorient, Experimental Satellites ESA/ESTEC

(SPHERES) aboard the station to test 

formation flying algorithms written by 

European students

ERB-2 Erasmus Recording ESA Technology The ERB-2 is a high definition 3D Netherlands: Columbus

Binocular 2 Demonstration stereoscopic video camera to be used M. Sabbatini, 

for taking footage inside the space ESA/ESTEC

station to develop narrated video 

material for promotional and 

educational purposes. It will be used 

in the future for live 3D public affairs 

events

Geoflow-2 Simulation of Geophysical ESA Physical Science Geoflow-2 studies heat and fluid flow Germany: Columbus

Fluid Flow Under currents within the Earth's mantle, in Ch. Egbers,

Microgravity - 2 an attempt to improve computational P. Beltrame,

methods that scientists and engineers F. Feudel, 

use to understand and predict the D. Breuer 

processes in the Earth's mantle that France:

lead to volcanic eruptions, plate P. Chossat, 

tectonics and earthquakes L.Tuckerman, 

I. Mutabazi,

J. Srulijes 

U.K.:

R. Hollerbach

IMMUNO Neuroendocrine and ESA Human IMMUNO aims to determine changes Germany: Russian 

Immune Responses in Research and in hormone production and immune A. Chouker, Segment

Humans During and After Counter- response during and after a space F. Christ, 

a Long-Term Stay on the measures station mission M. Thiel,

ISS Development I. Kaufmann, 

Russia: 

B. Morukov
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 49

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

MARES - SARCOLAB Myotendinous and ESA Human Sarcolab will study loss of muscle Italy: GroundNeuromuscular Adaptation Research and mass, function and motor control by P. Cerretelli, based

to Long-Term Spaceflight: Counter- determining the contractile M. Narici, 

Determinants and Time measures characteristics of muscles particularly R. Bottinelli, 

Courses Development affected, i.e., the plantar flexor C. Gelfi 

muscles in the lower leg, during static France:

and dynamic contractions C. Pérot,

C. Marque,

F. Canon, 

D. Gamet, 

S. Boudaoud, 

D. Lambertz 

UK: M. Fluck, 

C. Maganaris, 

J. Rittweger, 

O. Seynnes

METERON Multi-Purpose End-To-End ESA/DLR Technology METERON is a technology Netherlands: Destiny

Robotic Operation Demonstration experiment/architecture aiming to A. Schiele, Network validate future human-robotic P.Schoone-jans,

operations from space using the W. Carey, 

space station to carry out future J. Dettmann, 

mission simulations with real-time C. Taylor (ESA) 

mission operations and Germany: 

communications K. Nergaard, 

F. B. De 

Frescheville, 

J.Grenouilleau 

(ESA)

K. Landzettel

(DLR)

US: K. Laurini, 

T. Fong, 

A. Hooke (NASA)

MSL CETSOL-2 Columnar-to- Equiaxed ESA Physical CETSOL-2 researches the formation France: Destiny

(Batch-2A ) Transition in Solidification Sciences in of microstructures during the C.-A. Gandin, 

Processing Microgravity solidification of metallic alloys, B. Billia, 

specifically the transition from Y. Fautrelle 

columnar growth to equiaxed growth Germany: 

when crystals start to nucleate in the G. Zimmerman 

melt. Results will help to optimize Ireland:

industrial casting processes. (See D. Browne 

also MSL Batch-2A MICAST-2 and USA:

SETA-2) D. Poirier, 

C. Beckermann

MSL MICAST-2 Microstructure Formation ESA Physical MICAST researches the formation of Germany: Destiny

Batch-2A ) in Casting of Technical Sciences in microstructures during the L. Ratke, 

Alloys Under Diffusive and Microgravity solidification of metallic alloys under G. Zimmerman 

Magnetically Controlled diffusive and magnetically controlled France:

Convective Conditions convective conditions. (See also MSL Y. Fautrelle,

Batch-2A CETSOL-2 and SETA-2) J. Lacaze 

Hungary:

A. Roosz 

Canada: S. Dost 

USA: D. Poirier

NEUROSPAT: Effect of Gravitational ESA Human NEUROCOG-2 will study brain Belgium: Columbus

NEUROCOG-2 Context on Brain Research and activity that underlies cognitive G. Cheron,

Processing: A Study of Counter- processes involved in four different C. Desadeleer, 

Sensori-Motor Integration measures tasks that humans and astronauts A. Cebolla,

Using Event Related EEG Development may encounter on a daily basis. The A. Bengoetxea 

Dynamics roles played by gravity on neural France:

processes will be analyzed by A. Berthoz

different methods such as 

Electroencephalogram (EEG) during 

virtual reality stimulation
50 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

NEUROSPAT: Prefrontal Brain Function ESA Human Prespat will use physiological and Hungary: Columbus

PRESPAT and Spatial Cognition Research and behavioral measures to assess L. Balazs,

Counter- changes in general activation, I. Czigler, 

measures prefrontal brain function and G. Karmos,

Development perceptual reorganization. It is M. Molnar, 

funded as part of the European E. Nagy 

Commission The International Space Poland: 

Station: a Unique REsearch J.Achimowicz 

Infrastructure (SURE) project

NIGHT POD NODDING Nodding Mechanism ESA Technology A 2-direction “nodding” mechanism Netherlands: Cupola

MECHANISM Demonstration positioned in Cupola on the space M. Sabbatini, 

station to support camera in taking ESA/ESTEC 

high-definition pictures of a particular 

point on Earth. Will also be used to 

teach children and students about 

Earth Observation using the station 

resources. The nodding mechanism 

will compensate for the speed of the 

orbiting outpost to take pictures of 

poorly illuminated targets on Earth 

and long sequences of photographs 

using a Nikon 3DS camera mounted 

to it. Its use shall be part of ESA 

outreach and education programs

PASSAGES Scaling Body-Related ESA Human PASSAGES will test how astronauts France: Columbus

Actions in the Absence of Research and interpret visual information due to M. Luyat,

Gravity Counter- exposure to weightlessness with a J. McIntyre

measures focus on a specific neurological 

Development strategy

ROALD 2 Role of Anandamide in ESA Biological Studies gene expression of proteins Italy: Columbus

Lymphocyte Depression-2 Sciences in involved in metabolic control of the N. Battista,

Microgravity neurotransmitter Anandamide. M. Maccarrone,

Scientists want to find out the role of C. Rapino, 

this lipid in regulation of immune M. DiTommaso,

processes and in the cell cycle under M. Bari, 

weightless conditions V. Gasperi, 

A. Finazzi-Agrò

SODI-COLLOID 2 SODI-Advanced Photonic ESA Physical With the fabrication of photonic USA: D. Weitz, Destiny

Devices in Microgravity Sciences in devices being a very promising P. Segre, 

Microgravity application in colloidal engineering, W. V. Meyer,

COLLOID will study the growth and Netherlands: 

properties of advanced photonic A. Lagendijk,

materials grown in weightlessness G. Wegdam

SODI-DSC Selectable Optical ESA Physical Science SODI-DSC will study diffusion in six France: Destiny

Diagnostics Instrument - different liquids over time in the G. Galliero, 

Diffusion and Soret absence of convection induced by the M. Azaiez, 

Coefficient Measurement gravity field, refining relevant models J.L. Daridon 

for Improvement of Oil related to petroleum reservoir Canada: 

Recovery evaluation Z. Saghir 

Denmark: 

A. Shapiro 

Belgium:

S. VanVaerenbergh

SOLAR: SOLSPEC SOLSPEC ESA Solar Physics SOLSPEC will measure the solar France: Columbus

spectrum irradiance from 207 miles G. Thuillier 

(333 kilometers) to 3454 Miles (5556 

kilometers). The goals of this 

investigation are the study of solar 

variability at short and long term and 

the achievement of absolute 

measurements
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 51

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

SOLAR: SOLACES Solar Auto-Calibrating ESA Solar Physics The goal of the experiment is to Germany: Columbus

Extreme UV-Spectrometer measure the solar spectral irradiance G. Schmidtke

of the full disk from 20 miles (31 

kilometers) to 253 miles (407 

kilometers) at 0.6 miles (0.9 

kilometers) to 2.3 miles (3.7 

kilometers) spectral resolution

SOLO Sodium Loading in ESA Human SOdium LOading in Microgravity Germany: Columbus

Microgravity Research and (SOLO) studies the mechanisms of P. FringsCounter- fluid and salt retention in the body Meuthen, 

measures during space flight M. Heer,

Development N. Kamps, 

F. Baisch 

Denmark: 

P. Norsk

SPACE HEADACHES Space Headaches ESA Human Studies the incidence and prevalence Netherlands: Columbus

Research and of headaches during a stay on orbit. A. Vein,

Counter- Headache characteristics are M. Terwindt, 

measures analyzed and classified according to M.D. Ferrari

Development International Classification of 

Headache Disorders

SPIN SPIN ESA Human SPIN is a comparison between pre- Belgium: GroundResearch and flight and post-flight testing of F. Wuyts, based

Counter- astronaut subjects using a centrifuge N. Pattyn 

measures and a standardized tilt test to link USA: S. Moore,

Development orthostatic tolerance with otolith- B. Cohen,

ocular function A. Diedrich 

Australia: 

H. MacDougall 

France: 

G. Clement

THERMOLAB Thermoregulation in ESA Human THERMOLAB is investigating core Germany: Destiny

Humans During Long- Research and temperature changes in astronauts H.C. Gunga, 

Term Spaceflight Counter- performed before, during and after K. Kirsch, 

measures exercise on the station to investigate E. Koralewski, 

Development thermoregulatory and cardiovascular J. Cornier,

adaptations during long-duration H.V. Heyer, 

spaceflight P. Hoffman,

J. Koch,

F. Sattler 

France: 

P. Arbeille

Vessel ID System Vessel ID System ESA Technology The Vessel ID System demonstrates Norway: Columbus

Demonstration the space-based capability of R.B. Olsen,

identification of maritime vessels and O. Helleren, 

also tests the ability of an external A. Nordmo 

grappling adaptor to accommodate Skauen,

small passive equipment and T. Eriksen, 

payloads S. Christiansen, 

H. Rosshaug, 

F. Storesund

Vessel Imaging Vascular Echography ESA Human Vessel Imaging will evaluate changes France: Columbus

Research and in the peripheral blood vessel wall P. Arbeille

Counter- properties (thickness and compliance) 

measures and cross sectional areas during 

Development long-term spaceflight

2D-NanoTemplate Production of Two JAXA Physical Science 2D-NanoTemplate fabricates large Takatoshi 

Dimensional and highly oriented nano-scale two- Kinoshita, Ph.D.,

NanoTemplate in dimensional arranged peptide arrays Nagoya Institute of 

Microgravity by suppressing convection, Technology, 

sedimentation and buoyancy Nagoya, Aichi, 

Japan
52 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

Alloy Semiconductor Crystal Growth of Alloy JAXA Physical Science Alloy Semiconductor aims to develop Yuko Inatomi, Kibo

Semiconductor Under a clear understanding of how Japan Aerospace Microgravity semiconductor materials crystallize in Exploration 

microgravity. The materials that are Agency, Tsukuba, 

being studied are known to be useful Japan

as devices which convert heat into 

electricity (thermoelectrics). These 

studies may also shed light on how 

higher quality crystals may be 

obtainable in other materials and for 

other devices such as solar cells

Area PADLES Passive Dosimeter for Life JAXA Technology Area PADLES will measure the space Keiji Murakami, Kibo

Science Experiments in Development radiation environment inside the KIBO Akiko Nagamatsu, 

Space and module. The dosimeters, having JAXA

Demonstration been exposed to the space 

environment for six months, are 

returned to the ground for analysis. 

The measured data will be used for 

planning future life science 

experiments and updating radiation 

assessment models for human 

spaceflight in the next generation

Biological Rhythms The Effect of Long-term JAXA Human Biological Rhythms examines the Chiaki Mukai, Kibo

Microgravity Exposure on Research effect of long-term microgravity M.D., Ph.D., 

Cardiac Autonomic exposure on cardiac autonomic Japan Aerospace 

Function by Analyzing 24- function by analyzing 24-hour Exploration 

Hours Electrocardiogram electrocardiogram of long-duration Agency, Tsukuba, 

space station crew members Japan

CsPINs Dynamism of Auxin Efflux JAXA Biology and CsPINs uses cucumber seedlings to Hideyuki Kibo

Facilitators, CsPINs, Biotechnology analyze the effect of gravity on Takahashi, Ph.D., 

Responsible for Gravity- gravimorphogenesis (shape change Tohoku University, 

Regulated Growth and in response to a change in gravity Sendai, Japan

Development in Cucumber direction) (peg formation) in 

cucumber plants

Dynamic Surf Experimental Assessment JAXA Physical Science Marangoni convection is the flow Yasuhiro, Kibo

of Dynamic Surface driven by the presence of a surface Kamotani, 

Deformation Effects in tension gradient which can be Case Western 

Transition to Oscillatory produced by temperature difference Reserve 

Thermo- capillary Flow in at a liquid/gas interface. The University, 

Liquid Bridge of High convection in liquid bridge of silicone Cleveland, OH

Prandtl Number Fluid oil is generated by heating the one 

disc higher than the other. Scientists 

are observing flow patterns of how 

fluids move to learn more about how 

heat is transferred in microgravity

Hair Biomedical Analyses of JAXA Human Hair examines the effect of Chiaki Mukai, Kibo

Human Hair Exposed to a Research long-duration space flight on gene M.D., Ph.D., 

Long-Term Space Flight expression and trace element Japan Aerospace 

metabolism in the human body by Exploration 

analyzing human hair. Hair root cells Agency, Tsukuba, 

actively divide in a hair follicle, and Japan

they sensitively reflect physical 

conditions. The hair shaft has an 

advantage in that it records the 

metabolic conditions of the 

environment where the subject is

Hicari Growth of Homogeneous JAXA Physical Science Hicari aims to verify the crystal- Kyoichi Kinoshita, Kibo

SiGe Crystals in growth theory, and to produce high- JAXA

Microgravity by the TLZ quality crystals of silicon-germanium 

Method semiconductor. Once this method is 

established, it is expected to be 

applied for developing more efficient 

solar cells and semiconductor-based 

electronics
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 53

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

Ice Crystal 2 Crystal Growth JAXA Physical Science Ice Crystal-2 uses an Antifreeze Yoshinori Kibo

Mechanisms Associated Protein (AFP) that suppresses the Furukawa, Ph.D, 

With the Macromolecules growth of ice crystals in a Hokkaido 

Adsorbed at a Growing supercooled water because the University, 

Interface - Microgravity adsorption of AFP molecules occurs Sapporo, Japan

Effect for Self-Oscillatory at the ice/water interface. To 

Growth - 2 precisely observe this phenomena 

and clarify the principle of the 

oscillatory growth mechanism, this 

experiment examines the growth of 

the ice crystals in microgravity where 

gravity-based convection cannot 

interfere with the results

JAXA EPO 8 Japan Aerospace JAXA Educational JAXA EPO 8 activities demonstrate Kibo

Exploration Agency Activity and educational events and artistic 

Education Payload Outreach activities on board the space 

Observation 8 station/Japanese Experiment Module 

(JEM) to enlighten the general public 

about microgravity research and 

human space flight

JAXA PCG Japan Aerospace JAXA Biology and JAXA PCG is aimed at the growth of Ohta Kazuo, Kibo

Exploration Agency Biotechnology crystals of biological macromolecules Japan Aerospace 

Protein Crystal Growth by the counter-diffusion technique. Exploration 

The main scientific objective is to Agency, Japan)

make the fine quality protein crystals 

under microgravity environment; the 

space-grown crystals will be applied 

to structural biology and 

pharmaceutical activity

Marangoni-Exp Chaos, Turbulence and Its JAXA Physical Science Marangoni convection is the flow Koichi Nishino, Kibo

Transition Process in driven by the presence of a surface Yokohama 

Marangoni Convection- tension gradient, which can be National 

Exp produced by temperature difference University, 

at a liquid/gas interface. The Yokohama, Japan

convection in liquid bridge of silicone 

oil is generated by heating the one 

disc higher than the other. Scientists 

are observing flow patterns of how 

fluids move to learn more about how 

heat is transferred in microgravity

MAXI Monitor of All-sky X-ray JAXA Earth and Space MAXI is a highly sensitive X-ray slit Masaru Matsuoka, Kibo

Image Science camera for the monitoring of more Ph.D., Institute of 

than 1000 X-ray sources in space Space and 

over an energy band range of 0.5 to Astronautical 

30 kiloelectron volt (keV) Science (ISAS) 

ISS Science 

Project Office, 

Japan Aerospace 

Exploration 

Agency, Tsukuba, 

Japan
54 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

MCE Multi-Mission Consolidated JAXA Earth and Space IMAP: Observes the rim of Hirohisa Oda, Kibo

Equipment Science atmosphere, between space and the Japan Aerospace 

earth, with visible light spectrometer Exploration 

for no less than one continuous year Agency, Tsukuba, 

Japan GLIMS: Observes lightning and 

plasma phenomena during night time 

for no less than one continuous year

SIMPLE: Demonstrates the 

usefulness of the inflatable space 

structures in orbit in different 

manners. Inflatable structures 

include extendable mast, space 

terrarium and material panel

REXJ: Demonstrates the robot 

manipulation in orbit from ground. 

The robot moves around within an 

envelope by adjusting length of 

tethers and a telescopic arm

HDTV: Demonstrates use of 

Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS)-

HDTV in an exposed environment in 

orbit

Myco-3 Mycological Evaluation of JAXA Biology and Myco-3 identifies what kinds of fungi Chiaki Mukai, Kibo

Crew Exposure to ISS Biotechnology proliferate on the space station and M.D., Ph.D., 

Ambient Air - 3 evaluates the risk of microorganisms Japan Aerospace 

via inhalation and adhesion to the Exploration 

skin to determine which fungi act as Agency, Tsukuba, 

allergens on the space station Japan

Nano Step In-situ Observation of JAXA Biology and NanoStep aims to clarify the Professor Katsuo Kibo

Growth Mechanisms of Biotechnology relationship between crystal growth Tsukamoto, 

Protein Crystals and Their and mechanism and the perfection of Tohoku University

Perfection Under crystals. Crystallization of proteins in 

Microgravity microgravity yields crystals with better 

perfection than crystallization on 

Earth. The reason for this 

phenomenon has not been explained 

from a viewpoint of crystal growth 

mechanism

Onboard Diagnostic Kit Evaluation of Onboard JAXA Human Onboard Diagnostic Kit is a system Japan Aerospace Kibo

Diagnostic Kit Research capable of measuring, storing and Exploration 

analyzing crew’s medical data while Agency (JAXA)

on orbit. Medical data is downlinked 

to the ground in real time, whereby 

doctors will have the capability to 

diagnose disorders

Resist Tubule Mechanisms of Gravity JAXA Biology and Resist Tubule clarifies the Takayuki Hoson, Kibo

Resistance in Plants From Biotechnology mechanisms of gravity resistance, in Ph.D., Osaka City 

Signal Transformation and particular the processes from signal University, Osaka, 

Transduction to Response transformation and transduction to Japan

response. Gravity resistance is a 

principal gravity response in plants, 

comparable to gravitropism, and has 

played an important role in the 

transition of plant ancestors from an 

aquatic environment to a terrestrial 

environment about 450 million years 

ago and in the consequent 

establishment of land plants. 

Nevertheless, only limited information 

has been obtained for the mechanism 

of gravity resistance
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 55

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

SEDA-AP Space Environment Data JAXA Technology SEDA-AP will measure space Kiyokazu Koga, Kibo

Acquisition Equipment - Development environment data at the Exposed Japan Aerospace 

Attached Payload and Facility (EF) of Japanese Exploration 

Demonstration Experimental Module (JEM) “Kibo” on Agency, Japan

the station. SEDA-AP is composed of 

common bus equipment that support 

launch, Remote Manipulator System 

(RMS) handling, 

power/communication interface with 

JEM-EF, an extendible mast that 

extends the neutron monitor sensor 

into space (1m), and equipment that 

measure space environment data. 

SEDA-AP has seven measurement 

units as follows, (1) Neutron Monitor 

(NM),(2) Heavy Ion Telescope 

(HIT),(3) Plasma Monitor (PLAM),(4) 

Standard Dose Monitor (SDOM),(5) 

Atomic Oxygen Monitor (AOM),(6) 

Electronic Device Evaluation 

Equipment (EDEE),(7) Micro-Particles 

Capture (MPAC) and Space 

Environment Exposure Device 

(SEED)

SMILES Superconducting JAXA Earth and Space SMILES is aimed at global mappings Masato Shiotani, Kibo

Submillimeter-Wave Limb- Science of stratospheric trace gases by Kyoto University, 

Emission Sounder means of the most sensitive Kyoto, Japan

submillimeter receiver. Although 

SMILES has stopped atmospheric 

observation due to instrumental 

failures since April 2010, sensitive 

data obtained for a half year will 

provide accurate global datasets of 

atmospheric minor constituents 

related to ozone chemistry. SMILES 

is still continuing operations for 

instrumental calibration and cooling of 

mechanical cooler, as well as brushup of retrieval algorithms for 

atmospheric constituents

SS-HDTV Super-Sensitive High JAXA Technology SS-HDTV system records Super Akiyoshi Ohmori, 

Definition TV Development Sensitive High Definition video for TV Japan Aerospace 

and program production. During orbital Exploration 

Demonstration nights, Earth nights, lightning, Agency

auroras, cosmic showers and other 

interesting events, images are 

recorded either by crew members or 

automatically, and downlinked by 

Ku-Band and/or Inter-Satellite 

Communication System link

TEM Transport Environment JAXA Technology TEM will monitor temperatures inside Dr. Keiji Murakami, SPX-D 

Monitor Packages Development cargo vehicles bound for the station. Japan Aerospace 

and Environmental conditions during Exploration 

Demonstration transportation are very important for Agency, Tsukuba, 

biological specimens and reagents for Japan 

life-science experiments. This M. Masukawa

investigation uses temperature data 

loggers to record the environmental 

conditions near investigations 

launched on cargo vehicles. The 

TEM is planned for use to record the 

temperature data aboard the Space-X 

Demo flight (SPX-D)
56 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

3DA1 Camcorder Panasonic 3D Camera NASA Technology 3D HDTV Camcorder (3DA1 

Development Camcorder) is a unique all-in-one 

and design three-dimensional highDemonstration definition television (3D HDTV) 

camcorder that records video as files 

on standard definition (SD) memory 

cards. The camera tests the 

performance of a file-based video 

camcorder versus recording on tapes, 

and provides useful data regarding 

the performance of the camera's 

complementary metal oxide 

semiconductor (CMOS) imaging 

sensors. The 3D HD video also 

provides a unique virtual experience 

for outreach to the public. As part of 

a Fully Reimbursable Space Act 

Agreement with Panasonic Solutions 

Company, the camera provides a 

unique outlet for outreach about the 

space station

ACE-1 Advanced Colloids NASA Physical Science This is the first in a series of P. Chaikin, Ph.D., 

Experiment-1 microgravity experiments using New York 

microscopy to pursue fundamental University, 

science studies with colloids and to New York, NY; 

lay the foundations for colloidal Matthew Lynch, 

engineering. Data acquired on this Ph.D., Procter and 

length-scale will allow scientists to Gamble, 

remove the need to macroscopically Cincinnati, OH; 

model images to couple observations David A. Weitz, 

with the underlying physics. This Ph.D., Harvard 

experiment will also help refine the University, 

time scales (that is the optimal Cambridge, MA; 

particle sizes) for the follow-on ACE Arjun Yodh, Ph.D., 

3-D confocal experiments University of 

Pennsylvania, 

University Park, 

PA;

Dr. Stefano 

Buzzaccaro, ESA

ALTEA-Dosi Anomalous Long Term NASA Human ALTEA-Dosi will operate in DOSI Livio Narici, Ph.D., 

Effects in Astronauts' - Research mode (unmanned) to provide an University of 

Dosimetry assessment of the radiation Roma Tor 

environment inside the space station, Vergata, Rome, 

U.S. Laboratory, Destiny Italy

ALTEA-GAP Anomalous Long Term NASA Technology ALTEA-GAP operates in DOSI mode Livio Narici, Ph.D., 

Effects in Astronauts' Development (unmanned) to provide an University of 

Central Nervous System- and assessment of the radiation Roma Tor 

GAP Demonstration environment inside the space station, Vergata, Rome, 

U.S. Laboratory, Destiny Italy

AMS-02 Alpha Magnetic NASA Earth and Space A state-of-the-art particle physics Samuel Ting, 

Spectrometer - 02 Science detector constructed, tested and Ph.D., 

operated by an international team, the Massachusetts 

AMS-02 uses the unique environment Institute of 

of space to advance knowledge of the Technology, 

universe and lead to the Cambridge, MA

understanding of the universe's origin 

by searching for antimatter, dark 

matter and measuring cosmic rays

Amine Swingbed Amine Swingbed NASA Technology The Amine Swingbed will determine if John Graf, Ph.D., 

Development a vacuum-regenerated amine system Johnson Space 

and can effectively remove carbon dioxide Center, Houston, 

Demonstration (CO2) from the station atmosphere TX

using a smaller more efficient vacuum 

regeneration system
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 57

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

BASS Burning and Suppression NASA Physical Science BASS examines the burning and Paul Ferkul, Ph.D., 

of Solids extinction characteristics of a wide National Center for 

variety of fuel samples in Space Exploration 

microgravity, guiding strategies for Research, 

extinguishing accidental fires in Cleveland, OH

microgravity. BASS results contribute 

to the combustion computational 

models used in the design of fire 

detection and suppression systems in 

microgravity and on Earth

BCAT-3-4-CP Binary Colloidal Alloy Test NASA Physical Science Depending on their relative distances David A. Weitz, 

3 and 4: Critical Point and energies, with respect to one Ph.D., Harvard 

another, atoms and molecules University, 

organize themselves to form gases, Cambridge, MA

liquids, and solids. BCAT-3-4-CP 

studies the critical point of these 

systems, which is defined where 

gases and liquids no longer exist as 

separate entities and a new state of 

matter forms which is known as the 

critical point. The application of this 

experiment in the near term is to 

enhance the shelf life of everyday 

products and in the longer term, the 

development of revolutionary 

materials for electronics and medicine

BCAT-4-Poly Binodal Colloidal NASA Physical Science BCAT-4-Poly involves two samples Paul Chaikin, 

Aggregation Test - 4: containing microscopic spheres Ph.D., New York 

Polydispersion suspended in a liquid, which are University,

designed to determine how crystals New York, NY

can form from the samples after they 

have been well mixed. The two 

samples have the same average 

sphere size but one of them has a 

wider range (more polydisperse) of 

sizes in order to demonstrate the 

dependence of crystallization on 

particle size range. Results from 

these experiments help scientists 

develop fundamental physics 

concepts which will enable the 

development of a wide range of next 

generation technologies, such as in 

high speed computers and advanced 

optical devices

BCAT-5-3D-Melt Binary Colloidal Alloy NASA Physical Science BCAT-5-3D-Melt involves crew Arjun Yodh, Ph.D., 

Test - 5: members photographing specially University of 

Three-Dimensional Melt designed microscopic particles Pennsylvania, 

(colloids) suspended in a liquid over a University Park, 

period of time. The particles are PA

designed to melt when temperatures 

warm above a specific temperature 

(when the station is warmed by sun) 

and crystallize when the temperatures 

drop below a specific temperature 

(when the Earth blocks the sun). The 

results help scientists develop 

fundamental physics concepts which 

are important in developing next 

generation technologies in computers 

and advanced optics
58 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

BCAT-5-PhaseSep Binary Colloidal Alloy NASA Physical Science BCAT-5-PhaseSep involves a crew David A. Weitz, 

Test - 5: Phase member photographing mixed Ph.D., Harvard 

Separation samples of microscopic particles (or University, 

colloids) suspended in a liquid, Cambridge, MA

studying how the microscopic liquid 

suspended particles separate from 

each other (like oil and water) over 

time. The application of this 

experiment in the near term is in 

extending product shelf-life on Earth 

and space, and in the longer term, the 

development of next generation 

materials such as in computer 

technologies and advanced optics

BCAT-5-Seeded Growth Binary Colloidal Alloy NASA Physical Science The systematic control of crystal Paul Chaikin, 

Test - 5: Seeded Growth growth in microgravity gives insight Ph.D., New York 

into the physical laws by which matter University, New 

organizes itself. BCAT-5- Seeded York, NY

Growth studies how the rules for the 

crystallization of microscopic particles 

(known as colloids) suspended in 

liquid change when seed particles are 

present. These experiments are 

anticipated to have application to the 

development of new smart materials

BCAT-6-Colloidal Disks Binary Colloidal Alloy NASA Physical Science BCAT-6-Colloidal Disks use Arjun Yodh, Ph.D., 

Test - 6: Colloidal Disks microscopic particles (known as University of 

colloids) as models for studying the Pennsylvania, 

fundamental physics of a theoretically University Park, 

predicted, but until now unseen, liquid PA

crystal phase. Liquid crystals have 

many useful physical properties, such 

as being useful for switching colors 

(light) on and off in the thin-screen 

monitors used for many computers, 

tablets, and cell phones. The use of 

anisotropic (asymmetric) particles, 

like the colloidal disks used in this 

experiment, should produce a new 

material (cubatic) phase that is 

predicted to have orientational 

(directional) order, but no translational 

(position dependent) order

BCAT-6-PS-DNA Binary Colloidal Alloy NASA Physical Science BCAT-6-PS-DNA attempts to produce Paul Chaikin, 

Test - 6: Polystyrene - crystals in microgravity where the Ph.D., New York 

Deoxyribonucleic Acid components of the crystals are held University, 

together by deoxyribonucleic acid New York, NY

(DNA). The crystals in this 

experiment are created from DNA 

coated spherical polymer particles. 

The experiment has applications in 

the design of new revolutionary 

nanomaterials

BCAT-6-Phase Binary Colloidal Alloy NASA Physical Science BCAT-6-Phase Separation will Matthew Lynch, 

Separation Test - 6: Phase provide unique insights into how gas Ph.D., Procter and 

Separation and liquid phases separate and come Gamble, 

together in microgravity. These Cincinnati, OH

fundamental studies on the 

underlying physics of fluids could 

provide the understanding needed to 

enable the development of less 

expensive, longer shelf-life household

products, foods and medicines
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 59

Research Experiments (continued)

Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Principal 

Investigator

Ops 

Location

BCAT-6-Seeded Growth Binary Colloidal Alloy 

Test - 6: Seeded Growth

NASA Physical Science The systematic control of crystal 

growth from seeds in microgravity 

gives insight into the physical laws by 

which matter organizes itself. BCAT6 Seeded Growth allows scientists to 

Paul Chaikin, 

Ph.D., New York 

University, 

New York, NY

 

observe crystal growth mechanisms 

and crystal structures. The results 

from this experiment have application 

to a wide variety of products based on 

nanoscale materials

Bisphosphonates Bisphosphonates as a 

Countermeasure to Space 

Flight Induced Bone Loss

NASA Human 

Research

Bisphosphonates will determine 

whether an antiresorptive agent, in 

conjunction with the routine in-flight 

exercise program, protects space 

station crew members from the 

regional decreases in bone mineral 

density documented on previous 

station missions

Adrian Leblanc, 

Ph.D., Baylor 

College of 

Medicine, 

Houston, TX

 

CCF Capillary Channel Flow NASA Physical Science CCF data will assist in identifying 

innovative solutions to transporting 

liquids (such as fuels, low 

temperature liquids like liquid nitrogen 

and water) in microgravity. By 

understanding capillary fluid flow 

rates in microgravity, hardware can 

be developed for pumping liquids 

from one reservoir to another without 

Michael Dreyer, 

Ph.D., University 

of Bremen, 

Bremen, Germany

 

the need for a pump with moving 

parts. The reduced cost, weight and 

improved reliability of such equipment 

make this a particularly attractive 

technology for NASA

CEO Crew Earth Observations NASA Earth and Space 

Science

CEO involves the station crew to 

photograph natural and human-made 

events on Earth. The photographs 

record the Earth’s surface changes 

over time, along with dynamic events 

such as storms, floods, fires and 

volcanic eruptions. These images 

provide researchers on Earth with key 

data to understand the planet from 

the perspective of the space station

Susan Runco, 

Johnson Space 

Center, Houston, 

TX

 

CFE-2 Capillary 

- 2 

Flow Experiment NASA Physical Science CFE-2 is a suite of fluid physics 

experiments that investigates how 

fluids move up surfaces in 

microgravity. The results could 

improve current computer models 

used by designers of low gravity fluid 

systems, and may improve fluid 

transfer systems for water on future 

spacecraft

Mark M. 

Weislogel, Ph.D., 

Portland State 

University, 

Portland, OR

 

CSI-05 Commercial Generic 

Bioprocessing Apparatus 

Science Insert - 05: 

Spiders, Fruit Flies and 

Directional Plant Growth

NASA Educational 

Activity and 

Outreach

CSI-05 examines the long duration 

orb weaving characteristics of a 

Nephila clavipes (golden orb-web 

spiders), the movement behavior of 

fruit flies, and the thigmotropic 

(directional plant growth in response 

to a stimulus of direct contact) and 

phototropic (directional plant growth 

in response to a light source) 

responses that occur during seed 

germination in microgravity. CSI-05 

utilizes the unique microgravity 

environment of the space station as 

part of the K-12 classroom to 

encourage learning and interest in 

science, technology, engineering and 

math

Louis Stodieck, 

Ph.D., University 

of Colorado, 

BioServe Space 

Technologies

 
60 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

CSI-06 Commercial Generic NASA Educational CSI-06 is one investigation in the CSI Louis Stodieck, 

Bioprocessing Apparatus Activity and program series. The CSI program Ph.D., University 

Science Insert - 06 Outreach provides the K-12 community of Colorado,

opportunities to utilize the unique BioServe Space 

microgravity environment of the Technologies, 

space station as part of the regular Boulder, CO

classroom to encourage learning and 

interest in science, technology, 

engineering and math

CUSat Cornell University Satellite NASA Technology CUSat will perform autonomous Abbie Stewart, 

Development metrology between the two-satellite Ph.D., Air Force 

and CUSat formation using GPS Research 

Demonstration technology that is cheaper, smaller Laboratory, 

size, and less mass with high Albuquerque, NM

precision comparable to larger, more 

expensive systems by using 

Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) 

components in a modular design. 

The secondary mission objective is to 

collect visual imagery of both CUSat 

satellites and transmit the imagery to 

the ground segment where 3D 

models will verify GPS data and 

provide inspection information. 

Adoption of cost/size efficiency will 

enable potential formations or 

clusters of multiple cooperative 

spacecraft. Space flight 

demonstration of micro pulsed 

plasma thrusters for 6-axis control is 

also an objective of the CUSat 

mission 

CVB Constrained Vapor Bubble NASA Physical Science CVB aims to achieve a better Peter C. Wayner, 

understanding of the physics of Jr., Ph.D., 

evaporation and condensation and Rensselaer 

how they affect cooling processes in Polytechnic 

microgravity using a remotely Institute, Troy, 

controlled microscope and a small New York

cooling device

DECLIC-ALI Device for the Study of NASA Physical Science DECLIC-ALI studies liquids at the Yves Garrabos, 

Critical Liquids and verge of boiling. The flow of heat Ph.D., Institut de 

Crystallization - Alice Like during boiling events is different in Chimie de la 

Insert microgravity than it is on Earth. Matire Condense 

Understanding how heat flows in de Bordeaux, 

fluids at the verge of boiling will help Bordeaux, France

scientists develop cooling systems for 

use in microgravity

DECLIC-DSI Device for the Study of NASA Physical Science DECLIC-DSI provides a better Nathalie Bergeon, 

Critical Liquids and understanding of the relationship Ph.D., Universit 

Crystallization - Directional between micro- and macro-structure Paul Czanne (AixSolidification Insert formation during solidification Marseille III), 

processes Marseille, France

DECLIC-HTI Device for the Study of NASA Physical Science DECLIC-HTI studies liquids just Yves Garrabos, 

Critical Liquids and beyond the verge of boiling. The flow Ph.D., Institut de 

Crystallization - High of heat during boiling events is Chimie de la 

Temperature Insert different in microgravity than it is on Matire Condense 

Earth. Understanding how heat flows de Bordeaux, 

in fluids at the verge of boiling will Bordeaux, France

help scientists develop cooling 

systems for use in microgravity
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 61

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

DOD SPHERES-CSAC Department of Defense NASA Technology Atomic clocks are the most accurate Andrei Shkel, 

Synchronized Position, Development time keepers in the world. An atomic Defense Advanced 

Hold, Engage, Reorient, and clock is a precision clock that Research Projects 

Experimental Satellites- Demonstration depends for its operation on an Agency, 

Chip Scale Atomic Clock electrical oscillation regulated by the Washington, D.C

natural vibration frequencies of an 

atomic system. The CSAC program 

will demonstrate the performance of 

an atomic clock in the sustained 

microgravity environment of ISS

DTN Disruption Tolerant NASA Technology DTN establishes a long-term, readily Kevin Gifford, 

Networking for Space Development accessible communications test-bed Ph.D., University 

Operations and onboard the space station. Two of Colorado, 

Demonstration Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Boulder, CO

Apparatus (CGBA), CGBA-5 and 

CGBA-4, will serve as 

communications test computers that 

transmit messages between station 

and ground Mission Control Centers. 

All data will be monitored and 

controlled at the BioServe remote 

Payload Operations Control Center 

(POCC) located on the Engineering 

Center premises at the University of 

Colorado - Boulder

EarthKAM Earth Knowledge Acquired NASA Educational EarthKAM is a NASA education Sally Ride, Ph.D., 

by Middle School Students Activity and program that enables thousands of University of 

Outreach students to photograph and examine California - San 

Earth from a space crew's Diego, San Diego, 

perspective. Using the Internet, the CA

students control a special digital 

camera mounted onboard the 

International Space Station. This 

enables them to photograph the 

Earth's coastlines, mountain ranges 

and other geographic items of interest 

from the unique vantage point of 

space. The team at EarthKAM then 

posts these photographs on the 

Internet for the public and 

participating classrooms around the 

world to view 

ELITE-S2 Elaboratore Immagini NASA Human ELITE-S2 investigates the connection Francesco 

Televisive - Space 2 Research between brain, visualization and Lacquaniti, M.D., 

motion in the absence of gravity. By University of Rome 

recording and analyzing the Tor Vergata, 

three-dimensional motion of crew Rome, Italy

members, this study helps engineers 

apply ergonomics into future 

spacecraft designs and determines 

the effects of weightlessness on 

breathing mechanisms for longduration missions. This experiment is 

a cooperative effort with the Italian 

Space Agency, ASI

EPO-Demos Education Payload NASA Educational EPO-Demos records video education Trinesha Dixon, 

Operation - Activity and demonstrations performed on the Johnson Space 

Demonstrations Outreach space station by crew members using Center, Houston, 

hardware already onboard. EPO- TX

Demos enhance existing NASA 

education resources and programs 

for educators and students in grades 

K-12, in support of the NASA mission 

to inspire the next generation of 

explorers
62 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

ERTD Demo Exploration Research and NASA Biology and 

Technology Division Biotechnology

Demonstration

FLEX Multi-User Droplet NASA Physical Science FLEX will assess the effectiveness of Forman A. 

Combustion Apparatus fire suppressants in microgravity and Williams, 

FLame Extinguishment quantify the effect of different possible University of 

EXperiment crew exploration atmospheres on fire California, San 

suppression. This research is Diego, San Diego, 

expected to provide definition and CA

direction for large scale fire 

suppression tests and selection of the 

fire suppressant for next generation 

crew exploration vehicles

FLEX-2 Flame Extinguishment NASA Physical Science FLEX-2 is the second of two Forman A. 

Experiment - 2 investigations on the station which Williams, 

uses small droplets of fuel to study University of 

the special burning characteristics of California, San 

fire in space. FLEX-2 will study the Diego, San Diego, 

rate and manner in which fuel is CA

burned, the conditions that are 

necessary for soot to form, and the 

way in which a mixture of fuels 

evaporate before burning. The 

results from the FLEX experiments 

will give scientists a better 

understanding of how fires behave in 

space, providing important 

information that will be useful in 

increasing the fuel efficiency of 

engines using liquid fuels

Functional Task Test Physiological Factors NASA Human Functional Task Test will test crew Jacob Bloomberg, 

Contributing to Changes in Research members on an integrated suite of Ph.D., Johnson

Postflight Functional functional and physiological tests Space Center, 

Performance before and after short- and long- Houston, TX

duration space flight. The study 

identifies critical mission tasks that 

may be impacted, maps physiological 

changes to alterations in physical 

performance, and aids in the design 

of countermeasures that specifically 

target the physiological systems 

responsible for impaired functional 

performance

HDEV HIGH Definition Earth NASA Technology HDEV payload incorporates four Carlos Fontanot, 

Viewing Development commercially available high definition Johnson Space 

and cameras to provide high definition Center, Houston, 

Demonstration views of the earth. The HDEV TX

selected four different camera types, 

which have shown potential in early 

ground-based testing and studies to 

best survive the radiation and space 

environment. While providing these 

earth viewing images, the payload is 

also demonstrating the longevity of 

these cameras in the space 

environment, to provide data and 

reduce risk in the selection of 

cameras that will be considered for 

future use on NASA spacecraft
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 63

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

HET-Smartphone Human Exploration NASA Technology HET-Smartphone demonstrates and Terry Fong, NASA 

Telerobotics Smartphone Development assesses Intravehicular Activity (IVA) Ames Research 

and free-flyer telerobotic operations using Center, Moffett 

Demonstration SPHERES and remote operation of Field, CA

SPHERES by ground control and 

crew. HET-Smartphone assesses 

telerobotic operations to increase 

crew efficiency and productivity for 

future human exploration missions

HiMassSEE Spacecraft Single Event NASA Technology HiMassSEE measures space Steven Koontz, 

Environments at High Development radiation interactions with spacecraft Ph.D.

Shielding Mass and structure and shielding using several 

Demonstration passive track detector technologies to 

provide a more accurate definition of 

space station payload 

accommodation

HREP-HICO HICO and RAIDS NASA Earth and Space HREP-HICO operates a specialized Mike Corson, 

Experiment Payload - Science visible and near-infrared camera to Naval Research 

Hyperspectral Imager for detect, identify and quantify coastal Laboratory, 

the Coastal Ocean features from the space station. The Washington, D.C.

experiment demonstrates the retrieval 

of coastal products including the 

water depth, the water clarity, 

chlorophyll content, and sea floor 

composition for civilian and naval 

purposes

HREP-RAIDS HICO and RAIDS NASA Technology HREP-RAIDS provides atmospheric Scott Budzien, 

Experiment Payload - Development scientists with a complete description Naval Research 

Remote Atmospheric and and of the major constituents of the Laboratory, 

Ionospheric Detection Demonstration thermosphere and ionosphere. The Washington, D.C.

System (RAIDS) thermosphere is the layer of the

Earth's atmosphere where the space 

station orbits the Earth, and the 

ionosphere is the portion of the upper 

atmosphere that affects radio waves. 

RAIDS provides density, composition, 

temperature and electron density 

profiles at altitudes between 59 miles 

(95 kilometers) – 186 miles (300 

kilometers)

ISS Ham Radio International Space NASA Educational Ham (amateur) radios are used to Kenneth Ransom, 

Station Ham Radio Activity and increase student interest in space Johnson Space 

Outreach exploration by allowing them to talk Center, Houston, 

directly with crew members living and TX

working aboard the space station

InSPACE-3 Investigating the Structure NASA Physical Science InSPACE-3 obtains data on fluids Eric M. Furst, 

of Paramagnetic containing ellipsoid-shaped particles Ph.D., University 

Aggregates from Colloidal that change the physical properties of of Delaware, 

Emulsions - 3 the fluids in response to magnetic Newark, DE

fields

InSPIRE-EMFF- NASA 

SPHERES

InSPIRE-VBN-SPHERES International Space NASA Technology InSPIRE Vision Based Navigation will Roger Hall, 

Station hosted SPHERES Development demonstrate, in a realistic test Defense Advanced 

Integrated Research and environment, critical technologies in Research Projects 

Experimentation - Vision Demonstration the area of visual Agency, 

Based Navigation - inspection/navigation. This effort will Washington, D.C.

Synchronized Position, develop hardware and software to 

Hold, Engage, Reorient, enable one or two SPHERES to 

Experimental Satellites construct a 3D model of another 

object (likely a third SPHERE, but 

applicable to any object) and perform 

relative navigation solely by reference 

to this 3D model
64 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

Integrated Cardiovascular Cardiac Atrophy and NASA Human Integrated Cardiovascular aims to Benjamin D. 

Diastolic Dysfunction Research quantify the extent, time course and Levine, M.D., 

During and After Long clinical significance of cardiac atrophy Institute for 

Duration Spaceflight: (decrease in the size of the heart Exercise and 

Functional Consequences muscle) associated with long-duration Environmental 

for Orthostatic Intolerance, space flight and identify the Medicine, 

Exercise Capability and mechanisms of this atrophy and the Presbyterian 

Risk for Cardiac functional consequences for crew Hospital and 

Arrhythmias members who spend extended University of 

periods of time in space Texas 

Southwestern 

Medical Center at 

Dallas, Dallas, TX

Integrated Immune Validation of Procedures NASA Human Integrated Immune will assess the Clarence F. Sams, 

for Monitoring Crew Research clinical risks resulting from the Ph.D., Johnson 

Member Immune Function adverse effects of space flight on the Space Center, 

human immune system and will Houston, TX

validate a flight-compatible immune 

monitoring strategy. To monitor 

changes in the immune system, 

researchers collect and analyze 

blood, urine and saliva samples from 

crew members before, during and 

after space flight

ISERV ISS SERVIR NASA Earth and Space ISERV is an automated system Burgess Howell, 

Environmental Research Science designed to acquire images of the National Space 

and Visualization System Earth's surface from the space Science and 

station. It is primarily a means to gain Technology 

experience and expertise in Center, Huntsville, 

automated data acquisition from AL

station, although it is expected to 

provide useful images for use in 

disaster monitoring and assessment, 

and environmental decisionmaking

ISSAC International Space NASA Earth and Space ISSAC will take frequent images, in Dr. Bruce Smith, 

Station Agricultural Science visible and infrared light, principally of University of 

Camera vegetated areas (growing crops, North Dakota, 

grasslands, forests) in the northern Grand Folks, ND

Great Plains region of the United 

States. The sensor is also being 

used to study dynamic Earth 

processes around the world, such as 

melting glaciers, ecosystem 

responses to seasonal changes, and 

human impacts, and including rapidresponse monitoring of natural 

disasters. ISSAC was built and is 

being operated by students and 

faculty at the University of North 

Dakota, in Grand Forks, ND

Journals Behavioral Issues NASA Human Journals obtains information on Jack W. Stuster, 

Associated With Isolation Research behavioral and human issues that are Ph.D., CPE, 

and Confinement: Review relevant to the design of equipment Anacapa 

and Analysis of Astronaut and procedures and sustained human Sciences, Inc., 

Journals performance during extended- Santa Barbara, CA

duration missions. Study results will 

provide information to help prepare 

for future missions to low-Earth orbit 

and beyond

LEGO Bricks LEGO Bricks, formerly NASA Educational LEGO Bricks is a series of toy LEGO The Lego Group, 

known as NLO-Education- Activity and kits that are assembled on orbit and Billund, Denmark

2 Outreach used to demonstrate scientific 

concepts. Some of these models 

include satellites, a space shuttle 

orbiter, and a scale model of the 

space station
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 65

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

MFMG Miscible Fluids in NASA Physical Science Honey and water are miscible fluids, John Pojman, 

Microgravity that is, fluids that dissolve completely Ph.D., Louisiana 

in each other. Water will be injected State University, 

into honey to test if it will act like an Baton Rouge, LA

immiscible fluid, such as water being 

injected into oil, and spontaneously 

form a spherical drop. The 

experiment needs to be performed in 

weightlessness

Micro-5 Investigation of Host- NASA Biology and Micro-5 aims to better understand the Cheryl A. 

Pathogen Interactions, Biotechnology risks of in-flight infections in space Nickerson, Ph.D., 

Conserved Cellular explorers during long-term space Arizona State 

Responses, and flight using the model organism University, Tempe, 

Countermeasure Efficacy Caenorhabditis elegans (roundworm) AZ

During Spaceflight Using with the microbe Salmonella 

the Human Surrogate typhimurium (causes food poisoning 

Model Caenorhabditis in humans)

Elegans

Micro-6 Microbiology - 6 NASA Biology and Micro-6 will study basic questions of 

Biotechnology how life responds to gravity and 

space environments

MISSE-8 Materials International NASA Technology MISSE-8 is a test bed for materials Robert Walters, 

Space Station Experiment Development and computing elements attached to Ph.D., Naval 

- 8 and the outside of the space station. Research 

Demonstration These materials and computing Laboratory, 

elements are being evaluated for the Washington, DC

effects of atomic oxygen, ultraviolet, 

direct sunlight, radiation, and 

extremes of heat and cold. This 

experiment allows the development 

and testing of new materials and 

computing elements that can better 

withstand the rigors of space 

environments. Results will provide a 

better understanding of the durability 

of various materials and computing 

elements when they are exposed to 

the space environment, with 

applications in the design of future 

spacecraft

MSL-CETSOL and Materials Science NASA Physical Science MSL-CETSOL and MICAST support Charles-Andre 

MICAST Laboratory - Columnar-to- research into metallurgical Gandin, Ph.D., 

Equiaxed Transition in solidification, semiconductor crystal Ecole de Mines de 

Solidification Processing growth (Bridgman and zone melting), Paris, ARMINESand Microstructure and measurement of thermo-physical CEMEF, Sophia 

Formation in Casting of properties of materials. This is a Antipolis, France 

Technical Alloys Under cooperative investigation with the (CETSOL)

Diffusive and Magnetically European Space Agency and NASA 

Controlled Convective for accommodation and operation 

Conditions aboard the International Space 

Station

NanoRacks-CubeLabs NanoRacks-CubeLabs NASA Physical Science The NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 Jeffrey Manber, 

Module-9 Module-9 processes materials science samples NanoRacks, LLC, 

in microgravity. The science goals for Laguna Woods, 

NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 are CA

proprietary

NanoRacks-E-Book NanoRacks-Electronic- NASA Technology NanoRacks-E-Book places a 

Book Development commercial off-the-shelf e-book on 

and the space station to study how the 

Demonstration commercial product behaves in 

microgravity. NanoRacks-E-Book is 

part of a long-term study by 

NanoRacks to explore the use of 

readily available products and 

technologies for use by crew 

members in the years to come
66 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Principal 

Investigator

Ops 

Location

NanoRacks: 

FCHS-Robot 

NanoRacks- NanoRacks-Fremont 

Christian High SchoolMini-Robot

NASA Educational 

Activity and 

Outreach

NanoRacks-FCHS-Robot, a NanoLab 

project, will study the effects of 

microgravity on remotely controlled

robot control mechanisms and 

mechanical devices

 

NanoRacks-Fischer-18SrRNANanoRacks-Fischer 

Institute of Air and Space - 

Footsteps of Creation and 

Origin of Life

NASA Biology and 

Biotechnology

NanoRacks-Fischer-18S-rRNA 

investigates the behavior of 18S 

Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) in 

microgravity, which is of strong 

interest to a number of leading

biomedical research institutes

Jeffrey Manber, 

NanoRacks, LLC, 

Laguna Woods, 

CA

 

NanoRacks-Fischer-Bone NanoRacks-Fischer 

Institute of Air and SpaceBone Study

NASA Biology and 

Biotechnology

NanoRacks-Fischer-Bone 

investigates the MC3T3 mouse bone 

cell line in microgravity, which has 

strong commercial applications within 

biopharmaceutical markets

 

NanoRacks-NanoKit-1 NanoRacks-DreamUP!-

Crystal MicroplatesNanoKit-1 

NASA Educational 

Activity and 

Outreach

NanoRacks-NanoKit-1 is an 

educational project targeting mainly 

home-schoolers to allow them and 

their parents the opportunity to take 

part in understanding the value of 

undertaking space-based research 

projects

 

NanoRacks-Smartphone2 NanoRacks-Smartphone-2 NASA Technology 

Development 

and 

Demonstration

NanoRacks-Smartphone-2 is a 

commercial smartphone, with a 

commercially available open 

operating system, to study the use of 

readily available products and 

technologies as a new pathway for 

crew member operations

 

NanoRacks-Terpene NanoRacks-Terpene 

Extraction in Microgravity

NASA Biology and 

Biotechnology

NanoRacks-Terpene, sponsored by a 

commercial organization, hopes to 

find new chemical building blocks for 

their products through microgravity 

extraction of the terpenes from wood 

samples

 

NanoRacks-VCHSElectromagnetic 

Ferrofluid

NanoRacks-Valley 

Christian High SchoolElectromagnetic Effects on 

Ferrofluid

NASA Educational 

Activity and 

Outreach 

NanoRacks-VCHS-Electromagnetic 

Ferrofluid is a Valley Christian High 

School student developed experiment

 

NanoRacks-VCHSElectroplatingNanoRacks-Valley 

Christian High SchoolElectroplating

NASA Educational 

Activity and 

Outreach

NanoRacks-VCHS-Electroplating, a 

NanoLab project, will study the effects 

of microgravity on electroplating

 

NanoRacks-VCHS-Plant 

Growth

NanoRacks-Valley 

Christian High SchoolPlant Growth

NASA Educational 

Activity and 

Outreach

NanoRacks-VCHS-Plant Growth, a 

NanoLab project, will study the 

growth and growth rate of Marigold 

and Thyme seeds in microgravity

 

NanoRacks-WCHS-E. 

Coli and Kanamycin

NanoRacks-Whittier 

Christian High SchoolE.Coli Bacteria and 

Kanamycin Antibiotic

NASA Educational 

Activity and 

Outreach

NanoRacks-WCHS –E. Coli and 

Kanamycin, a NanoLab project, will 

study the growth of Escherichia coli 

(E. coli) bacteria in microgravity and 

the E. coli bacteria’s resistance to the 

antibiotic Kanamycin by varying the 

antibiotic dosage

 

NLP-Cells National Laboratory 

Pathfinder – Cells 

NASA Biology and 

Biotechnology

NLP-Cells-8-10 are commercial 

payloads serving as pathfinders for 

the use of the space station as a 

National Laboratory after station 

assembly is complete. Several 

different experiments are involved 

that examine cellular replication and 

differentiation of cells. This research 

is investigating the use of space flight 

to enhance or improve cellular growth 

processes used in ground based 

research

Louis Stodieck, 

Ph.D., University 

of Colorado, 

BioServe Space 

Technologies, 

Boulder, CO

 
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 67

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

Nutrition Nutritional Status NASA Human Nutrition is a comprehensive in-flight Scott M. Smith, 

Assessment Research study designed to understand Ph.D., Johnson 

changes in human physiology during Space Center, 

long-duration space flight. This study Houston, TX

includes measures of bone 

metabolism, oxidative damage, and 

chemistry and hormonal changes; as 

well as assessments of the nutritional 

status of the crew members 

participating in the study. The results 

have an impact on the definition of 

nutritional requirements and 

development of food systems for 

future exploration missions to the 

Moon and Mars. This experiment 

also helps researchers understand 

the effectiveness of measures taken 

to counteract the effects of space 

flight, as well as the impact of 

exercise and pharmaceutical 

countermeasures on nutritional status 

PACE-2 Preliminary Advanced 

Colloids Experiment - 

3D Particle Test

and nutrient requirements for crew 

members 

NASA Technology PACE-2 characterizes the resolution Jacob N. Cohen, 

2: Development of the high magnification colloid Ph.D., Ames 

and experiments with the Light Research Center,

Demonstration Microscopy Module (LMM) to Moffett Field, CA

determine the minimum size of the 

particles that can be resolved by the 

Advanced Colloids Experiment 

(ACE). There is a direct relationship 

between magnification, particle size, 

test duration and onorbit vibration that 

is quantified

Particle Flux Particle Flux Demonstrator NASA Technology The Particle Flux Demonstrator Mark Pearce, 

Development (Particle Flux) is a handheld, Royal Institute of 

and battery-operated cosmic ray (charged Technology, 

Demonstration particle) detector Stockholm, 

Sweden

Photosynth PhotosynthTM Three- NASA Educational Photosynth synthesizes three- Dylan Mathis, 

Dimensional Modeling of Activity and dimensional models of the Johnson Space 

ISS Interior and Exterior Outreach International Space Station from a Center, Houston, 

series of overlapping still TX

photographs, mainly as a tool for 

education and public outreach. 

Photosynth is a collaboration between 

NASA and Microsoft Live Labs

Pro K Dietary Intake Can Predict NASA Human Pro K is NASA’s first evaluation of a Scott M. Smith, 

and Protect Against Research dietary countermeasure to lessen Ph.D., Johnson 

Changes in Bone bone loss of astronauts. Pro K Space Center, 

Metabolism During proposes that a flight diet with a Houston, TX

Spaceflight and Recovery decreased ratio of animal protein to 

potassium will lead to decreased loss 

of bone mineral. Pro K has impacts 

on the definition of nutritional 

requirements and development of 

food systems for future exploration 

missions, and could yield a method of 

counteracting bone loss that would 

have virtually no risk of side effects

Reaction Self Test Psychomotor Vigilance NASA Human Reaction Self Test is a portable five- David F. Dinges, 

Self Test on the Research minute reaction time task that will Ph.D., University 

International Space allow the crew members to monitor of Pennsylvania 

Station the daily effects of fatigue on School of 

performance while on board the Medicine, 

space station Philadelphia, PA
68 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

REBR ReEntry Breakup NASA Technology REBR tests a cost-effective system William Ailor, 

Recorder Development that rides a reentering space vehicle, Ph.D., The 

and records data during the reentry and Aerospace 

Demonstration breakup of the vehicle, and returns Corporation, 

the data for analysis El Segundo, CA

Repository National Aeronautics and NASA Human The National Aeronautics and Space Kathleen A. 

Space Administration Research Administration Biological Specimen McMonigal, M.D., 

Biilogicla Specimen Repository (Repository) is a storage Johnson Space 

Repository bank that is used to maintain Center, Houston, 

biological specimens over extended TX

periods of time and under wellcontrolled conditions. This repository 

supports scientific discovery that 

contributes to our fundamental 

knowledge in the area of human 

physiological changes and adaptation 

to a microgravity environment and 

provides unique opportunities to study 

longitudinal changes in human 

physiology spanning many missions. 

Samples from the International Space 

Station (ISS), including blood and 

urine, are collected, processed and 

archived during the preflight, in-flight 

and postflight phases of ISS 

missions. This investigation archives 

biosamples for use as a resource for 

future space-flight-related research

Robonaut Robonaut NASA Technology Robonaut serves as a spring board to 

Development help evolve new robotic capabilities in 

and space. Robonaut demonstrates that 

Demonstration a dexterous robot can launch and 

operate in a space vehicle, 

manipulate mechanisms in a 

microgravity environment, operate for 

an extended duration within the space 

environment, assist with tasks, and 

eventually interact with the crew 

members 

RRM Robotic Refueling Mission NASA Technology RRM demonstrates and tests the Frank Cepollina, 

Development tools, technologies and techniques Goddard Space 

and needed to robotically refuel satellites Flight Center, 

Demonstration in space, even satellites not designed Greenbelt, MD

to be serviced. RRM is expected to 

reduce risks and lay the foundation 

for future robotic servicing missions in 

microgravity

SATS-Interact Supervision of NASA Technology SATS is a research effort aimed at Vadim Slavin, and 

Autonomous and Development drastically improving remote Randy Stiles, 

Teleoperated Satellites - and operation of space assets by enabling Lockheed Martin 

Interact Demonstration one user to control multiple Space Systems 

maneuvering satellites. SATS effort Company, 

is developing Interact, a command Sunnyvale, CA

and control user interface, which 

enables one user to supervise the 

tasking and monitor the activity of a 

team of remote nanosatellites working 

on a common mission
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 69

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

SCAN Testbed Space Communications NASA Technology SCAN Testbed will be a station-based Richard C. 

and Navigation Testbed Development experimental facility investigating Reinhart, Glenn 

and reprogrammable, Software Defined Research Center, 

Demonstration Radio (SDR) technology during space Cleveland, OH

missions. The experiments will 

advance a common SDR architecture 

standard, and demonstrate advanced 

communications, navigation, and 

networking applications. The Testbed 

includes three software defined radios 

communicating with Tracking and 

Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) 

constellation at S-band and Ka-band, 

direct to ground at S-band, and 

receive L-band (GPS) signals. The 

SCAN Testbed will advance many 

technologies to enhance future 

human and robotic missions including 

high data rate transmission and 

reception, new data coding and 

modulation, adaptive cognitive 

applications, real-time networking 

including disruptive tolerant 

networking, and precise navigation at 

current and emerging GPS 

frequencies. The testbed will also 

host SDR investigations by other 

government agencies, commercial 

and academic users

Seedling Growth Seedling Growth, formerly NASA Biology and Seedling Growth studies the effects of John Z. Kiss, 

Seed Growth-2 Biotechnology microgravity on the growth of plants. Ph.D., Miami 

The Seedling Growth experiment will University, Oxford, 

be performed onboard the space OH; Francisco 

station in collaboration with the Javier Medina, 

European Space Agency. Images of Centro de 

the plants will be captured and down- Investiga-ciones 

linked to Earth. Samples of the plants Biologicas, Madrid, 

will be harvested and returned to Spain

Earth for scientific analysis. The 

results of this experiment can lead to 

information that will aid researchers in 

food production studies concerning 

future long-duration space missions, 

as well as data that will enhance crop 

production on Earth
70 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

SHERE-II Shear History Extensional NASA Physical Science SHERE-II involves a non-Newtonian Gareth H. 

Rheology Experiment - II fluid that will undergo preshearing McKinley, Ph.D., 

(rotation) for a specified period of Massachusetts 

time, followed by stretching. This Institute of 

combination of shearing and Technology, 

extensional deformations is common Cambridge, MA

in many earth-based polymer 

processing and manufacturing 

operations such as extrusion, blowmolding and fiber spinning. However, 

to accurately predict the flow behavior 

of polymeric fluids under such 

deformation histories, an accurate 

knowledge of the extensional 

viscosity of a polymer system and its 

variation with strain rate is critical and 

will be measured during this 

experiment. The fundamental 

understanding and measurement of 

these complex fluids is important for 

containerless processing, a key 

operation for fabrication of parts, such 

as adhesives or fillers, using 

elastomeric materials on future 

exploration missions

SLICE Structure and Liftoff In NASA Physical Science SLICE investigates the nature of Marshall B. Long, 

Combustion Experiment flames in microgravity. The results Ph.D., Yale 

from these experiments could lead to University, 

improvements in technologies which New Haven, 

aim to reduce pollution emissions and Connecticut

improve burning efficiency for a wide 

variety of industries

SNFM Serial Network Flow NASA Technology SNFM, using a commercial software Carl Konkel, 

Monitor Development CD, will monitor the payload local Boeing, Houston, 

and area network (LAN) to analyze and TX

Demonstration troubleshoot LAN data traffic. 

Validating LAN traffic models may 

allow for faster and more reliable 

computer networks to sustain 

systems and science on future space 

missions

SpaceDRUMS Space Dynamically NASA Physical Science SpaceDRUMS will provide a suite of Jacques Guigne, 

Responding Ultrasonic hardware capable of facilitating Ph.D.,Guigne 

Matrix System containerless advanced materials Space Systems, 

science, including combustion Incorporated, 

synthesis and fluid physics. That is, Paradise, 

inside SpaceDRUMS samples of Newfoundland, 

experimental materials can be Canada

processed without ever touching a 

container wall

SPHERES Synchronized Position NASA Technology SPHERES are bowling-ball sized David W. Miller, 

Hold, Engage, Reorient, Development spherical satellites used inside the Ph.D., 

Experimental Satellites and space station to test a set of well- Massachusetts 

Demonstration defined instructions for spacecraft Institute of 

performing autonomous rendezvous Technology, 

and docking maneuvers. Three free- Cambridge, MA

flying spheres fly within the cabin of 

the Space Station, performing flight 

formations. Each satellite is 

self-contained with power, propulsion, 

computers and navigation equipment.

The results are important for satellite 

servicing, vehicle assembly and 

formation flying spacecraft 

configurations
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 71

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

SPHERES-Zero-Robotics Synchronized Position NASA Educational SPHERES-Zero-Robotics establishes David W. Miller, 

Hold, Engage, Reorient, Activity and an opportunity for high school Ph.D., 

Experimental Satellites- Outreach students to design research for the Massachusetts 

Zero-Robotics space station. As part of a Institute of 

competition, students write algorithms Technology, 

for the SPHERES satellites to Cambridge, MA

accomplish tasks relevant to future 

space missions. The algorithms are 

tested by the SPHERES team and 

the best designs are selected for the 

competition to operate the SPHERES 

satellites onboard the station

Sprint Integrated Resistance and NASA Human Sprint evaluates the use of high Lori PloutzAerobic Training Study Research intensity, low volume exercise training Snyder, Ph.D. 

to minimize loss of muscle, bone, and Universities Space 

cardiovascular function in station Research 

crew members during long-duration Association, 

missions Houston, TX

STP-H3-Canary Space Test Program - NASA Technology STP-H3-Canary investigates the Geoff Mcharg, 

Houston 3 - Canary Development interaction of ions with the Ph.D., US Air 

and background plasma environment Force Academy, 

Demonstration around the station CO

STP-H3-DISC Space Test Program - NASA Technology STP-H3-DISC captures images of Andrew Nicholas, 

Houston 3 - Digital Development star fields for analysis by ground Naval Research 

Imaging Star Camera and algorithms to determine the attitude of Laboratory, 

Demonstration the station. The results will lead to Washington, DC

the creation of more robust and 

capable satellites to be used by 

ground systems for Earth-bound 

communications

STP-H3-MHTEX Space Test Program - NASA Technology STP-H3-MHTEX, capillary pumped Andrew Nicholas, 

Houston 3 - Massive Heat Development loop heat transfer equipment, which Naval Research 

Transfer Experiment and operates by continuous fluid flow to Laboratory, 

Demonstration transfer heat from multiple spacecraft Washington, DC

sources to an external vehicle surface 

to improve the understanding of twophase flow microgravity performance

STP-H3-VADER Space Test Program - NASA Technology STP-H3-VADER tests a new form of Andrew Nicholas, 

Houston 3 - Variable Development multilayer insulation that uses Aerogel Naval Research 

Emissivity Radiator and as the thermal isolator to protect Laboratory, 

Aerogel Insulation Blanket Demonstration spacecraft from the harsh extremes of Washington, DC

Dual Zone Thermal the space environment

Control Experiment Suite 

for Responsive Space

Treadmill Kinematics Biomechanical Analysis of NASA Human Treadmill Kinematics is the first John De Witt, 

Treadmill Exercise on the Research rigorous investigation to quantify the Ph.D., Wyle, 

International Space biomechanics of treadmill exercise Houston, TX

Station conditions during long-duration space 

flight on the station. Exercise 

prescriptions are developed under the 

assumption that walking and running 

in microgravity have the same training 

effects as during normal gravity. 

However, if locomotion kinematics 

and kinetics differ between 

microgravity and normal gravity, 

understanding these mechanisms 

allows the development of 

appropriate exercise prescriptions to 

increase exercise benefits to crew 

health and well-being
72 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued) 

VIABLE 

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location 

ISS Evaluation and Monitoring NASA Biology and VIABLE ISS involves the evaluation Francesco 

of Microbiofilms Inside Biotechnology of the microbial biofilm development Canganella, 

International Space on space materials. Both metallic Universita della 

Station and textile space materials, either Tuscia, Viterbo, 

conventional or innovative, are Italy 

located inside and on the cover of 

Nomex pouches that are placed 

inside the space station 

VO2max Evaluation of Maximal NASA Human VO2max documents changes in Alan D. Moore, Jr., 

Oxygen Uptake and Research maximum oxygen uptake for crew Ph.D., Johnson 

Submaximal Estimates of members on board the space station Space Center, 

VO2max Before, During, during long-duration missions Houston, TX 

and After Long Duration 

International Space 

Station Missions 

YouTube Space Lab YouTube Space Lab NASA Educational YouTube Space Lab is a world-wide Zahaan Bharmal, 

Competition Activity and contest for students 14-18 years old. Google, London, 

Outreach Students submit entries via a two- UK 

minute YouTube video in the areas of 

physics or biology – deadline for 

submission is December 7, 2011. 

The top two experiments are flown to 

and conducted on the space station 

ТХН-9 Kristallizator (Crystallizer) RSA Physico- Biological macromolecules Kibo 

chemical crystallization and obtaining bioprocesses and crystal films under microgravity 

material in conditions 

condition of 

cosmos 

КПТ-21(TEX-20) Plazmennyi Kristall RSA Physico- Study of the plasma-dust crystals and MRM2 

(Plasma Crystal) chemical fluids under microgravity 

processes and 

material in 

condition of 

cosmos 

ГФИ-1 Relaksatsiya RSA Geophysics and Study of chemiluminescent chemical 

located beside reactions and atmospheric light 

land outer space phenomena that occur during highvelocity interaction between the 

exhaust products from spacecraft 

propulsion systems and the Earth 

atmosphere at orbital altitudes and 

during the entry of space vehicles into 

the Earth upper atmosphere 

ГФИ-8 Uragan RSA Geophysics and Experimental verification of the 

located beside ground and space-based system for 

land outer space predicting natural and man-made 

disasters, mitigating the damage 

caused, and facilitating recovery 

ГФИ-16 Vsplesk (Burst) RSA Geophysics and Seismic effects monitoring. 

located beside Researching high-energy particles 

land outer space streams in near-Earth space 

environment 

ГФИ-17 Molnija- Gamma RSA Geophysics and Study atmospheric hits gamma and 

(Lightning-Gamma) located beside optical radiation in condition of the 

land outer space storm activity 

ГФИ-28 Microsatellite RSA Geophysics and Testing of run in automatic mode Progress 

located beside microsatellite Chibis-M using the 

land outer space cargo ship “Progress” 

МБИ-12 Sonokard RSA Biomedical Integrated study of physiological 

studies functions during sleep period 

throughout a long space flight 

МБИ-16 Vzaimodeistvie RSA Biomedical Monitoring of the group crew activities 

(Interaction) studies under space flight conditions 
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 73

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

МБИ-20 Tipologia RSA Biomedical Researching for typological features 

studies of the activities of the station crews as 

operators activities in long-term space 

flight phases

МБИ-21 Pneumocard RSA Biomedical Study of space flight factors impacts 

studies on vegetative regulation of blood 

circulation, respiration and contractile 

heart function during long space 

flights

МБИ-24 Sprut-2 RSA Biomedical Investigation of the dynamics of body 

studies composition and distribution of human 

body fluids during prolonged space 

flight

БИО-1 Poligen RSA Biomedical Detection of genotypic features 

studies (experimental object – Drozophila 

midge), determining individual 

characteristics of resistance to the 

long-duration flight factors

БИО-2 Biorisk RSA Biomedical Study of space flight impact on EVA

studies microorganisms-substrates systems 

state related to space technique 

ecological safety and planetary 

quarantine problem

БИО-5 Rasteniya RSA Biomedical Study of the space flight effect on the 

studies growth and development of higher 

plants

БИО-8 Plazmida RSA Biomedical Investigation of microgravity effect on 

studies the rate of transfer and mobilization of 

bacteria plasmids

ДЗЗ-12 Rusalka RSA Remote flexing Testing of the procedure to determine 

the Land the carbon dioxide and methane 

content in the Earth atmosphere to 

understand a role of natural 

processes in human activity

ДЗЗ-13 Seyener RSA Remote flexing Experimental methods of the 

the Land interaction of the crews to cosmic 

station with court Fishing in process 

of searching for and mastering 

commercial-productive region of the 

World ocean

ДЗЗ-14 СВЧ - radiometry RSA Remote flexing Investigation of the underlying 

Microwave radiometry the Land surface, ocean and atmosphere

КПТ-25 Econ-M RSA Remote flexing Experimental researching of space 

the Land station Russian Segment (RS) 

resources estimating for ecological 

investigation of areas

ИКЛ-2В BTN-Neutron RSA Study of the Study of fast and thermal neutrons 

Solar system fluxes

БТХ-8 Biotrack RSA Cosmic Study of space radiation heavy 

biotechnology charged particles fluxes influence on 

genetic properties of bioactive 

substances cells-producers

БТХ-11 Biodegradatsiya RSA Cosmic Assessment of the initial stages of 

biotechnology biodegradation and biodeterioration of 

the surfaces of structural materials

БТХ-14 Bioemulsiya (Bioemulsion) RSA Cosmic Study and improvement of closedbiotechnology type autonomous reactor for obtaining 

biomass of microorganisms and 

bioactive substance without additional 

ingredients input and metabolism 

products removal
74 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

Research Experiments (continued)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

БТХ-29 Zhenshen’-2 RSA Cosmic Study of the possibility to increase the 

biotechnology ginseng biological activity (Ginseng-2)

БТХ-35 Membrane RSA Cosmic Study of the possibility of the MRM2

biotechnology reception in principal new пористых 

material with regular structure for use 

as filter and membrane

БТХ-41 Bakteriofag RSA Cosmic Study of the influence factor space 

biotechnology flight on bakteriofages

БТХ-42 Structure RSA Cosmic Reception high-quality crystal 

biotechnology рекомбинантных squirrel

БТХ-43 Constant RSA Cosmic Study of the influence factor space 

biotechnology flight on activity ferment

БТХ-44 Calcium RSA Cosmic Studies on the effect of microgravity 

biotechnology on the solubility of calcium 

phosphates in the water

ТЕХ-14 Vektor-T RSA Technical Study of a high-precision system for 

studies and station motion prediction (SDTO 12002-R) experiments

ТЕХ-15 Izgib RSA Technical Study of the relationship between the 

studies and onboard systems operating modes (SDTO 13002-R) experiments and station flight conditions

ТЕХ-22 Identifikatsiya (SDTO RSA Technical Identification of disturbance sources 

13001-R) studies and when the microgravity conditions on 

experiments the station are disrupted

ТЕХ-38 Veterok RSA Technical Otrabotka new technology to 

studies and optimization of the gas ambience in 

experiments inhabited compartment station RS

ТЕХ-39 SLS (System lazer RSA Technical Otrabotka systems laser relationship EVA

relationship) studies and for issue greater array to information 

experiments from target equipment

ТЕХ-44 Sreda-ISS (Environment) RSA Technical Studying space station characteristics 

studies and as researching environment

experiments

ТЕХ-58 Vinoslivost (Endurance) RSA Technical Investigation of the influence of space 

studies and factors on the mechanical properties 

experiments of materials for space purposes

КПТ-2 Bar RSA Technical Testing of principles and methods for 

studies and the space station leak area control, 

experiments selection of the sensor design and 

configuration

КПТ-24 Test RSA Technical Experimental studies of the possibility 

studies and of structural elements mikrodestruktsii 

experiments space station modules, PC 

components under the influence of its 

own external atmosphere and the 

presence of conditions for life on the 

surface microflora germokorpusa 

under EVTI

РБО-3 Matryeshka-R RSA Study of the Study of radiation environment 

physical dynamics along the space station RS 

conditions in flight path and in station 

outer spaces on compartments, and dose 

station orbit accumulation in anthropomorphous 

phantom, located inside and outside 

the station

ОБР-3 MAI-75 RSA Formation and Spacecraft and up-to-date 

popularization technologies for personal 

cosmic studies communications
NOVEMBER 2011 SCIENCE OVERVIEW 75

Research Experiments (concluded)

Principal Ops Acronym Title Agency Category Summary Investigator Location

КПТ-14 Ten’ - Mayak RSA Formation and Working out the method for radio 

(Shadow – Beacon) popularization probing of board-ground space for 

cosmic studies supporting preparation of “Ten” 

(“Shadow”) plasma experiment on the 

station RS

КПТ-10 Kulonovskiy crystal RSA Formation and System speaker study of the charged MRM2

popularization particles in magnetic field in the 

cosmic studies condition of microgravity
76 SCIENCE OVERVIEW NOVEMBER 2011

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NOVEMBER 2011 COTS 77

NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS)

Through a revolutionary program begun in 

2006, NASA’s Commercial Crew and Cargo 

Program is investing financial and technical 

resources to stimulate efforts within the 

private sector to develop and demonstrate 

safe, reliable, and cost-effective space 

transportation capabilities. In a multiphase 

strategy, the program is helping spur the 

innovation and development of new 

spacecraft and launch vehicles from the 

commercial industry, creating a new way of

delivering cargo – and possibly crew – to 

low Earth orbit and the International Space 

Station.

As NASA sets its sights on exploring once 

again beyond low Earth orbit, the ability for 

private industry to take on the task of 

providing routine access to space and the 

International Space Station is of vital 

importance. NASA’s Commercial Crew and 

Cargo Program is the catalyst for this 

expanding new industry.

The first phase of this strategy is known as 

Commercial Orbital Transportation Services

(COTS). Under COTS, NASA is helping 

commercial industry develop and 

demonstrate its own cargo space 

transportation capabilities to serve the U.S. 

government and other potential customers. 

The companies lead and direct their own 

efforts, with NASA providing technical and 

financial assistance.

Two companies have funded COTS 

agreements with NASA: Space Exploration 

Technologies (SpaceX) and Orbital 

Sciences Corporation (Orbital). Since their 

competitive selection, these two companies

have been working vigorously to develop 

technologies and capabilities to complete 

orbital spaceflight demonstrations. The 

International Space Station Program has 

already purchased future cargo delivery 

services from both of these companies to 

resupply the station through 2015.

Orbital Sciences Corporation

Just 100 miles up the coast from where the 

Wright brothers first flew their airplane at 

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Orbital is 

planning to launch its new COTS system at 

the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport 

(MARS), located at NASA’s Wallops Flight 

Facility in Virginia. Founded in 1982 with 

the goal of making space technology more 

affordable, accessible, and useful, Orbital 

has grown to become a leading developer 

and manufacturer of space and rocket 

systems. Its COTS system design is based 

on the new Taurus II rocket with a Liquid 

Oxygen (LOX)/kerosene (RP-1) first stage 

powered by two Aerojet AJ-26 engines. 

The Taurus II second stage is ATK’s Castor 

30 solid propellant motor derived from their 

flight-proven Castor 120. The spacecraft, 

known as Cygnus, is derived from Orbital’s 

heritage DAWN and STAR spacecraft 

projects and International Space Station 

pressurized cargo carriers.

Space Exploration Technologies 

(SpaceX)

At Florida’s Cape Canaveral, within sight of 

where every NASA human spaceflight 

mission has launched, SpaceX is planning 

to launch its new COTS system. 

Established in 2002, SpaceX is well into the 
78 COTS NOVEMBER 2011

development of a new family of launch 

vehicles, and has already established an 

extensive launch manifest. SpaceX is 

based on the philosophy that simplicity, low 

cost and reliability go hand in hand. 

SpaceX personnel have a rich history of 

launch vehicle and engine experience, and 

are developing their Dragon cargo and crew 

capsule and the Falcon family of rockets 

from the ground up, including main- and 

upper-stage engines, cryogenic tank 

structure, avionics, guidance and control 

software and ground support equipment. 

In December 2010, SpaceX completed the 

first COTS demonstration mission and 

became the first commercial company in 

history to successfully launch and recover a 

spacecraft to and from low Earth orbit.
NOVEMBER 2011 MEDIA ASSISTANCE 79

Media Assistance

NASA Television and Internet

The digital NASA Television system 

provides higher quality images and better 

use of satellite bandwidth, meaning multiple 

channels from multiple NASA program 

sources at the same time.

Digital NASA TV has the following four 

digital channels:

1. NASA Public Channel (“Free to Air”) 

featuring documentaries, archival 

programming, and coverage of NASA 

missions and events.

2. NASA Education Channel (“Free to 

Air/Addressable”) dedicated to providing 

educational programming to schools, 

educational institutions and museums.

3. NASA Media Channel (“Addressable”) 

for broadcast news organizations.

4. NASA Mission Channel (Internal Only)

provides high-definition imagery from 

science and human spaceflight missions 

and special events. 

Digital NASA TV channels may not always 

have programming on every channel 

simultaneously.

NASA Television Now in High Definition

NASA TV now has a full-time High 

Definition (HD) Channel available at no cost 

to cable and satellite service providers. 

Live coverage of space shuttle missions; 

Television Schedule

A schedule of key mission events and 

media briefings during the mission will be 

on-orbit video of Earth captured by 

astronauts aboard the International Space 

Station; and rocket launches of advanced 

scientific spacecraft are among the 

programming offered on NASA HD. Also 

available are imagery from NASA’s vast 

array of space satellites, as well as media 

briefings, presentations by expert lecturers, 

astronaut interviews and other special 

events, all in the improved detail and clarity 

of HD. 

Getting NASA TV via satellite (AMC3 

Transponder 15C)

In continental North America, Alaska and 

Hawaii, NASA Television’s Public, 

Education, Media and HD channels are 

MPEG-2 digital C-band signals carried by 

QPSK/DVB-S modulation on satellite 

AMC-3, transponder 15C, at 87 degrees 

west longitude. Downlink frequency is 

4000 MHz, horizontal polarization, with a 

data rate of 38.86 Mhz, symbol rate of 

28.1115 Ms/s, and 3/4 FEC. A Digital 

Video Broadcast (DVB) compliant 

Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) is 

needed for reception.

Effective Sept. 1, 2010, NASA TV changed 

the primary audio configuration for each of 

its four channels to AC-3, making each 

channel’s secondary audio MPEG 1 Layer 

II.

For NASA TV downlink information, 

schedules and links to streaming video, visit 

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

detailed in a NASA TV schedule posted at 

the link above. The schedule will be 

updated as necessary and will also be 

available at
80 MEDIA ASSISTANCE NOVEMBER 2011

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/

mission_schedule.html

Status Reports

Status reports and timely updates on 

launch countdown, mission progress and 

landing operations will be posted at

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

Internet Information

Information on NASA and its programs is 

available through the NASA Home Page 

and the NASA Public Affairs Home Page

http://www.nasa.gov

or 

http://www.nasa.gov/newsinfo/index.html

Information on the International Space 

Station is available at

http://www.nasa.gov/station

The NASA Human Space Flight Web 

contains an up-to-date archive of 

mission imagery, video and audio at

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov

Resources for educators can be found at

http://education.nasa.gov
NOVEMBER 2011 PAO CONTACTS 81

Expedition 30/31 Public Affairs Officers (PAO) Contacts

Michael Curie Space Station Policy 202-358-1100

NASA Headquarters

Washington, D.C.

michael.curie@nasa.gov

Stephanie Schierholz Space Station Policy 202-358-1100

NASA Headquarters

Washington, D.C.

stephanie.schierholz@nasa.gov

Joshua Buck Space Station Policy 202-358-1100

NASA Headquarters

Washington, D.C.

jbuck@nasa.gov 

Michael Braukus International Partners 202-358-1979

NASA Headquarters Research in Space

Washington, D.C.

michael.j.braukus@nasa.gov 

J.D. Harrington International Partners 202-358-5241

NASA Headquarters Research in Space

Washington, D.C.

jharrington@nasa.gov 

James Hartsfield Chief, Mission and Media 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center Support 

Houston

james.a.hartsfield@nasa.gov 

Kylie Clem Newsroom Manager 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center

Houston

kylie.s.clem@nasa.gov 

Kyle Herring Space Shuttle Closeout 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center Program Safety and Mission Assurance 

Houston Commercial Crew and Cargo

kyle.j.herring@nasa.gov 
82 PAO CONTACTS NOVEMBER 2011

Rob Navias Mission Operations Lead 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center

Houston

rob.navias-1@nasa.gov 

Kelly Humphries International Space Station 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center Mission Operations Directorate

Houston

kelly.o.humphries@nasa.gov 

Nicole Cloutier-Lemasters Astronauts 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center

Houston

nicole.cloutier-1@nasa.gov 

Josh Byerly Orion 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center Commercial Orbital 

Houston Transportation Services

josh.byerly@nasa.gov 

Bill Jeffs Space Life Sciences 281-483-5111

NASA Johnson Space Center

Houston

william.p.jeffs@nasa.gov

Steve Roy Science Operations 256-544-0034

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

Huntsville, Ala.

steven.e.roy@nasa.gov

Paula Korn International Space Station 281-226-4114

The Boeing Company, Houston Space Exploration Division

paula.korn@boeing.com

European Space Agency (ESA)

Jean Coisne Head of European Astronaut 49-2203-60-01-110

European Space Agency Centre Outreach Office

jean.coisne@esa.int Communication Department
NOVEMBER 2011 PAO CONTACTS 83

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Hideaki Abe 281-792-7468

JAXA Public Affairs Representative

Houston

abe.hideaki@jaxa.jp

JAXA Public Affairs Office 011-81-3-6266-6400

Tokyo, Japan

proffice@jaxa.jp

Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

Jean-Pierre Arseneault 514-824-0560 (cell)

Manager, Media Relations & Information 

Services

jean-pierre.arseneault@asc-csa.gc.ca

Media Relations Office 450-926-4370

Roscosmos Federal Space Agency

Asya Samojlova 7-495-975-4458 

Assistant to Alexander Vorobiev, Press (Press Office)

Secretary to the General Director

pressfka@roscosmos.ru 

or press@roscosmos.ru
84 PAO CONTACTS NOVEMBER 2011

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