Glicksman chaired the Committee on Microgravity Research, which was commissioned by the Space Studies Board of the National Research Council to review what scientific issues must be resolved for manned space exploration. The committee concluded that a broad program of microgravity research is needed for NASA to reach its space exploration goals, said Glicksman, a member of the National Academy of Engineers, who has been principle investigator for three successful shuttle experiments. He is now funded by NASA to prepare future space research. The problems are complicated, Glicksman said, by the length of the proposed journeys. Every system will have to operate flawlessly for months or years.
More information is needed about the effects of microgravity on cells and tissues.
Even short- term exposure causes loss of muscle mass, reduction of bone density, fluid shift to the upper body, and diminished immune responses. More biotechnology research also is needed for successful plant culture. Research in fundamental physics is relevant to development of navigational systems for deep-space travel. One example is the need for microgravity atomic clocks. Combustion research must continue to develop information on fire safety.