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NASA Vision and Mission
NASA’s MissionNASA’s Mission
To understand and protect our home planetTo understand and protect our home planet
To explore the Universe and search for lifeTo explore the Universe and search for life
To inspire the next generation of explorersTo inspire the next generation of explorers
……as only NASA can.as only NASA can.
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NASA Headquarters Organization
EducationCode N
NASA ADMINISTRATOR - Sean O’KeefeDeputy Administrator
Chief of StaffChief Engineer
Chief Financial OfficerChief Scientist - John Grunsfeld
Chief TechnologistChief Health and Medical Officer - Rich Williams
OBPRBiological and Physical
Research
Code U
Aerospace Technology
Code R
Space FlightCode M
Earth ScienceCode Y
Space ScienceCode S
Safety and Mission Assurance
Code Q
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Office of Biological& Physical Research
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ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATORMary Kicza
Deputy Associate Administrator/ScienceDr. Howard Ross
Deputy Associate Administrator/ProgramsDr. Bernard Seery
ISS Program ScientistDr. Don Thomas
SPACE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
DIVISIONDr. Frank Schowengerdt
RESOURCES AND BUSINESSMANAGEMENT
DIVISIONDr. Michael Abreu
PHYSICALSCIENCES
RESEARCHDIVISION
Dr. Eugene Trinh
FUNDAMENTALSPACE BIOLOGY
DIVISIONDr. Terri Lomax
BIOASTRONAUTICSRESEARCHDIVISION
Dr. Guy Fogleman
MISSIONINTEGRATION
DIVISIONPeter Ahlf
September 2003
OBPR Organization
BLACK=In Place Prior To Reorganization
BLUE=Pending Approval Process
GREEN=Formally In Place
Underline denotes external search panel conducted
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Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR)
OBPR Research Plan
ReMaP Task Force Priority RankingReMaP Task Force Priority Ranking
1stPriority
Environ.Monitoring& Control
Advanced LifeSupport (& partsof Gravitational
Ecology)Propulsion
& Power
Physiology(Combine
Integrated & OrganSystem)
RadiationHealth
Clinical/Operational
Medicine
Behavior &Performance
Cell & Molecular Biology(Combined with Molecular
Structures & Interactions andCell Science & Tissue Engineering)
Organismal /Comparative
Biology
2ndPriority
Human FactorsEngineering
Fire Safety
DevelopmentalBiology
Commercial EngineeringResearch & Technology
(6 areas)
PhaseTransformation
Fluid Stability& Dynamics
Kinetics,Structure &Transport
FundamentalLaws
EnergyConversion
CondensedMatter
RadiationProtection
Thermophysical,Physiochemical &
Biophysical Properties
StructuralBiologyBiotechnology
3rdPriority
Bio-inspired/MicrofluidicsTechnology
Indicates Commercial Program
ExtravehicularActivity
BiomolecularTechnology& Sensors
MissionResource
Production
Environmental Health(& parts of
Gravitational Ecology)
EvolutionaryBiology
MaterialsSynthesis &Processing
AgribusinessAdvancedMaterials4th
Priority
ConsiderTermination
Medical Biological Physical
ReMAP
NASA Strategic Plan
Then
Robust Strategy for Scientific Discovery:Stepping Stones to Human and Robotic Exploration
We are developing a robust, integrated exploration strategy to guide our investments. Through our new building-block capabilities and scientific discoveries, we create stepping-stones to the future while
steadily increasing our ability to conduct ever more challenging robotic and human missions.
OBPR Enterprise Strategy
How can we educate and inspire the next generations to take the journey?
How does life respond to gravity and space environments?
What new opportunities can our research bring to expand our understanding of the laws of nature and enrich lives on Earth?
What technology must we create to enable the next explorers to go beyond where we have been?
How can we assure the survival of humans traveling far from Earth?
The Organizing Questions…The OBPR Mission
Humans will extend the exploration of space. To prepare for and hasten the journey, OBPR
must answer these questions through its research, principally on the ISS:
NASA Advisory Council (NAC), September, 2002: “NASA’s Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR) made good use of the ReMaP report. OBPR further prioritized the high priority research programs defined by ReMaP, as NAC had requested…The process by which OBPR did this was clear and credible.”
10 years
25 years
http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov/research_projects/resplans.html
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How can we educate and inspire the next generation to take the journey?
How does life respond to gravity and space environments?
What new opportunities can our research bring to expand our understanding of the laws of natureand enrich lives on Earth?
What technology must we create to enable the next explorers to go beyond where we have been?
How can we assure the survival of humans traveling far from earth?
OBPR’s Organizing Questions
Humans will extend the exploration of space. To prepare for and hasten the journey, OBPR
must answer these questions through its research:
(http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov/general_info/strat_lite.html)
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Organizing Question 1. How can we assure the survival of humans traveling far from Earth?
Research TargetsMitigate and manage human adaptation risks
55 risks identified for outcome-driven research
Today 2004-2008 2009-2016
Promising countermeasures identified and studiedKnowledge obtained using ground-based mechanistic studies
Characterize and assess critical risksAdvance understanding of mechanismsDevelop and test candidate countermeasures w/ ground analogs and space flight
Evaluate and validate system-targeted countermeasures to prevent or reduce risks
Complete initial in-flight testing of optimized set of countermeasures (artificial gravity with other countermeasures)
Reduce uncertainties and prevent exposure to space radiation environments
Maintain behavioral health and optimal function of crews
Develop autonomous medical care capabilities
Uncertainties exist in estimating radiation risksStudy of mechanistic effects in workExposure mitigated using EVA scheduling and dose limits
Reduce uncertainty by one-half
Expand mechanistic understanding using other modelsDevelop and test new countermeasures
Psychosocial functioning and behavioral health status studied for individualsSleep protocols implemented
Psychosocial function and performance studied for small groups in remote settings
Assure at a 95-percent confidence interval crewmembers will not exceed radiation risk limits for longer-duration missions
Test and evaluate biomedical and operational countermeasures
Identify key psychosocial and psychological stressorsDevelop and test assessment methods, tools, and modelsDevelop and test optimized countermeasures through ground and space research
Identification and increased understanding of psychosocial and behavioral health issuesValidate assessment methods and toolsVerify and validate countermeasure strategies
Stabilize and return medical care model developedScreening and select-in criteria in place for current mission scenarios
Develop standardized approach to track health statusDetermine clinical trends and define acceptable levels of riskPerform research to enhance medical capabilities, including screening, countermeasures, and treatment regimens
Determine acceptable levels of risk for longer-duration missions, and test and validate countermeasuresIdentify and assess crew screening and certification for longer-duration missionsDemonstrate autonomous medical care capabilities
Research Capabilities Ground labs including analogs, Shuttle, ISS
Ground labs including analogs, Shuttle, ISS
Ground labs including analogs and integrated testing, Shuttle, ISS, free flyers
Ability of humans to
retain function and remain
healthy during and after long-
duration missions
beyond low-Earth orbit
OUTCOME
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1) How does the human body adapt to space flight and what are the most effective/efficient ways to counteract those adaptive affects when hazardous?
2) How can we limit the risk of harmful health effects associated with exposure of human space explorers to the space radiation environments?
3) How can we provide an optimal environment to support behavioral health and human performance of the crew before, during, and after space flight?
4) How can we enable autonomous medical care in space?
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Past and current areas of NASA/NIH collaboration• Flight - NIH missions, Neurolab, STS-95, physiological effects of sex
differences • Ground - Spaceline with NLM, joint NSCORTs and jointly-funded RFPs in a
variety of disciplines, NIH AO, NASA shared use of NIH GCRCs
Potential areas for NASA/NIH collaboration• Research to develop therapeutics, procedures, techniques, and equipment
needed to address flight medical, safety, and performance issues.• Examples of specific topic areas of possible mutual interest for ground-
based or flight research Improved strategies to prevent bone and muscle loss and other
physiological “pathologies” in space Prediction, understanding and treatment of radiation damage New technology for quickly and accurately monitoring crew health Technologies for autonomous medical diagnosis and treatment in remote
locations Behavioral health of isolated small groups working under stressful
conditions
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Organizing Question 2. How does life respond to gravity and space environments?
Research TargetsDetermine how genomes and cells respond to gravity
Data on various cell types collected in short-term studies
Today 2004-2008 2009-2016Develop physical and genetic models of cellular responses to space environments for at least two cell types
Develop cell-based model assays to identify cellular systems affected by space; Integrate biological effects with cell communications
Determine how gravity affects organisms at critical stages of development and maturation
Understand interactions among groups of simple and complex organisms
Determine how Earth-based life can best adapt to different space environments through multiple generations
Incomplete life cycle and ground-based data gathered from short-duration flights
Use ground-based simulators, nanosatellites and ISS to determine gravity responses for a wide variety of organisms
Ground-based virulence studies performed, lack systems supporting mixed organisms in space
Determine gravity thresholds and developmental responses in space using centrifuges on ISS
Model effects of space environments on pathogenic and cooperative interactions among species
Identify microorganisms that become pathogenic or otherwise alter function in space environments
Preliminary multi-generation flight research performed on plants
Raise species from multiple kingdoms through several generations in flight; focus on reproductive success
Raise mammals through multiple generations in flight; investigate developmental adaptations and critical issues
Research Capabilities Ground labs, Shuttle, ISS Ground labs, Shuttle, ISS, nanosatellites
Ground labs including analogs and integrated testing, Shuttle, ISS, free flyers
Ability to predict the
responses of cells,
molecules, organisms,
and ecosystems
to space environments
OUTCOME
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1) How do space environments affect life at molecular and cellular levels?
2) How do space environments affect organisms throughout their lives?
3) How do space environments influence interactions between organisms?
4) How can life be sustained and thrive in space across generations?
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Potential areas for NASA/NIH collaboration• Research to elucidate fundamental mechanisms underlying
molecular, cellular, developmental, and physiological responses to gravity, radiation, other environmental stresses.
• Examples of specific topic areas of possible mutual interest for ground-based or flight research Genomics research Mechanistic understanding of bone and muscle loss, vertigo,
neurological disorders, virulence and pathogenicity, cancer, blood cell regeneration, and altered immune responsiveness.
Molecular and cellular basis of radiation damage and repair Cell structure formation and adaptation Microbial ecology, evolution, pharmaceutical production New technologies for in situ biological research
– Development of handheld biodetection devices– Nanosatellites .
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Organizing Question 3. What new opportunities can our research bring to expand
understanding of the laws of nature and enrich lives on Earth?
Research TargetsDetermine how space environments change physical and chemical processes
Research hampered by gravity-driven effects; gravity effects not understood in many technologies
Today 2004-2008 2009-2016Conduct ground and flight research to develop and validate models for fluid, thermal, combustion, and solidification processes
Test extended range models for heat transfer and microfluidic control, turbulent and high-pressure combustion validation; nanotechnology-based materials with enhanced and adaptive properties
Understand how structure and complexity arise in nature
Understand the fundamental laws governing time and matter
Identify the biophysical mechanisms that control the cellular and physiological behavior observed in the space environment
Limited experimental data collected on self-assembly, self-organization, and structure development processes
Conduct ground and space research in solidification dynamics, colloidal photonics, carbon nanostructures
Data of unprecedented accuracy obtained in microgravity
Research new technologies for advanced photonic materials
Conduct research in dynamics of quantum liquids, atomic clock reference for space
Test Bose-Einstein condensates atom laser theories
Results obtained from Earth-based bioreactor and space-based tissue culture need validation; space-based improvements in protein crystal structures need validation
Conduct tissue-based research and engineering in space test models for fluid-stress and cellular response mechanisms
Test control strategies for cellular response to fluid stresses
Research Capabilities Ground labs, Shuttle, ISS, KC-135 aircraft
Ground labs, Shuttle, ISS, KC-135 aircraft
Ground labs, Shuttle, ISS, KC-135 aircraft, free flyers
Application of physical
knowledge to new technologies and
processes, particularly in
areas of power, materials,
manufacturing, fire safety
New insights into theories on
fundamental physics, physical/
chemical processes, and
self-organization in structure
OUTCOME
Test solidification models using industrial systems
Conduct flight investigations in turbulent combustion, granular material systems, and flows
Develop technology for nanogravity satellite relativity experiments
Use satellite experiments to test second-order models of general relativity
Quantify key physiological signals
Complete space-based flight research and establish validation of impact on structural biology
Integrate NASA technologies and research with biomedical needs
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Organizing Question 3. What new opportunities can our research bring to expand
understanding of the laws of nature and enrich lives on Earth?
Research TargetsHow can research partnerships-both market-driven and interagency-support national goals, such as contributing to economic growth and sustaining human capital in science and technology
RPC-built hardware flying; research spans broad range relevant to Earth-based industrial applications
Today 2004-2008 2009-2016Increase focus on NASA needs, while maintaining industrial partnership
Direct research towards Earth- and Space-based applications
Apply capabilities and experience of RPCs in building space fllight hardware to new ISS facilities
Achieve backing by industrial partnerships towards exploration opportunities
Apply RPC approach to new flight opportunities in LEO and beyond
Research Capabilities Ground labs, Shuttle, ISS, KC-135 aircraft
Ground labs, Shuttle, ISS, KC-135 aircraft
Ground labs, Shuttle, ISS, KC-135 aircraft, free flyers
Application of physical
knowledge to new technologies and
processes, particularly in
areas of power, materials,
manufacturing, fire safety
New insights into theories on
fundamental physics, physical/
chemical processes, and
self-organization in structure
OUTCOME
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NASA-OBPR Strategic Question 3:
What new opportunities can research bring to expand understanding of the laws of nature and enrich lives on Earth?
a) How do space environments change physical, chemical, and biophysical processes, the essential building blocks of many critical technologies?
b) How do structure and complexity arise in nature?c) Where can our research advance our knowledge of the fundamental laws governing time and matter?d) What biophysical mechanisms control the cellular and physiological behavior observed in the space
environment?e) How can research partnerships-both market-driven and interagency- support national goals, such as
contributing to the economic growth and sustaining human capital in science and technology?
Interdisciplinary Research Program for Space Exploration
The output of research in Question 3 impacts other OBPR research questions through the acquisition of knowledge and the development
of new technology
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NASA-OBPR Strategic Question 3Relevance to NIH
NASA/OBPR focused strategic research sub-question addressed:What biophysical mechanisms control the cellular and physiological behavior observed in the space environment?
• The program pursues scientific answers and develops focused technologies required for the implementation of human space exploration missions
• The program uniquely leverages advances in physical sciences and engineering to enable progress in space biomedical care and life support capabilities
The research program has three primary elements:
1. Cellular Biotechnology: Space-based research 2. Technology Development: Biomedical Engineering and Biomolecular Physics
and Chemistry3. Private Sector Teaming and Academic Research: NASA Research
Partnership Centers and NASA Bioscience and Engineering Institute
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PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP RESEARCH SUPPORTING ORGANIZING QUESTIONS
1. How can we assure the survival of humans traveling far from earth? Research in osteoprotegerin to mitigate bone loss in astronauts and terrestrial application for patient populations Pathogen detection and mitigation Remote medical diagnostic capability Closed environment system development and advances
– Plant growth research– Environmental monitoring including food and water quality
2. How does life respond to gravity and the space environment? Genomics research Protein crystal growth and structure based drug design Cell structure formation and adaptation Microbial research including bacterial growth patterns, with terrestrial application in pharmaceutical production
3. What new opportunities can research bring to expand understanding of the laws of nature and enrich lives on Earth? Improved ceramic materials for hip and knee transplants Fire suppression technology for spacecraft systems and environmentally safer fire suppression capabilities Zeolite crystal growth research for chemical and refining industries and potential medical applications Research in thermophysical and metallurgical properties towards improved alloys and casting processes. Adaptation of remote sensing technology for hyperspectral scanning to identify early stages of skin disease or wound
severity
4. What technology must we create to enable the next explorers to go beyond where we have been? Communication technology development Spacecraft systems development Power and propulsion High definition, space-hardened communication systems
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Organizing Question 4. What technology must we create to enable the next explorers to go beyond where we have been?
Research TargetsIncrease efficiency through life-support system closure
Current ISS baseline is a 90-day resupply
Today 2004-2008 2009-2016
Components with improved efficiency are the focus
Develop technologies that lower Equivalent System Mass (ESM)
Perform integrated testing of lower ESM life-support technologies and subsystems in relevant environments
Perform on-orbit validation of critical components and certification of life-support technologies for missions beyond LEO
Enable engineering systems and advanced materials for safe and efficient space travel
Enable self-supporting and autonomous human-systems for performance in habitable environments
Develop advanced environmental monitoring and control systems
High-mass/cost, low-performance materials usedUnderstanding of low- and partial-gravity issues incomplete
Develop and test low- and partial-gravity fluid and thermal engineering systems
Develop and test design tools for advanced materials and in-space fabrication, and validate on ISS
Predictive methods and models limited for habitability analysis, information management, crew training, multi-agent team task analysis, integrated human systems engineering
ISS experiments to test prototype engineering systems
Complete development of advanced materials for radiation-shielding solutions
Validate prototype low- and partial-gravity resource-generation technologies
Define and develop habitats that optimize human performanceDevelop tools and models for human-systems integration
Validate habitat designs for multiple missionsValidate human-system design simulationDeliver validated design require-ments and integrated simulation tools for multiple missions
Technologies exist for partial monitoring of ISS environment
Individual sensors developed
Develop sensing capabilities for 90% of existing air Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations (SMACs)
Develop miniaturized, reali-time, efficient sensing capabilities for air and water
Validate integrated systems
Research Capabilities Ground facilities, simulators, Shuttle, ISS, KC-135 aircraft
Ground facilities, Shuttle, ISS, KC-135 aircraft
Integrated ground test facilities, Shuttle, ISS, KC-135 aircraft, free flyers
New technologies that provide for more efficient, reliable, and autonomous systems for sustainable human presence beyond low-Earth orbit
OUTCOME
Develop sensing capabilities and SMACs to monitor water
Develop autonomous controls architecture design
Perform integrated testing of life-support systems with humans in the loop
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1. How can we enable the next generation of autonomous, reliable spacecraft human support subsystems?
2. What new reduced-gravity engineering systems and advanced materials are required to enable efficient and safe deep-space travel?
3. How can we enable optimum human performance and productivity during extended isolation from Earth?
4. What automated sensing and control systems must we create to ensure that the crew is living in a safe and healthy environment?
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Potential areas for NASA/NIH collaboration
• Examples of specific topic areas of possible mutual interest Advanced Environmental Sensor technologies
– Monitoring the microbial environment– Near term example: Lambert group at JPL creating multiplexed
quantum dot lateral flow assays for pathogens in water– Longer term example: Sayler of U. Tennessee developing
bioluminescent detection of pathogens by genetic modification of bacteriophages
– Related work: AEMC has funded Allen(PSI Inc, past) and Tittel(Rice U., past and present) for optical monitoring of trace gases in air. They are also a team, near the end of their funding by NASA/NCI for optical monitoring of trace gases in exhaled breath as a minimally invasive diagnostic tool.
Plant growth researchEnvironmental monitoring including food and water quality