CRS-22 Payloads June 3, 2021

CRS-22 Payloads

Scheduled to launch on June 3rd at 1:29 p.m. EST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida; Space Tango payloads will make their departure to the International Space Station for SpaceX’s 22nd Commercial Resupply Services Mission (SpaceX CRS-22). As we get closer to the final countdown, Space Tango invites you to take a look at the amazing science we’re launching with our partners!

Optical Imaging of Bubble Dynamics on Nanostructured Surfaces

Notre Dame | Principal Investigator: Tengfei Luo, Ph.D.

The Optical Imaging of Bubble Dynamics on Nanostructured Surfaces investigation observes thermal bubbles in a microgravity environment with the use of Space Tango’s automated optical imaging system. 

Thermal bubbles are essential for boiling and new applications have been found in fields like bio-sensing.
in cancer screening. Bubbles generated from the boiling process detach from the surface due to competition between factors including surface tension, capillarity, and buoyancy. The results from this study are expected to help understand the fundamentals of multi-phase fluid physics and provide important guidance on the strategies to manipulate bubble dynamics via nanostructured surfaces. Investigation findings may impact the optimization of thermal bubble-enabled bio-sensing technologies, which is promising to advance human health in space and on Earth.

Why microgravity? A thermal bubble can create the so-called Marangoni flow to bring biomarkers and nano-probes in the sample suspension to the bubble, which then deposits them onto the surface to form a concentrated spot for the detection of low concentration analytes. The control of such a process depends on the detailed understanding of surface thermal bubble dynamics, including its generation, growth, and detachment. Such phenomena are influenced by the competition between surface tension, capillarity, and buoyancy. Decoupling these factors is not possible on Earth under gravity, rendering the microgravity environment in the International Space Station (ISS) a unique platform to eliminate the influence of buoyancy, so researchers can focus on the impact of surface tension and capillarity on bubble dynamics.

 

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Moth Chrysalis and Termites in Space

Higher Orbits | Principal Investigator: Michelle Lucas

For this investigation, Incisitermes snyderi Kinaesthetic and Gas Synthesis Phenomena Under Conditions of Microgravity and Mamestra brassicae Chrysalis Formation in Microgravity (Moth Chrysalis and Termites in Space), one team examines the effects of microgravity on southeastern dry wood termites and the other examines its effects on chrysalis formation and lifecycle development in the cabbage moth. Both insect species are expected to experience a period of stress while transitioning to the microgravity environment, but with time could adapt and exhibit normal behavior, including chrysalis formation and pupation by the moths.

Both student-developed experiments are housed in a Space Tango CubeLab that ascends in the visiting vehicle in soft stowage. Once on the space station, a crew member transfers the payload to the on-orbit Space Tango TangoLab facility to run operations prior to being removed from the facility and stowed for return. Automated operations include imagery of the termites, methane sensors to monitor concentrations, and imagery of larvae/pupae/adult moths.

  1. Team V Atlas (the Higher Orbits Go For Launch! 2019 Series-winning team from Lexington, KY) is taking a close look at southeastern dry wood termites (Incisitermes snyderi). Termites are known to be methane emitters. This student experiment flies worker termites to the International Space Station to see if methane production is affected by a microgravity environment. The team hypothesizes that termites experience a period of stress while transitioning to the microgravity environment. With time exposure, termites are expected to adapt to the space environment and demonstrate normalized behavior. Methane readings are expected to be proportional to stress levels through the duration of the experiment.
  2. Team Flammenwerfer Axolotls (the Higher Orbits Go For Launch! AIAA Series-winning team from Spring Grove, IL) examines the effects of microgravity on chrysalis formation and lifecycle development of the cabbage moth (Mamestra brassicae). Possible chrysalis formations as a result of microgravity exposure include an unusable or deranged chrysalis, no chrysalis formation, or normal chrysalis formation. The speed at which the chrysalis develops is also documented. Chrysalis formation and pupation involve radical morphological changes (flightless larva into a winged moth). The effects that microgravity may have on this process are unknown. Observing the growth and development of these organisms under microgravity conditions may potentially uncover information relating to complex biological systems responsible for cellular organization and tissue development.

 

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Quest Multi Experiment Module #4

The Quest Institute | Principal Investigator: Howell Ivy

Quest Multi Experiment Module #4 consists of nine experiments from students in the United States and Singapore, ranging from studies of different materials and structures to the effects of microgravity on various organisms, including those with potential as food sources. The primary benefit of this investigation is providing students with hands-on experience conducting research in space and inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers.

  1. The Effect of Microgravity on the Formation of Thermoset Plastics and the Effect of Microgravity on the Formation of Calcium Carbonate Crystals
    Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis, MN
  2. Zaphene: Zero-G Graphene Production
    Calvary Chapel, Santa Ana, CA
  3. The Effects of Microgravity on Brine Shrimp in Space for Viability as a Food Source
    Singapore American School, Singapore
  4. Ferrofluid Heat Transfer in Microgravity
    Valley Christian High School, San Jose, CA
  5. The Effects of Gibberellic Acid Potassium Salt on Moth Bean Seed Germination in Microgravity
    Valley Christian High School, San Jose, CA
  6. Photosynthesis of Cladonia rangiferina in Microgravity
    Valley Christian High School, San Jose, CA
  7. The Effect of Growth Media on Plant Growth in a Hydroponics System in Microgravity
    Valley Christian High School, San Jose, CA
  8. The Effects of Microgravity on Vinegar Induced Electrolytic Corrosion of Pure Metals by Quantification of Metal Resistance via Operational Amplifier Voltage Supply
    Valley Christian High School, San Jose, CA
  9. Observing the Formation of 3D Complex, Aqueous Structures Through Interfacial Jamming of Janus Particles
    Valley Christian High School, San Jose, CA

 

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