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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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OBPR

OOBBPPRR

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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