Understand the effects of radiation on the human body

Chromosome-2
During spaceflight crewmembers are exposed to different types of ionizing radiation. To assess the genetic impact of these radiations, this experiment will study chromosome changes and sensitivity to radiation in lymphocytes (white blood cells) of the ISS crew. The Chromosome-2 experiment is planned to be carried out using eight subjects: four subjects from short-duration flights and four Expedition crewmembers.

CULT
This experiment is a study of cultural aspects and leadership styles of ISS crews. Data from crewmember questionnaires will be analysed to observe the dynamics of the response as a function of the duration of the flight. Research on ground personnel will be carried out in parallel. Results may provide recommendations on how to interact with multinational crews. The in-orbit study combined with the ground study on mission control personnel may further provide recommendations for communication between the ground and ISS. This experiment is planned to be carried out over multiple Expedition Crews requiring eight subjects.

ESA astronaut André Kuipers trains with ETD ahead of DELTA Mission in 2004

ETD
The working of our balance system and our eyes are strongly interconnected and understanding their adaptation to weightlessness can help with our understanding of the occurrence of space sickness during human spaceflight and conditions such as vertigo and nausea on Earth.

Our eyes can rotate around three axes whereas normally only two are used. The name of the coordinate framework which describes the movement of the eyes in the head is called Listing’s plane. This experiment centres on the evaluation of Listing's plane under different gravity conditions using the Eye Tracking Device (ETD), which is able to record horizontal, vertical and rotational eye movements and measure head movement.

This experiment requires eight subjects from long-duration missions and eight from short-duration missions. The experiment started during the European DELTA Mission with ESA astronaut André Kuipers in April 2004.

Blood sample showing white blood cells: Lymphocytes (L) and Granulocytes (G)

Immuno
The aim of this experiment is to determine changes in stress and immune responses, during and after a stay on the ISS. This will include the sampling of saliva, blood and urine to check for hormones associated with stress response and for carrying out white blood cell analysis. There will also be a focus on the adaptation of energy metabolism, which can affect immune response.

An increased understanding of the coupling between stress and the functioning of the immune system also has relevance for the general public on Earth. This experiment is planned to be carried out over multiple ISS Expedition crews requiring six subjects in total.

Platon device - used to detect Nitric Oxide in the NOA experiments

NOA 1
Recent research has demonstrated that an elevation of expired Nitric Oxide is an early and accurate sign of airway inflammation especially in asthma but also after occupational dust inhalation. This experiment will utilise improved techniques for analysis of Nitric Oxide in expired air. This will be used to study physiological reactions in humans in weightlessness.

Since dust never settles in weightlessness, it is likely that there is an increased exposure of the human airways to inhaled particles in such an environment. The crewmembers will perform a simple inhalation-exhalation procedure on a bi-weekly basis during their stay on the ISS.

Elevated levels of expired Nitric Oxide compared to preflight levels would indicate airway inflammation. Data will be stored on a credit-card size memory unit. This experiment, which started during Expedition 12, is planned to be carried out over multiple Expedition Crews requiring eight subjects.

The Platon device, developed for spaceflight, has a dual use, as it is now also used to improve the treatment of asthma by allowing monitoring of patients at home.

Assessing current decompression techniques before and after EVA

NOA 2
In scuba divers the presence of gas emboli (bubbles) in the bloodstream as a result of decompression is well-known and can be common after normal dives with no subjective signs of decompression sickness. The occurrence of decompression sickness in astronauts following decompression in connection with extravehicular activity (EVA) is not known. It has though been demonstrated that using the corresponding decompression techniques on the ground gives rise to symptoms of decompression sickness in approximately 6% of the cases. This suggests a much higher frequency of gas emboli without clear symptoms of decompression sickness. A non-invasive and simple technique for assessing current decompression techniques before and after EVA would be beneficial.

In this experiment astronauts will perform a simple inhalation-exhalation procedure (as in the NOA 1 protocol) as late as possible before starting standard EVA preparations, and again as soon as possible after completing the EVA. An increased level of expired Nitric Oxide compared to pre-procedure levels will indicate the presence of gas emboli, suggesting a need for adaptation of existing EVA procedures.

NASA experiments

In addition to the European experiment programme in human physiology, Thomas Reiter will take part in two experiments on behalf of NASA.

Epstein-Barr
This experiment covers the reactivation of the latent Epstein-Barr Virus of which approximately 90% of the adult population is infected. This investigation will assess the immune system function using blood and urine samples collected before and after spaceflight.

Renal Stone
Exposure to weightlessness may increase the risk of renal stone development in humans during and immediately after spaceflight. This experiment will test the use of potassium citrate as a countermeasure to reduce the risk of renal stone formation during spaceflight. Potassium citrate is a proven Earth-based therapy used to minimise calcium-containing renal stone development.