As part of the European scientific programme, he will work on five different research fields.
 
Human Research

Paolo Nespoli will be a test subject for various human physiology experiments covering neuroscience, cardiovascular, metabolism and fitness evaluation. He will undergo experiments designed to test how astronauts interpret visual information in weightlessness and how it affects their perception. Measuring different parameters, ground-based European scientists will also study space data about how weightlessness changes the cardiovascular system, bone metabolism and even brain functions such as memorisation or decision-making during a prolonged stay in weightlessness.

• ESA Science Coordinators: Thu Jennifer Ngo-Anh, Patrik Sundblad  
 
Fluid Physics

In physical sciences, the experiments include the diffusion phenomena in model fluid mixtures in order to understand the properties of oil fields, and possibly improve oil recovery techniques in petroleum reservoirs.

A second experiment aims at simulating geophysical fluid flows under microgravity. This study will give scientists clues about Earth’s magma convection, and an improved understanding of the global-scale flows in the liquid nuclei of planets.

• ESA Science Coordinator: Stefano Mazzoni
 
 
Radiation

Interactions between ionising radiation in space and brain functions are among the major concerns when planning long stays in space. The light flashes observed in space – first reported by Buzz Aldrin in 1969 – are an example. A multi-disciplinary research project aims to obtain a better understanding of the phenomenon.

Paolo will measure the nature and distribution of the radiation field inside the ISS, and the Sun’s irradiation will be studied with unprecedented accuracy from the European Columbus laboratory.

• ESA Science Coordinators: René Demets, Thu Jennifer Ngo-Anh, Piero Galeone
 
 
Biology

The European astronaut will also act as the main operator in complex biological experiments. These experiments will address specific paradigms, such as the immune response in plants during growth in microgravity. In this mission, will be observed the effects of centrifugal acceleration on lentil seedling roots.

• ESA Science Coordinator: Jason Hatton
 
 
Technology Demonstrations

The Vessel Identification System will test the means to track global maritime traffic from space by picking up signals from large international ships and all types of passenger carriers. Paolo will help assemble a new mechanism to demonstrate the space-based capability to identify maritime vessels.

• ESA Coordinator: Karsten Strauch
 
 
Experiments with other agencies

Paolo Nespoli will also carry out experiments for the American, Japanese and Canadian space agencies (NASA, JAXA and CSA). Samples of his hair will be collected to study the gene expression in a human body exposed to a long spaceflight, and state-of the-art technology will monitor his sleep patterns to help treat insomnia on Earth.

Flames show an odd behaviour in space: they form tiny and almost invisible balls. Flame behaviour and combustion experiments are among his tasks, as well as the study of a very resilient and lightweight material being stretched to very thin fibres in microgravity. Paolo will also have the chance to shake hands with Robonaut, NASA’s new robotic crewmate.
 
 
Last update: 7 October 2010