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NASDA aquatic animal experiment facilities for Space Shuttle.
T Sakimura1, T Suzuki, S Matsubara
1Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Kobe Shipyard & Machinery Works, Japan. sakimura@uspace.kobe.mhi.co.jp
Uchu Seibutsu Kagaku
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Japan
Area of Science:
- Space Biology
- Aquatic Animal Research
- Microgravity Studies
Background:
- The National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) has pioneered aquatic animal research in space.
- Early experiments utilized the Vestibular Function Experiment Unit (VFEU) for carp on Spacelab-J.
- Subsequent missions expanded capabilities with the Aquatic Animal Experiment Unit (AAEU).
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the development and application of aquatic animal experiment facilities for space missions.
- To outline the evolution of experimental units for diverse aquatic species.
- To summarize space experiments conducted with various aquatic organisms.
Main Methods:
- Development of specialized aquatic animal experiment units (VFEU, AAEU).
- Adaptation of facilities for different aquatic species including fish, newts, and eggs.
- Implementation of low-temperature capabilities for marine fish experiments.
Main Results:
- Successful space experiments were conducted with carp, goldfish, medaka, newts, and oyster toadfish.
- Facilities supported experiments ranging from 8 to 17 days.
- VFEU was enhanced to accommodate marine fish under specific temperature conditions.
Conclusions:
- NASDA has successfully developed and utilized advanced aquatic animal experiment facilities for space exploration.
- These facilities have enabled significant research into the effects of microgravity on diverse aquatic life.
- The evolution of these units demonstrates a commitment to advancing space biology research.