Spacelab and its utilization for biomedical experiments

The types of investigations possible in the orbital laboratory Spacelab are considered. A summary of services available to the Spacelab user is given, in which the load carrying capacity and the characteristics of the main subsystems (e.g. thermal control, environmental control, electrical power and energy as well as data management) are briefly described. Life science investigations may be undertaken for two reasons: firstly, to ensure safety and efficiency, and, secondly, for their scientific interest relating to effects of weightlessness or cosmic radiation. Safety of the crew and their genetic cells in relation to cosmic radiation is considered vital; essential knowledge is also required about the performance of the vestibular balancing mechanism and the related problem of "stomach awareness". The effect of zero-gravity on the cardiovascular system is studied, and the effect of circulatory changes in the brain, possible psychological stress and effects on exercise tolerance measured. Due to their rapid reproduction, important information may be gained from micro-organisms in respect of mutation rates when exposed to radiation. Plants depend, to some extent, on gravity in germination and growth. Of interest here is the relative importance of gravitational and photonic influences.