Space Biology Facilities: An Overview

Abstract

Space biology facilities refer to physical capabilities aboard spacecraft that allow for an increase in our understanding of biological processes in microgravity. These can be in vitro processes in cell-free and cell-based investigations and in vivo research in living hosts (cells and bacteria, worms, insects, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, lagomorphs rodents, and lower primates). Facilities can be habitats, storage, analytical testing equipment, specimen storage, low temperature conditioned storage, isolation facilities, and accommodations for veterinary medicine. The refrigerator/freezer facility is described in this overview because it is so critical as an adjunct to the many other facilities for plant and animal research described elsewhere in this report.