Credit for photos: NASA
Frank Rubio, a NASA astronaut and Flight Engineer for Expedition 68, is slated to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere this upcoming fall, having set a new record for the longest solo space mission ever undertaken by a U.S. astronaut. Launching to the International Space Station (ISS) on September 21, 2022, Rubio will culminate his journey after spending 371 days in orbit. During this period, he and his crewmates carried out numerous scientific inquiries and demonstrations of advanced technologies.
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Biological Investigations in Orbit
Frank Rubio was engaged in space biology experiments, including the activation of equipment for the Biological Research In Canisters-26 (BRIC-26) study. This research aims to comprehend how the absence of gravity impacts genetic mechanisms in the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Enhanced understanding of bacterial responses to space conditions is crucial for safeguarding astronauts’ health in upcoming missions and could also shed light on bacterial adaptability on Earth.
Advancements in Space Agriculture
Throughout his mission, Rubio also focused on the eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System (XROOTS) study, using hydroponic and aeroponic methods instead of conventional soil or other growth media to complete the tomato plants’ life cycle. The results could inform future large-scale crop production in space missions.
Human Health and Biomedical Research
Rubio worked on replacing and upgrading components inside the BioFabrication Facility (BFF). This research platform supports initiatives like BFF-Meniscus-2, which aims to 3D-print meniscus tissue using bioinks and cells. After the mission, scientists will evaluate the printed tissue’s mechanical attributes, potentially revolutionizing the production of fully-functional human organs for transplantation.
Physical Fitness in Space
Addressing the requirements for physical exercise on long-duration missions, Rubio worked on the treadmill in the ISS’s Tranquility module. Although the current treadmill is not suitable for extended missions due to its size and weight, Rubio participated in a study called Exploration Exercise Treadmill Requirements (Zero T2) to investigate alternative exercise regimens to maintain astronauts’ physical well-being.
Deployment of CubeSats
Rubio was involved in preparing the NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) for an April 2023 launch, including satellites designed by Canadian students. These CubeSats are small satellites that will be deployed into Earth’s orbit for multiple research purposes, undertaken by private, governmental, and academic organizations.
Expandable Space Habitats
Rubio was photographed near the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), a pressurized capsule designed to test expandable habitat technology. Crew members periodically monitor various parameters such as temperature, pressure, and radiation protection capabilities of BEAM.
Robotics and Automation
Rubio conducted a session on the Multi-Avatar and Robots Collaborating with Intuitive Interface (Surface Avatar), an investigation into remote commanding of multiple autonomous robots from the ISS. The study examines challenges and operator responses to haptic feedback for ground-to-orbit remote operations.
Microgravity Physics
In the ISS, Rubio contributed to the Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) development, part of the station’s life support system. He also carried out experiments for the Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction – Growth and Extinction Limit (SoFIE GEL) study, examining combustion in microgravity conditions. This research could guide material selection for spacecraft and fire suppression methods.
Extravehicular Activities
On November 15, 2022, Rubio and fellow astronaut Josh Cassada undertook a spacewalk to install mounting brackets in preparation for the iROSA solar arrays. The installation process, culminating in June 2023, is expected to boost the ISS’s power capabilities by approximately 30%.
This extensive review underscores the multifaceted scientific contributions of Frank Rubio during his historic mission, the insights from which are invaluable for the advancement of space exploration, biomedicine, and multiple other fields.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Frank Rubio’s Scientific Achievements
What is the primary focus of the text?
The primary focus of the text is to provide a detailed account of the scientific achievements and contributions of NASA astronaut Frank Rubio during his 371-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS).
Who is Frank Rubio?
Frank Rubio is a NASA astronaut who set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut. He was a Flight Engineer on Expedition 68 and Expedition 69 aboard the International Space Station.
What were some of the scientific investigations Frank Rubio was involved in?
Frank Rubio was involved in a variety of scientific investigations that spanned multiple disciplines. These include space biology experiments like the Biological Research In Canisters-26 (BRIC-26), agricultural studies such as the eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System (XROOTS), and biomedical research in the BioFabrication Facility (BFF).
What kind of technological demonstrations were conducted?
Technology demonstrations encompassed new agricultural methods using hydroponic and aeroponic techniques, biofabrication for potential human organ transplants, and the deployment of CubeSats for varied research objectives.
What did Frank Rubio’s work mean for future space missions?
His work contributes valuable data and insights that could impact future space missions in multiple ways, such as improvements in astronauts’ health and safety, advancements in in-space agriculture, and the in-space manufacturing of complete, functional human organs.
Did Frank Rubio perform any spacewalks?
Yes, Frank Rubio performed a significant spacewalk on November 15, 2022, during which he and fellow astronaut Josh Cassada assembled a mounting bracket in preparation for the installation of new solar arrays. These arrays are expected to provide a 30% increase in available power for science and operations on the ISS.
How does the work of Frank Rubio benefit Earth?
Frank Rubio’s work provides insights that are not only applicable to space missions but also have earthly applications. For example, understanding bacterial adaptation in space can impact healthcare on Earth, and advances in hydroponic and aeroponic agriculture could influence food production.
What is the significance of the CubeSat Deployer that Frank Rubio helped install?
The NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) facilitates the deployment of small satellites called CubeSats into Earth’s orbit for a variety of research objectives. These CubeSats are designed by private, governmental, and academic organizations.
What are some physical challenges astronauts face during long-duration space missions?
Physical challenges include maintaining motor patterns like walking, which was studied through the station’s treadmill. Exercises have to be small and lightweight yet offer a variety of aerobic and resistance options. Frank Rubio participated in Exploration Exercise Treadmill Requirements (Zero T2) to study these aspects.
Was Frank Rubio involved in any robotic experiments?
Yes, Frank Rubio conducted sessions for the Multi-Avatar and Robots Collaborating with Intuitive Interface (Surface Avatar), which evaluates the command of multiple autonomous robots from space. This research could have implications for orbit-to-ground remote operation of robots.
More about Frank Rubio’s Scientific Achievements
- NASA’s Official Website for the International Space Station
- Frank Rubio’s NASA Astronaut Profile
- Biological Research In Canisters-26 (BRIC-26) Overview
- eXposed Root On-Orbit Test System (XROOTS) Study
- BioFabrication Facility (BFF) Research Details
- Exploration Exercise Treadmill Requirements (Zero T2) Experiment
- NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer (NRCSD) Information
- Multi-Avatar and Robots Collaborating with Intuitive Interface (Surface Avatar) Research
- Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction – Growth and Extinction Limit (SoFIE GEL) Experiment
- Pore Formation and Mobility Investigation (PFMI) Study
8 comments
didn’t know bacteria could be so interesting. if they can learn how to control it, maybe we’ll all be healthier?
They’re making progress on space agriculture? Thats huge for long term missions. Seriously, this is just the beginning.
So Rubio was part of six different spacewalks, that’s insane. Kudos to him and NASA!
Cant wait to see what happens with those rollout solar arrays. More power for science is always good.
Interesting but when are we going to focus on problems down here, like climate change? Just asking.
This is nuts, I had no idea that they’re trying to grow human organs in space. Future’s lookin’ weird and wonderful!
Hydroponic and aeroponic techniques for tomatoes in space? Imagine the implications for farming here on earth.
Wow, Frank Rubio’s doing some seriously cool stuff up there. Can’t believe how much science gets done in space.