ASEN 5016 Lecture 20: Space Biological Experiment Design
OBJECTIVES
1. Describe the end-to-end process of designing an experiment, particularly in addressing the complexities of conducting space biology research
2.
Relate these steps
to the homework series from this class
The Process…
1. Literature review/ Pilot Studies
2. Funding source identification / Grant proposal writing
3. Hypothesis development
4. Dependent / Independent variable identification (scientific method)
5. Ground based analogs and pilot studies
6. Flight hardware integration
7. Pre-flight preparation
8. Flight operations
9. Post-flight payload recovery
10. Data analysis
11. Publication / Presentation
1. Literature Review / Pilot Studies
Decide on a concept to pursue (hardest part!)
Identify pertinent keywords to begin lit search, keep a record
Systematically find and review articles – both space and traditional research
Summarize / critique what’s already known or not yet understood (HW 1)
Consider recommended follow on suggestions
Continue to stay abreast of current research and findings in the field
Identify "needed" information (second hardest part!)
- called a marketing analysis in business
- can be applied or basic research topic
- “novel and significant” criteria for PhD work
2. Funding source identification / Grant proposal writing
Student Research Opportunities
· Independent Study (non-funded)
·
Undergrad
·
Grad
·
NASA Grad
· Spaceflight and Life Science Training Program (SLSTP)
· Internships and co-op tours
Government Funding Agencies
· NASA Research Announcement (NRA) - old
· National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI)
· National Science Foundation (NSF)
· National Institutes of Health (NIH)
· National Research Council (NRC)
Industry Sponsorship
· NASA Innovative Partnership Program (IPP)
· NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Programs
Help
· CU Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) – good site to get to know…
Writing a Proposal
· An almost finished experiment (HW 3)
· Initial literature review (HW 1)
· Statement of Work (SOW) – plan for what you will do and specific deliverables (milestones)
· Hypothesis
· Budget
· Pay attention to required info/formatting details
· Peer review process for grant award (HW 4)
3. Hypothesis development
Why fly something in space anyway?
What is the basic process of interest?
Think about the physics… or other space-flight factors
How can deformation or displacement (or radiation) affect the process of interest?
Hypothesis = speculation on an outcome (an educated guess)
Define a specific statement to test
4. Dependent / Independent Variable identification
Once hypothesis is established, define all relevant variables
§ More than one IV à more than one possible cause
§ Can’t really draw conclusions?
§ More that one DV can be measured, but be careful interpreting inter-dependent responses…
Define means of isolating IV, measuring DV and controlling everything else
· How many tests will you need?
o Statistical Significance
o Shotgun approach vs. finely tuned
· Big Considerations
o TIME REQUIRED and REPRODUCIBILITY
o Will this experiment be ongoing à standardize procedures
5. Ground based analogs and pilot studies
Goal – Duplicate the space flight platform (at least some portion of it)
Identify traditional methodologies, sensors, assays, etc.
Basic lab techniques need to be adapted for space operations
Clinostat, centrifuge, containment geometry / orientation, electromagnetic levitation, etc.
à any effects under ‘altered-gravity’ conditions?
à think about the physics
6. Flight hardware integration
Find (trade study) or design appropriate device for experiment
- It helps if the payload designer understands the requirements of the science
- It also helps if the scientist understands the capabilities and constraints of the payload design
Identify unique capabilities and constraints
Determine if the prior ground-based results are affected
Consider flight operations – automated or man
~4 months pre-launch (or greater) deadlines… (fluids list, materials compatibility, etc.)
7. Experiment preparation and loading
Transport of samples and lab equipment to launch site (not a normal lab procedure)
Integration of samples into flight hardware
Consider biological sample stability / viability / degradation
Set up matched ground controls, or implement an offset delay load
Attend launch party!
8. Flight operations
Procedure development and approval/validation process
Crew familiarization, hands-on and timeline training (JIS)
In-flight automated vs. man
Real-time data downlink or telescience uplink capabilities needed?
Upmass / downmass / power / telemetry / etc. requirements?
Onboard analysis?
Synchronizing ground controls with flight operations – man
Long duration missions (ISS) vs. sortie flights (STS)
In Flight Maintenance (IFM) procedures - real time trouble shooting, not that anything ever geos worng…
9. Post-flight payload recovery
How long until sample is removed from orbiter?
Consider stability factors, landing loads, re-adaptation to 1-g?, etc.
Timely need for post flight analyses at KSC?
KSC or EAFB landing possibilities…
Shipping back to lab (fixed, frozen, 37° C, etc.?)
10. Data analysis
Now that you’ve gotten the flight samples back in your lab…
Results (data reduction, trends and values)
Statistical differences?
Hypothesis outcome?
Conclusions
What worked well / what went wrong? à Lessons learned
11. Publication / Presentation
Post-flight reports to NASA (L+30 Day Post Flight and L+1 Year Final Report)
Funding agency report requirements to fulfill grant
Conferences (ASGSB) and Conference Papers
Peer-reviewed journal ~ months to years after the mission…
Commercial applications? Patents?
Next project is already occupying all your time by now, return to step 1…
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