Science Research on ISS Russian Segment
Implementation of the program of scientific experiments of a South-African cosmonaut
ESCD Experiment
ESCD experiment is included in the scientific program of South African cosmonaut Mark Shuttleworth and is a constituent part of the
Russian Program for Implementation of Scientific and Technological Research Planned for the Fourth Manned Expedition ISS-4.
Objective:
A study of embryonic and stem cell development in zero-gravity environment.
Tasks:
- growing cultures of mammalian embryos (mice and sheep) in the incubator in zero gravity;
- growing stem (undifferentiated) cells in incubator in zero gravity;
- growing body (tissue) cells in incubator in zero gravity;
- comparing cells that were experimentally grown in zero gravity with those grown in an incubator
(in vitro) on the ground and in test animals (in vivo).
Scientific Equipment Used:
- BioTherm incubator made by Cryologic (Australia) with a biological materials insert for actively thermostatting the biological materials
at a temperature of 38.5њ.
- Glovebox for accommodating inside it the incubator and an accessories box for the duration of the experiment
in space flight environment.
- Thermal insulation container CPCF-2 made by Astrium (Germany) to provide a thermally controlled storage environment
for the biological materials insert during its transportation from orbit;
- Accessories kit
- syringes;
- needles;
- waste container;
- adapter with power cord;
- battery (a spare).
Support Equipment:
Consumables:
Expected Results:
An evaluation of space flight factors impact on the viability and development of embryonic and stem cells outside an animal's body
(in vitro) in order to obtain an in-depth knowledge of how these cells develop inside an animal's body (in vivo)
and the level of effects produced by gravity.
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