Scientists are taking advantage of the microgravity environment to perform longterm experiments aboard ISS. Compelling scientific and technological research onboard the station is helping pave the way toward sending human crews into space for months at a time.

Scientists are learning about the growth of proteins as near-perfect crystals to decode the protein's role in health and disease. Cells grown in space can produce longer-lived cultures to help explain the growth of tumors and possibly how to control this growth process. Outside of medical research, microgravity has provided insights into what happens inside a fire, how soil grains shift during an earthquake and why certain fluids flow easily under pressure.

Learn more:
What is Microgravity?

Astronauts can study the Earth from space with instruments onboard the ISS. The Crew Earth Observations experiment provides people with data needed to better understand our planet. The photographs record Earth-surface changes over time. Some Earth science data that can be gathered from the ISS involve studies of the Earth's climate, weather, geology, vegetation and land use.

Learn more:
Destination Earth

Telescopes on the station can view the sun, stars and planets without interference from the Earth's atmosphere. The telescopes can look for planets and distant galaxies. On a smaller scale, the ISS will serve as a platform for sampling space for subatomic particles, cosmic rays and interstellar and interplanetary materials.

Learn more:
Space Science
ISS Space Science News

Astronauts can study the effects of the harsh space environment on materials to develop new technologies for space exploration. Research will initially focus on improving satellite technology for telephone, computer and video communication. The station's robotic arm will work experiments mounted on the outside of the ISS, testing advanced robotic control techniques.

Learn more:
Engineering Research and Technology
Robonaut

Research will seek to improve plant growth systems and soil, water and energy conservation. Because the effects of weightlessness are similar to the effects of aging -- muscles and bones lose mass -- exposure to microgravity could provide insights into the aging process, perhaps resulting in an understanding of how to prevent some of the physical effects of aging. Numerous biology experiments are onboard the ISS including research in molecular biology, cell biology and gravitational ecology.

Learn more:
Life Sciences Division

Industries are participating in space research to create new products and technology. NASA is encouraging businesses to seize the opportunity for business in space through its Space Product Development Office (http://spd.nasa.gov/). Three main areas of commercial research onboard are biotechnology, agribusiness and materials research. The goals include improving crop development, improving drug development and the development of advanced materials for hip and knee replacements.

Learn more:
Space Partnership Development
CBTM and OPG