The principal objectives in investigating life in space (fig. 140) are to search for and study extraterrestrial life, possibly on the planet Mars; to investigate the behavior of living matter and organisms in the strange environment of space and space flight; to support the development of our space capability; and to contribute to the general understanding of physical life. It may be well to develop this last point a little further. For a long time, investigations into the nature of life have had to be on a more or less empirical basis. While the physicists have been able to develop a theoretical basis for their science, giving them a tremendous advantage in advancing the physical understanding of the universe, the great complexity of bioscience has made it exceedingly difficult to develop an all-encompassing biological theory. Recent investigations in the laboratory have provided a wealth of information on the way in which biological-type molecules may have formed from primitive atmospheres, on the role of desoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) in life processes, on the role of RNA in the storage and transmission of information, and on a number of other basic biological processes. At this stage in the development of bioscience, the bioscientific community finds the pursuit of these basic discoveries and the developments of an encompassing biological theory the most important single task of the day. The importance of the space program to bioscience is that it can provide opportunities to contribute to these fundamental problems. The opportunity to search for life on another planet, where it may have developed along somewhat different lines, yet have remained similar to life on Earth, offers to the bioscientist the chance of illuminating his investigations into the nature of physical life in a way not possible on the Earth. Even if no living forms are found on Mars, it is possible that molecular forms may have developed that are precursors to the formation of life. This would then give the bioscientists an opportunity to study much earlier stages in the development of life, and again would be most illuminating. Progress Results in the NASA life science program during the past year stem from laboratory and balloon investigations. Some of the results are: Laboratory synthesis of life-related organic compounds from primitive atmospheres. Laboratory production of synthetic organic "microspheres" resembling living cells in form and function. Better knowledge of genetic role of nucleic acids DNA and RNA in storage and transmission of information. Development of various life detectors for remote collection and detection of life on Mars. Development of highly efficient bioregenerative life-support system using electrolysis and Hydrogenomonas bacteria. Determined very high loss of bone calcium in humans during bed rest simulating weightlessness. Synthetic chemically defined diet tested for 3 months in humans was successful and is promising for future astronaut diet. Balloon-borne infrared spectroscope (Stratoscope II) gave better definition of Martian atmosphere. Balloon-borne atmospheric samplers collected large numbers of microbial organisms at high altitude. Preparation for future flight missions include: Life detectors (nearing flight qualification for Martian missions): Wolf trap. Gas chromatograph. Optical rotation detector. Spacecraft sterilization technology greatly improved. Biosatellite program (six flights approved): Ames Research Center, project management. General Electric, contractor for spacecraft. Biological experiments, 175 experiments proposed, about 38 high priority from which 6 payloads will be selected. Balloon program: Additional flights of high altitude atmospheric samplers. Support of manned space flight: Biosatellite flights (especially primates 30 days). Research on skeletal calcium and muscle tone loss, bioregenerative life support, atmospheric composition, and improved synthetic chemically defined diet for astronauts. Biosatellite status.-Three contractors were selected in April 1963 to study the design of a biosatellite. The results of their 3-month studies were reviewed by a Source Evaluation Board during July 1963, and in August 1963 the General Electric Co., Missile & Space Division, Philadelphia, Pa., was selected for negotiation of a spacecraft contract. Preliminary design efforts are proceeding (fig. 141). In December 1963, the Bioscience Subcommittee of the Space Science Steering Committee recommended 38 experiments from the initial submission of 175 experiments which had been proposed for the biosatellite. Payloads for the 6 spacecraft will be based upon these 38 experiments. Future Figure 142 shows the milestones immediately ahead of us in the space bioscience program. 29-063 0-64—pt. 1—10 APPLICATIONS As stated earlier, the Applications portion of the program (fig. 143) is directed toward making specific practical uses of space knowledge and technology. At the present time the principal activities continue to be the development of meteorological and communications satellite techniques and systems. In addition we are studying the possibility of using satellites as aids to civilian navigation and as platforms for technological research. Objectives METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITES PROGRAM The principal objective of the NASA Meteorological Program is to conduct research and development in space science and technology which will contribute to both the scientific and applications aspects of meteorology. The specific aims are: 1. To develop and improve space technology, including sensors and subsystems which will provide meteorological data for use by meteorologists. 2. To carry out flight tests as required to test, calibrate, and prove the applicability of the instrumentation. 3. To fulfill special data requirements of the atmospheric science community which can be provided uniquely by satellite instrumentation. 4. To participate in the operational meteorological satellite system as required to assist the Weather Bureau in the conduct of the operational system. |