Computational Design of Ageless Materials

The goal of the WetLab-2 project is to develop instrumentation for use on the International Space Station (ISS) that allows for processing and data collection on orbit. Once on orbit, WetLab-2 can be used in a number of different ways. For example, researchers can use it to get information on gene expression changes, or to identify bacteria in water, food, or air samples. On-orbit gene expression analysis of samples is achieved using quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). The ability to get on-orbit data will provide investigators with the opportunity to adjust experiment parameters for subsequent trials based on the real-time data analysis without need for sample return and re-flight. Researchers will also be able to sample multigenerational changes in organisms. Finally, the system can be used to monitor environmental contaminants and crew health. Following parabolic flight demonstrations in 2013 that successfully validated the WetLab-2 equipment and operations, the experiment transitioned to orbital demonstration; it was launched to the ISS aboard NASA's eighth cargo resupply flight of the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) Dragon spacecraft on April 8, 2016. The goal of the WetLab-2 project is to develop instrumentation for use on the International Space Station (ISS) that allows for processing and data collection on orbit. Once on orbit, WetLab-2 can be used in a number of different ways. For example, researchers can use it to get information on gene expression changes, or to identify bacteria in water, food, or air samples. On-orbit gene expression analysis of samples is achieved using quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). The ability to get on-orbit data will provide investigators with the opportunity to adjust experiment parameters for subsequent trials based on the real-time data analysis without need for sample return and re-flight. Researchers will also be able to sample multigenerational changes in organisms. Finally, the system can be used to monitor environmental contaminants and crew health. Following parabolic flight demonstrations in 2013 that successfully validated the WetLab-2 equipment and operations, the experiment transitioned to orbital demonstration; it was launched to the ISS aboard NASA's eighth cargo resupply flight of the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) Dragon spacecraft on April 8, 2016.