[sarex] Science Continues Aboard the Station-8 MARCH 2007

[Arthur Rowe]

      *SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468*


Science Continues Aboard the Station

ISS014-E-15705 --- Michael Lopez-Alegria in the Zvezda Service Module 
Image above: Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria works in the Zvezda Service 
Module of the International Space Station. Image credit: NASA

TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
Flight Engineer Sunita Williams conducted another session of an 
experiment that measures cosmic radiation and its effects on astronauts’ 
central nervous systems. A specific focus of the experiment is abnormal 
visual perceptions, known as phosphenes or light flashes, while the eyes 
are closed and the impact of particles on brain functions in micro-gravity.

The three station residents completed their fourth session with an 
experiment of hand-eye coordination. This experiment tests the idea that 
the decrease in motor skills reported by some astronauts is due to the 
brain adapting to being in space. Scientists hope to test the theory 
that while the brain is adapting to space, it is unable to fully provide 
the resources necessary to perform normal manual skills.

On Feb. 27, the International Space Station Independent Safety Task 
Force issued its final report. It was released simultaneously to 
Congress, NASA and the public.