RESOUR> RESEARCHERS ASSESS STATUS OF STS-107 SCIENTIFIC DATA
- From: Gleason Sackmann <gleason@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: NetHappenings <nethappenings@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 12:15:17 -0600
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Net Happenings - From Educational CyberPlayGround
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From: NASANews@xxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 12:40:30 -0500 (EST)
Subject: RESEARCHERS ASSESS STATUS OF STS-107 SCIENTIFIC DATA
Dolores Beasley/Melissa Motichek
Headquarters, Washington February 5, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1753/1141)
RELEASE: 03-52
RESEARCHERS ASSESS STATUS OF STS-107 SCIENTIFIC DATA
The launch of the Space Shuttle Columbia on January 16,
2003 represented an exciting time for the international
research community. Columbia carried more than 80
experiments on a 16-day mission devoted entirely to science.
NASA and its researchers are working to determine exactly
how much data was lost with the Columbia crew. Some
scientific data from Columbia was downlinked to experimental
teams on Earth during the mission.
The payload data were impounded by investigators looking
into Saturday's accident, so it will take some time to
evaluate the results. Already, researchers are pointing to
several achievements by the Columbia astronauts, and by the
scientists on the ground who supported them. These include:
* Shuttle astronauts created and observed the weakest
flames ever created. High-quality image data from the
SOFBALL (Structure of Flame Balls at Low Lewis-Number)
experiment exists and, according to the project's Principal
Investigator, can help scientists develop models of
combustion chemistry for cleaner-burning engines.
* The Laminar Soot Processes experiment also saw flame
phenomena never before created on or off Earth. Soot is
both a significant hazard to health and engine performance
on Earth, and under controlled circumstances, a useful
industrial product.
* The MIST (Water Mist Fire Suppression) experiment, which
was designed to investigate the use of fine water mists in
firefighting, achieved a qualitative understanding for
different water concentrations.
* The Israeli Mediterranean Dust Experiment, or MEIDEX,
studied the effects of desert dust and smoke plumes on the
climate and obtained important still images and video to be
studied in the future. The MEIDEX experiment also resulted
in the first calibrated images of an atmospheric phenomenon
known as an "elf," or an electrical halo that glows over the
tops of storm clouds.
* A life sciences experiment on prostate cancer aboard
Columbia documented greater-than-expected growth of tumor
aggregates in space.
However, most of the other experiments on STS-107, such as
those in Life Sciences, relied heavily on specimens,
samples, and other data that were lost with Columbia.
NASA remains committed to the pursuit of science in space,
knowing that the unique environment offers something never
before achievable in the history of humankind: a glimpse of
what our life -- what nature itself -might be like in a
world with a different level of gravity.
"All seven Columbia astronauts sought to advance human
exploration of space," said Mary Kicza, Associate
Administrator for NASA's Office of Biological and Physical
Research. "They dedicated their lives to NASA and their
countries, and helped us uncover knowledge that could help
improve the lives of all people."
More information on the research performed by the Columbia
crew is available on the internet at:
http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov
* * *
NASA press releases and other information are available automatically
by sending an Internet electronic mail message to domo@xxxxxxxxxxxx
In the body of the message (not the subject line) users should type
the words "subscribe press-release" (no quotes). The system will
reply with a confirmation via E-mail of each subscription. A second
automatic message will include additional information on the service.
NASA releases also are available via CompuServe using the command
GO NASA.
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