It is a fully-integrated
laboratory, and the
US assets have been
designated as a
National Laboratory,
opening up world-
class research
opportunities to
users from other US
government
agencies,
universities, and the
private sector. The
laboratory features 4
key modules for ISS
research; the Russian
“Zarya,” U.S.
“Destiny,” the
European
“Columbus,” and the Japanese “Kibo.” These laboratories provide equipment essential to
space-based research such as: plant growth chambers; sample processing tools; multipurpose
storage racks; combustion racks; fluid racks; materials science lab; protein crystallization
facilities; Earth observation facilities; refrigerator/freezers; centrifuges; furnaces; vacuum
chambers; materials processing facilities; gloveboxes; microscopes; incubators;
spectrometer/spectrophotometers; a rodent habitat; an aquarium; a variety of cosmic ray
detectors and probes; equipment to support small satellite deployments; a full array of human
research equipment; and, facilities for externally mounted experiments.
This technical publication provides an archival record of the ISS research accomplished through
Expedition 30, both as part of formal investigations and from early scientific analysis of data
collected as part of operating the station. By scientific discipline, the investigations are
collected as follows:
- Biology and Biotechnology – studies of biology using microgravity conditions to
gain insight into the effect of the space environment on living organisms. Areas of
emphasis include cellular biology, biotechnology, and plant biology. - Earth and Space Science – studies of the Earth system as it relates to space. Areas
of emphasis include astrobiology, astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth remote sensing,
and near-Earth space environment. - Educational Activities and Outreach – activities and investigations allowing
students and the public to connect with the ISS mission. These activities inspire
students to excel in science, technology, engineering, and math and share the
astronauts’ unique view of the Earth and space with scientists and the public. - Human Research – human medical research to develop the knowledge that is
needed to send humans on exploration missions beyond low-Earth orbit. These
STS135-E011788 – The International Space Station is seen from Space Shuttle
Atlantis after undocking on STS-135 Flight Day 12, the final shuttle undocking, July
2011.