Biological Sciences is the KSC science core competency working toward achieving a better understanding of managing closed biological and natural ecological systems for application in space and on Earth. To accomplish this vision, research and technology development will be performed to establish baseline data sets for biological system stability and function for missions beyond low Earth orbit, as well as to expand the understanding of the fundamental issues with biological organisms in microgravity. In addition, the Biological Sciences area includes ecological research to assess environmental impacts to new and old launch sites on Earth and eventually other planetary bodies and to ensure our ecosystems here on Earth and specifically at KSC are understood, managed, and protected.

Science focus areas include the following:

1. Bioregenerative Life Support
2. Spaceport Biological Research
3. Spaceport Ecosystem Sciences

For more information regarding Biological Sciences, please contact Cristina Guidi, (321) 867-7864, Cristina.Guidi-1@ksc.nasa.gov; or Dr. William Knott, (321) 867-6987, William.Knott-1@ksc.nasa.gov.

• Development of Optical Components for Space-Based Plant Lighting
• Moisture and Oxygen Content Sensor Suite (MOCSS) for Nutrient Delivery Systems
• Small Payload Automatic Fluid Separation System (SPAFSS)
• Carbon Cycle Research at Kennedy Space Center
• Development of Passive Acoustic Systems To Assess Aquatic Biological Resources and Human Activities
• Plant Lighting Systems
• Development of the Porous Tube Insert Module (PTIM): A Modular Tray Supporting Both Porous Tube and Substrate Nutrient Delivery Systems for Plant Studies in Space
• Photosynthesis and Metabolism of Superdwarf Wheat in Microgravity
• Effect of Microgravity on Raphanus Sativus L. in Microgravity
• Earth Systems Modeling and Data Management
• Thermal Groundwater Remediation Using Dynamic Underground Stripping
• Groundwater Remediation Using In Situ Chemical Oxidation
• Thermal Groundwater Remediation Using Six-Phase Heating
• Bioaugmentation for Groundwater Remediation
• Groundwater Remediation Using Emulsified Zero-Valent Iron (EZVI)
• Advanced Life Support (ALS) Project: Food and Crop Systems
• Florida Scrub-Jay Habitat and Population Studies
• Remote Video Monitoring of Florida Scrub-Jay Nests
• Land Use History and Anthropogenic Influence on Natural Fire Regime
• Spatial Rainfall Monitoring and Analysis at KSC and CCAFS From 1989 to 2000
• Scrub Restoration on Kennedy Space Center
• Physiological Response of Scrub Species With Varying Management Regimes
• Systems Impact of Waste Processing
• Cost-Effective Methods of Onsite Wastewater Processing for Removal of Phosphorus and Pathogens
• Atmospheric Management in Variable-Pressure Environments
  

Goals Specific to Focus Areas

• Develop fully regenerative integrated systems technologies that provide air, water, and food and recover resources from wastes
• Obtain fundamental knowledge of the evolution and development of terrestrial organisms and ecological systems in altered environments
• Gain scientific understanding and develop technologies to support the sound management and conservation of our Spaceport Technology Center’s ecological resources