SpaceX rocket carries squids, microorganisms to ISS
SpaceX rocket lift-off rocket to International Space Station carrying supplies for scientific experiments along with surprising passengers like squids and microorganisms called tardigrades.
Key points
- Dragon capsule was launched with Falcon 9 rocket.
- Capsule is carrying young specimens of species Euprymna scolopes called as bobtail squid.
- Species were sent to study the effect of zero gravity on interactions between bacteria and their host organisms.
- Squids will be exposed to bacteria once they reach ISS. After 12 hours, specimens will be preserved until their return to Earth.
Tardigrades
SpaceX rocket is also carrying these microorganisms, also known as “water bears”. They can withstand extreme radiation, sizzling heat and coldest temperatures in universe and decades without having food.
Bobtail squid
An animal model, called as Euprymna scolopes, is used to study symbiotic relationships between two species. Animals and humans rely on microbes to maintain a healthy digestive and immune system. So, squids were lift-off to ISS to understand how spaceflight alters these beneficial interactions. This experiment will help scientists to develop techniques to protect health of astronauts participating in long-duration missions in space.’
Ultrasound Gravity
On the mission, scientists will demonstrate use of portable ultrasound in microgravity using Butterfly IQ Ultrasound flight technology. Usability and autonomous operations of Butterfly IQ Ultrasound will be assessed for future use in human exploration missions above low-Earth orbit.
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Month: Current Affairs - June, 2021