NASA performs innovative 'AVATAR' experiment: What's the goal?
What's the story
NASA recently sent "organ chips" of the Artemis II crew into space. The innovative experiment, dubbed AVATAR (A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response), involves four USB-sized "avatars" that were stowed in a small triangular container on the Orion capsule before launch. These avatars are made from bone marrow tissue derived from cells donated by the astronauts themselves - NASA's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Research innovation
AVATAR study's significance
The AVATAR study is a groundbreaking attempt to simulate how astronauts' organs react in deep space. This method provides a more detailed view of when and where changes in the body start, as opposed to traditional post-flight medical tests. Lisa Carnell, Director of NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences Division, said this is an unprecedented approach in space research.
Health monitoring
Immune response to deep space travel
The organ chip experiment focuses on bone marrow, with the aim of studying the crew's immune responses to deep space travel and higher radiation levels. The data could help develop personalized treatments for longer missions.
Future applications
Preparing for the unknown
Carnell envisions a future where avatars of astronauts selected for deep space and long-duration missions are sent in advance. This way, the crews can prepare for potential health concerns before they become an issue far from home. She emphasized the need for data on long-term stays in space, saying, "We like to say, 'Know before we go.' It's that simple."