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Space

06 February 2003

Text: Researchers Assess Status of Scientific Research Data from Columbia

(Columbia carried more than 80 experiments during ill-fated mission)
(740)
The space shuttle Columbia carried more than 80 scientific experiments
during its 16-day mission, and researchers report several achievements
by the seven shuttle astronauts before they perished when Columbia
broke up as it descended for a landing on February 1.
According to a February 5 press release from the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA), some of the scientific data from
Columbia was downlinked to research teams on Earth during the space
mission, and researchers are now working to determine exactly how much
data from Columbia was lost with the crew.
But the researchers are already pointing to important results from the
experimental data received from the Columbia crew. For example, in one
experiment the astronauts created and observed the weakest flames ever
created, providing information that can help scientists develop models
of combustion chemistry for cleaner-burning engines.
A life sciences experiment on prostate cancer documented
greater-than-expected growth of tumors in space. The Israeli
Mediterranean Dust Experiment -- conducted by Ilan Ramon, the first
Israeli astronaut - 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.
At the same time, according to researchers, many other experiments
aboard Columbia, especially those in the life sciences, relied heavily
on specimens, samples and other data that were lost with the shuttle.
More information on the research performed by the Columbia crew is
available at the following Web site: http://spaceresearch.nasa.gov
Following is the text of the press release:
(begin text)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
February 5, 2003
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 that
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
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)



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