Space Medicine

A Note From the Website Author

What keeps a space-exploration-obsessed pharmacist awake at night?

Several years ago, I began to wonder if medications were flown on the Space Shuttle. Several phone calls to Johnson Space Center later, I learned that the answer was, indeed, "yes." Fascinated, I plunged headlong into unearthing any information I could find on the general topic of "space medicine." Unfortunately, that search proved to be much more difficult than I imagined. Slowly, I have amassed a smattering of information from a variety of resources which are now available for your review on this website. This is my effort to introduce you to the world of space medicine.

I am open to suggestions for items to include on the Web page. E-mail me with your thoughts at EAORx@aol.com.

It is my hope that this Web page will serve as a springboard for creating more interest in space medicine and will make these issues more accessible to all. Ad Astra!

Eleanor A. O'Rangers, Pharm.D.

I. Publications

A.Texts & workbooks (a great place to start!)

1. Nicossian AE, Huntoon CL, Pool SL, eds. Space Physiology and Medicine.

3^rd edition. Philadelphia: Lea & Febinger, 1993. A comprehensive text that serves as a great introduction to human microgravity physiology.

2. Human Physiology in Space: A Curriculum Supplement for Secondary Schools (may also be referred to as ƒ:A Program for America. This supplement focuses on some of the primary space life sciences investigations that were designed and carried out to examine the human bodyÍs adaptation of microgravity. A special emphasis is placed on involving students in activities that require the development and delivery of scientific presentations. Developed by NASA, NIH, Universities Space Research Association (USRA) and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. To order, contact Nicole Gibbs at the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (713)-798-7412.

3. Damon TD. Introduction to Space- the science of spaceflight, 2^nd edition. Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Company, 1995.Could be used as a classroom text... contains experiments, discussion questions, many secondary references...originally developed as a text for a community college course on spaceflight

4. Destiny in Space- a collection of information, activities, and resources about exploring space for teachers of grades 4-12. Published by the National Air and Space Museum. To order, see attached ñPublications for the classroomî order form (attached).

5. Challenges for Space Explorers- a collection of information, activities, and resources about living and working in space for teachers of grades 4-12. Published by the National Air and Space Museum. To order, see attached ñPublications for the classroomî order form (attached).

6. Microgravity: TeacherÍs Guide With Activities for Physical Science. Publishedby NASAÍs Education Division and Office of Life and Microgravity Sciences and Applications.

7. Churchill SE. Fundamentals of Space Life Sciences vols 1 & 2. Malabar, FL: Krieger Publishing Company, 1997.This is a comprehensive, high-level text that covers the spectrum of space physiology and medicine.

B. Symposia

1. The American Pharmaceutical AssociationÍs 142^nd Annual Meeting and Exposition- ñTherapeutics in Spaceî Speaker: Karen Tietze, Pharm.D. (pharmacy professor at Philadephia College of Pharmacy and former NASA summer fellow in pharmacology)ƒaudiotape of session was available from AVW/Sound Images, PO Box 460519, Aurora, CO 80046ƒ. The telephone number was disconnected when I checked recently so I doubt this tape is available any longer, unfortuntately (I do have copy of tape, however)

2. ECCU 9^th Annual Conference- ñSpaced Out Medicineî. Speaker: Dafydd Rhyss Williams, M.D. (Canadian astronaut and physician)...audiotape is still available from Audio Visual Education Network, Inc. 1-800-810-TAPE. If ordering, refer to ECCU conference tape JEM6110 Plenary. The tape is $10 plus $1 for shipping.

3.12^th Man in Space Symposium, Washington, D.C., June 8-13, 1997. Symposium is held every two years at sites in U.S. and abroadƒ the next conference, the 13^th Man in Space Symposiumƒ was held in Santorini, Greece, in May 2000. For further information, refer to Division of Space & Life Sciences Homepage (see item II.A.2.) or contact the USRA/DSLS Office at (281)-244-2000... abstract books may be available (likely for a fee).

4. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston- ñPushing the Envelopeî A 3-day conference devoted to human factors and spaceflight (held in late September/ early October). Contact: UTMB Office of Continuing Education. Phone: (409)-772-7834.

5. ñNASA Research and Human Healthî- held as part of 1998 Space Day events (May21) by the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. (202-994-7292)and Lockheed Martin Corporation. The featured speaker was John Glenn, who was a Payload Specialist on STS-95 (becoming the oldest astronaut to fly; note: he was also the first American astronaut to orbit the earth). According to Ann-Marie Burns (program coordinator) an audiotape may be available soon for distribution/purchase (this information is current as of 6/1/98). Topics discussed included:

-health benefits of space research, achieved and anticipated

-biomedical research aboard the International Space Station

-space research and womenÍs health

6. American College of Pharmacology 27^th Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada, September 24-27, 1998„plenary session entitled ñ Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine in Spaceî was held on Sept 24 (contact ACCP at http://www.accp1.org for details on ordering symposia proceedings)

7. International Space Development Conference (National Space Society)

-18^th ISDC, Houston, TX, May 1999--- plenary session entitled ñSpace Medicineî (contact the National Space Society at http://www.nss.org for details on ordering session audiotapes.)

-19^th ISDC, Tucson, AZ, May 2000--- plenary session entitled ñSpace Medicineî

-20^th ISDC, Albuquerque, NM, May 2001--- plenary session entitled ñSpace Medicineî is currently being plannedƒ.

8. American College of Cardiology 50^th Annual Scientific Sessions, Orlando, FL March 18-21, 2001„plenary session entitled ñCardiovascular Issues in Manned Space Flightî was held on March 20 (contact National Audio Video, 4465 Washington St, Denver, CO 80216 for tape #213).

9. Human Systems 2001- a conference held in Houston, TX June 20-22, 2001. This was an international meeting whose purpose was to share research focusing on technologies for human factors and psychosocial adaptation in space and terrestrial applications. Conference proceedings on CD-ROM may be purchased for $65ƒ. Note the web site at http://www.human.factors.org containing the application form no longer exists.

C. Journals frequently publishing microgravity life sciences

1. Aviation, Space & Environmental Medicine

2. Journal of Applied Physiology-July 1996 issue devoted to SLS-I life sciences publications

3. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (has published proceedings from two space life sciences symposia in 1992 & 1994)

4. Advances in Space Biology and Medicine

5. Acta Astronautica

D. General periodicals

1. Space News (1-888-750-3179) or http://www.spacenews.com

A weekly newspaper devoted to news within the international aerospace community and NASA

2. Ad Astra- the magazine of the National Space Society call (202)-543-1900 or try their website: http://www.nss.org

An international membership group dedicated to furthering exploration and development of space

March/April 1997 issue was devoted to long-duration spaceflight

Mackay M. Space: the next paramedical frontier. January/February 2000; 12: 32-34.

Beginning with March/April 2000, check out the Space Medicine Column I author!

OÍRangers EA. A note from the column editor. March/April 2000; 12: 13.

OÍRangers EA. Basics of space medicine and physiology. Microgravity effects on the human skeletal system, and potential countermeasures against progressive bone loss (part 1.) May/June 2000; 12:21.

OÍRangers EA. Basics of space medicine and physiology. Microgravity effects on the human skeletal system, and potential countermeasures against progressive bone loss (part 2) July/August 2000; 12:16.

OÍRangers EA. Space Motion Sickness July/August 2001; 13: 10.

OÍRangers EA. The Station and Medical Research: Fact vs. Fiction. July/August 2000; 12: 24-28.

Plush L and OÍRangers EA. Healthcare Barriers Impeding Public Access to Space January/February 2001; 13: 32-35.

OÍRangers EA and Messina L. Tales of A Mars Mission Medical Emergency Simulation Or Dr. Spock: Lost in Space (in press.)

3. Air & Space Magazine

A bimonthly publication of the National Air and Space Museum containing museum information and miscellaneous articles on aviation and spaceflight; for subscription, write to: Air & Space/Smithsonian, PO Box 420113; Palm Coast, FL 32142-0113; (800)-766-2149.

*The June/July 1996 publication included an article on the psychological impact of long-duration spaceflight entitled "The Loneliness of the Long-Duration Astronaut".

4. Popular Science

The May, 1998 issue is devoted to the International Space Station, with a particular emphasis on crew living conditions and space science.

5. Scientific American

The May, 1998 issue contains an article by Shannon Lucid, Ph.D. on the experiences she had on her 188-day stay on the Mir space station. The September, 1998 issue carried an article on the physiologic effects of weightlessness:

6. Astronomy

The October, 1999 edition published an article entitled: ñSurviving in Spaceî, by Diana Steele (pp58-63.) This is a general review article on spaceflightÍs effects on human physiology, with an emphasis on long-duration spaceflight health issues.

7. Space lllustrated

A new publication to hit the stands in 2000, this is one to watch out for with regard to space medicine-related articlesƒ. Published by space.com.

8/01: rumor had it that this magazine has been discontinued!

8. Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly

Published by the Space Studies Dept of the Univ of North Dakota (which runs a Masters in Space Studies programƒ see VI. A.) Volume 8, number 2 (2000) ran and article entitled: ñFrom Aelita to the International Space Station: The Psychological and Social Effects of Isolation on Earth and in Spaceî by Peter Pesavento (pp. 4-23.)

9. National Geographic

Space-related topics are frequently addressed in this venerable publication; January 2001 includes an article entitled: ñSurviving in Spaceî by Michael E. Long (pp. 6-29.)

10. Discover Magazine

The May, 2001 edition contained an article entitled, ñCan we go to Mars without going crazy?î by William Speed Weed (pp 36-43). The article discusses the psychological impact of the isolated environment associated with long-duration spaceflight and reseach currently underway to address this health risk.

11. Journal of the American Medical Association

On occasion has published scientific articles on space physiology; of note, check out the editorial entitled Physician-Astronauts Have Pioneered During Two Decades of Shuttle Flights. Vol 286; July 18, 2001.. pages 291-292.

E. Selected NASA publications

1. NASA Technology Today- see III.B.

2. Biomedical summaries from Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab programs (these are published as hardcover ñtextsî; I suspect they are out of print publications however they are available from NASM library system-- see item III.H.)

3. Spacelab I (SLS-I) summary (same information can also be located faster via the Life Sciences Data Archive [see item II.A])

*also see J. Applied Physiology 1996 (July)- entire issue deals with SLS-I life sciences data

4. Misc animal/plant biomedical experiment summaries

... the best compilation IÍve seen to date is Life into Space- space life sciences experiments from NASA Ames Research Center (1965-1990). This is a compendium of U.S. and international collaborative life sciences work organized chronologically by program. It also offers detailed descriptions of experiments and main results. Inquiries about this book may be sent to:

Kenneth Souza
Associate Director for Life Sciences
Mail Stop 200-7
NASA Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA 94035

(refer to title above, also known as NASA Reference Publication #1372)

*again, another source to try for locating this type of information is the Life Sciences Data Archive (item II.A)

F. Other miscellaneous publications

1. A Strategy for Research in Space Biology and Medicine in the New Century- the Committee on Space Biology and Medicine (CSBM) has reviewed NASA's Space and Life Sciences Programs over the years...the committee undertook another comprehensive review of the status of research in the various fields of space life sciences and developed a science strategy that could guide NASA in its long-term research and mission planning. This study was carried out over a 3-year period, and was published in 1998. The full report may be viewed at the following URL (there is also a link if for purchading hard copy): http://www.nationalacademies.org/ssb/csbmmenu.htm.

Also, check out the SSBÍs website for other related reports on NASAÍs space life sciences and medicine as well: http://www.nationalacademies.org/ssb/bib1.html

2. Report of the workshop on research on the microgravity environment related to cardiovascular, pulmonary and blood functions and diseases (October 1994). This is an NHLBI report on a consensus conference held on 1994 discussing physiology research needs in microgravity--- can be ordered through NTIS at (703)-605-6000 or via their web page: http://www.ntis.gov

3. Zero G: Life and Survival in Space, by Peter Bond. United Kingdom: Casell, 1999. A lay-public oriented book that provides the reader with information on life without gravity as well as an in-depth look at astronaut and cosmonaut selection and training. Over 400 astronauts and cosmonauts were interviewed for this book.

4. U.S. Space Gear: Outfitting the Astronaut, by Lillian D. Kozlowski. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. Interesting examination of spacesuit design, with in depth descriptions of development of gear from the beginning of manned spaceflight.

5. For kidsƒbut adults will find informative as well:

a.To Space and Back by Sally Ride and Susan Okie. New York: Beech Tree Paperback, 1991 (first published in 1986.)Dr. Ride provides the lay reader a description of a ride into space via the Space Shuttle. Provides a glimpse of ñlife on orbit.î

b.Space Station Science: Life in Freefall, by Marianne Dyson. New York: Scholastic Press, 1999.Activity-filled text which provides a broad understanding of ñwhat to expectî when planning and implementing a trip into space.

6. Mission to Mars, by Michael Collins. New York: Grove Weidenfeld, 1990.

This account of planning and conducting a manned mission to Mars was written by Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins. ItÍs description of the contingencies required for humans to travel to Mars is still timely and and darned interesting reading at that. Should engage most high school students.

7. Living in Space: A handbook for work and exploration beyond earthÍs atmosphere, by G.H. Stine. New York: M. Evans and Co., 1997.

This text outlines for the layperson the physical characteristics of the space environment, with particular attention to the basic problems of living and working in space- including the effects of long-term exposure of zero-G on the human body, special nutritional, physical and sanitation needs in space, and the technology necessary for staying alive, healthy and happy in space.

This book is a fascinating account of the Phase I Shuttle-Mir program in which U.S. Astronauts had extended stays aboard the Mir Space Station in order to for NASA to gain experience with long-duration spaceflight. This book is notable to extended discourse on the psychological effects of long-duration missions as well as detailed accounts of the Mir fire and decompression episodes and includes numerous personal accounts by those involved in the execution of these missions...a cautionary tale about the very real dangers that spaceflight poses to the human organism!

-other Mir-related books-of-interest (with emphasis on space emergencies):

a. Off the Planet: Surviving Five Perilous Months Aboard the Space Station Mir, by Jery M. Linnenger. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000.

b. Waystation to the Stars: The Story of Mir, Michael and Me, by Colin Foale. London: Headline Book Publishing, 1999.

8. Space nursing

a.A Nurse on Mars? Why Not? Mary Ellen Symanski. American Journal of Nursing 100 (October 2000) pp. 57-61.

b.NursesÍ Contributions to the US Space Program. Barbara Czerwinski, Linda Plush, Barbara Bailes. AORN Journal 71 (May 2000) pp.1051-1057.

9.How do you go to the Bathroom in Space? By William R. Pogue. New York: Tom Doherty Associates, LLC, 1999.

Written by a former Skylab astronaut, this is a ñquestion and answerî formatted book geared primarily for a adolescent audience, but it contains many life sciences and space medicine-related anecdotes that would be interesting to adult readers as well.

10. Do Your Ears Pop in Space? by R. Mike Mullane. New York: John Wiley andSons, Inc., 1997.

Written by a former Space Shuttle astronaut, this is another ñquestion and answerî formatter book geared for adolescents, but adults will find the multiple tidbits on space medicine, life sciences and other space miscellany intriguing.

II. Suggested Internet resources

A. NASA (agency actually does a great job of getting useful information on the internet; because of limited funds they have a vested interest in using the internet for information dissemination because creating web sites is essentially free-- as opposed to traditional publishing.)

Most of NASA's information (includes on-line and off-line resources) is searchable from the main NASA website:  http://www.nasa.gov/

Press releases and other information are available automatically by sending an internet message to domo@hq.nasa.gov. In the body of the message (not the subject line-- leave this blank) users should type the words "subscribe press-release" (no quotes). The system will reply with a confirmation via e-mail or each subscription. A second automatic message will include additional information on the service.

Aerospace Medicine and Biology  reports are available through a subscription to Electronic SCAN, an e-mail-based publication that provides information on the latest worldwide, aerospace-related, scientific and technical information that has been published. It is distributed every two weeks via email and even provides a mechanism for ordering documents. To receive a free subscription of Electronic SCAN, send e-mail for complete information about the service first. Enter scan@sti.nasa.gov on the address line. Leave the subject and message areas blank and send. You will receive a reply in minutes. Then, to set up to receive the Aerospace Medicine and Biology report, send a second e-mail to listserve@sti.nasa.gov . Leave the subject line blank and enter a subscribe command in the message area formatted as:  Subscribe SCAN-AEROMED <your name>. For additional information, e-mail a message to help@sti.nasa.gov, or:

Phone: (301)-621-0390
Fax: (301)-621-0134

Write:

NASA Access Help Desk
NASA Center for Aerospace Information (CASI)
800 Elkridge Landing Road
Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-2934

Some selected sites of interest within the NASA internet listings (in no particular order) include:

NASA Spacelink
http://spacelink.nasa.gov

An electronic information system for educators and students containing NASA information and educational materials. The Spacelink Electronic Library includes current NASA news, data about AmericaÍs aerospace program, classroom materials, software, images and other useful information.

NASA TeacherLINK
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu

Maintained by Utah State University College of Education, this site compliments Spacelink with multiple teaching resources for space education.

NASAÍs Educational Program page
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/codef/education

Provides an overview of NASAÍs program, including hyperlinks to specific programs, contracts and curriculum support products.

NASA Quest
http://quest.arc.nasa.gov

An internet-based program for K-12 students to interact with NASA scientists and to share in the excitement of scientific and engineering pursuits like high-altitude astronomy, spacecraft exploration of distant planets, and space-based life sciences experiments. The overall objective of these activities is to promote proficiency in navigating the internet.There are a number of ongoing projects to become involved with.

Life Sciences Data Archive
(http://lsda.jsc.nasa.gov

Constantly being updated, this website is useful for providing summaries of data collected on flights including historic ones (e.g. Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab)

Division of Space & Life Sciences Homepage
http://lifesci.arc.nasa.gov/

The Division of Space & Life Sciences supports NASA's needs for understanding and counteracting the physiological changes wrought by spaceflight; maintained by the Center for Advanced Space Studies

NASA Human Spaceflight
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/

This is a new consolidated site for all aspects of human spaceflight. Go here to access information on the space shuttle program, the Shuttle-Mir program, International Space Station and other related links.

Ames Research Center
http://lifesci.arc.nasa.gov/home.html

 The Ames Research CenterÍs homepage contains a link to the Division of Life SciencesÍ educational outreach program entitled Web of Life

Space and Life Sciences Directorate
http://slsd.jsc.nasa.gov/

 Web site for the JSC division charged with overseeing space and life sciences research

Life & Microgravity Sciences and Applications Image Archive
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/olmsa/imagarch/index.htm

Numerous life sciences images that can be downloaded free-of-charge (of particular interest-- human physiology, plant cells, protein crystallization growth, and tissue culture experiments). This site also contains numerous links to related site-of-interest.

Neurolab
http://neurolab.jsc.nasa.gov/

A NASA Space Shuttle payload mission (STS-90) which focused on the neurological system and how it responds to microgravity

STS-95 (John Glenn's Space Shuttle Flight)

A press-release regarding this mission, which provides an good overview of the life-sciences experiments planned can be found at :

http://www1.msfc.nasa.gov/NEWSROOM/background/facts/glenn_facts.html

Full information on the flight can be found at:

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/archives/sts-95/index.html

A related educational resource, which explores the themes of human potential and exploration (using John Glenn's flight as a springboard), is The Challenger Project. This site provides information, activities and interactive experiences with individuals whose like choices exemplify the Challenge ProjectÍs themes. Lots of interesting linksƒ and some excellent learning resources as wellƒ

http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/space/challenge/

NASA Headquarters Library
http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/hqlibrary/

Many of the LibraryÍs services can be accessed over the Internet. In addition to searching the collection, patrons may ask reference questions, submit research requests or reserve books and documents. Note: some services on site are only accessible by NASA Headquarters employess and contractorsƒ

Life Sciences Program Tasks and Bibliography
http://peer1.nasaprs.com/peer_review/taskbook/life_science/ls00/ltb.cfm

In order to facilitate a better understanding of the research NASA supports, the NASA Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR) has developed two comprehensive annual publications, called task books. These task books, one for each Division, include descriptions of all peer-reviewed projects, or tasks, funded by the Life Sciences and Microgravity Research Divisions during all or part of a particular fiscal year.

The Virtual Astronaut
http://virtualastronaut.jsc.nasa.gov

This is an interactive 3-D website that integrates existing life science research data and NASA educational products into a suite of instructional materials. It provides students and educators with a tool that integrates leading-edge technology with recent findings in physical sciences, space sciences, space medicine, biomedical research and living in space. These activities are combined into a single educational tool that provides fun and informative educational activities.

B. Spaceline
http://spaceline.usuhs.mil

A bibliographic database composed of citations to publications on life sciences research related to space

C. Other general sites of interest (in no particular order)

2. Mark MaimoneÍs Home Page
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~mwm/home.html

Mark Maimone?? Who the heck is he? Well-- believe it or not, this individual has the BEST on-line listing of space resources IÍve encountered. A great place to start for general surfing on the ïnet for space-related items. Also contains an on-line ñinstruction manualî for using the internet.

4. Space Day Website
http://www.spaceday.com

 Space Day is celebrated the Thursday prior to the anniversary of KennedyÍs ñspace raceî speech in 1961. This website was created to spark interest in Space Day and to provide teachers in particular with links, lessons and other information to help celebrate Space Day in the classroom. The website is maintained by Lockheed Martin.

5.Space Educator's Handbook
http://vesuvius.jsc.nasa.gov/er/seh/

Yet another site offering an immense assortment of space-related educational resources.

6. Space Biology Group ETH Zurich
http://www.spacebiol.ethz.ch

Check out space biology-related activities going on in Switzerland!

7. NASA Watch
http://www.nasawatch.com/index.html

This watchdog site (which even NASA employees love to read!) is a great non-NASA resource for misc. news on all NASA disciplinesƒ but life sciences is well-represented here. Lots of ñinsideî information available as well. Run by Keith Cowing.

8. space.com
http://www.space.com

This comprehensive space-centric website, underwritten by Lou Dobbs, includes frequent space-medicine-related articlesƒ

9. Space Biology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
http://ceres.cals.ncsu.edu/cfdocs/course/bo277/1.cfm

An interactive video network course offered through the NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Gravitational Biology, the Department of Botany at North Carolina State University, the NASA Kennedy Space Center, and the Florida Space Research Institute. It is a 3-hour credit course intended for a general audience of undergraduate students and provides an overview of the biology of plants, animals and humans as related to gravity and the spaceflight environment.

III. Government Resources

A. NASA Public Affairs Offices are surprisingly helpful at headquarters and at Johnson Space Center-- provided you are persuasive, persistent and end up speaking to the right person...

*Johnson Space Center Public Affairs: (281)-483-8658

B. NASA Center for Aerospace Information: Technology Transfer Office (410)-712-0272 (ask for Tech Transfer Office); internet address (http://www.nasatech.com)

*NASA Tech Briefs - published 12 times/year; info on latest NASA inventions and innovations in 10 key areas, including life sciences--- it is truly amazing to realize how many commerical applications there are related to NASA-derived technology!

a.a supplement to Tech Briefs, entitled Technology Today- a resource for technology, science & math teachers is published periodically with the intent to share the excitement, adventure and knowledge of NASAÍs work with educators and parents.

b.another non-NASA program focused on space technology is SpaceTech: Enhancing Life on Earth (http://www.spacetechtv.com). This television program is on PBS (check local listings for times). The series discusses scientific innovations for space and how they are being applied on Earth. Producedby EFX Communications, and the Space Foundation.

C. NASA Television
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

A resource designed to provide real-time coverage of NASA activities and missions as well as providing resource video to the news media, and educational programming to teachers, students, and the general public. NASA Television is broadcast on GE-2, transponder 9C, C-Band, located at 85 degrees West longitude. The frequency is 3880.0 MHz. Polarization is vertical and audio is monoaural at 6.8 MHz.

D. NASA Teacher Resource Centers - located on-site at NASAÍs Centers around the country (e.g. Johnson Space Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, Marshall Spaceflight Center, etc.) Staffed by teachers serving as ñface-to-faceî resource for educators seeking space-related information and educational materials for the classroom. Contact NASA Centers for information on center hours.

One resource of note: Liftoff to Learning Educational Videotape Series-All Systems Go!  is a tape which describes the physical effects of spaceflight and shows actual research being conducted to examine these physiological changes. It, and many other interesting educational resources are available at NASA Teacher Resource Centers or by contacting NASA CORE (a clearinghouse for NASA educational materials). Send a letter on school stationery to request a catalog and an order form:

NASA CORE (Central Operation of Resources for Educators)
Lorain County Joint Vocational School
15181 Route 58 S.
Oberlin, OH 44074
(216)-774-1051 ext 293/294

Some additional video titles-of-interest include:

Shuttle Life in the World of Weightlessness

Eating and Sleeping in Space

Astrosmiles

Liftoff to Learning: Living in Space

Space: Home Away From Home

E.  NASA Mobile Teacher Resource Center (MTRC) - a self-contained NASA resource facility designed to support teacher enhancement workshops in locations that are often remotely located from NASA facilities. The MTRC consists of an 18-wheel tractor-trailer that serves as a model resource center, carrying educational materials and information to elementary and secondary teachers across the nation. Operates September-May for on-site, short-term events (e.g. lectures, demonstrations).

For information, contact:

NAFEO Services, Inc.
5214 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 200
Hyattsville , MD 20781

F. Astronaut appearances - terrific opportunity, but travel and lodging must be paid for. Getting the entire community involved may help defray the cost-- and in addition to a school assembly appearance, the astronaut could also be scheduled to speak to the chamber of commerce, the local television station, etc. For more information, contact:

Amy Kennedy-Reynolds
Astronaut Appearances Office
Mail Code CB
NASA-Johnson Space Center
2101 NASA Road 1
Houston, TX 77058
Fax: 281-244-8863

G. NASA Education Programs (summer student internships, teacher workshops)

1. Space Science Student Involvement Program (SSIP)- a national grade 3-12 competition co-sponsored by NASA and the National Science Teachers Association. The SSIP is designed to address the need for student basic science, mathematics and technology literacy. A variety of choices are offered within the competition: Mars Scientific Experiment Proposal contest (grades 9-12), the Mission to Planet Earth contest (grades 6-8), and the Future Aircraft/Spacecraft Design competition(grades 3-5).

For more information:

Wendell G. Mohling
National Science Teachers Association
1840 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201-3000
703-243-7100
FAX: 703-243-7177
E-mail: wmohling@nsta.org

2. NASA Educational Workshops for teachers K-12- consists of NEWEST (NASA Educational Workshops for Elementary School Teachers) and NEWMAST (NASA Educational Workshops for Mathematics, Science and Technology Teachers)- co-sponsored by NASA and the National Science Teachers Association, these programs allow teachers to spend 2 weeks in the summer at one of NASAÍs centers in order to interact with NASA scientists, engineers, technicians and educational specialists.

For more information, contact:

NEWEST/NEWMAST
National Science Teachers Association
1840 Wilson Boulevard
|Arlington, VA 22201-3000
(703)-243-7100

OR-- visit the NSTA web site (http://www.nsta.org) to download an application.

3. NASA STELLAR Program - The STELLAR Program at NASA Ames Research Center offers K-12 teachers a unique opportunity to experience science in the laboratory setting. It is a "hands-on" science training program for teachers interested in improving their knowledge and skills in science, math and technology. Through this experience, they create new science classroom activities which become available on the Web, CD-ROMs (such as The Heart in Space and The Vestibular System), video, and printed publications.

For more information:

STELLAR Office (415) 604-0820 or 604-1866
FAX: (415) 604-2112
E-mail: scardenas@mail.arc.nasa.gov

The STELLAR Program
NASA Ames Research Center
Mail Stop 19-15
Moffett Field, CA 94035

4. International Space Station Educators Conference- a conference that provides teachers and other participants hands-on, interactive sessions, such as building and launching rockets, constructing their own space suits, assembling a space station model and preparing astronaut food. Current sponsors include NASA Headquarters, NASA Johnson Space Center, Boeing, Southwest Airlines, and Space Center Houston.

For more information:

Sonja Alexander/Kirsten Larson
NASA HQ
(202)-358-1600

or

Teresa Ehrman
Space Center Houston
(281)-244-2133

H. National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C. (202)-357-1300

 NASM branch library (public may borrow materials through interlibrary loan system available to them through public, special and academic libraries OR you can visit library on-site by appointment)

Phone: (202)-357-3133
FAX: (202)-786-2835
internet: http://www.nasm.edu

Gallery curators may be another source of information...as are docents (tour guides.)

Docent program... extensive network of volunteers who provide tours to public; predominantly composed of members who have had involvement in misc. aspects of aerospace industry; often have access to additional special museum events (contact: Maretta Hemsley, Docent Coordinator 202-357-1621)

Museum membership... provides you with access to special events; e.g. astronaut lectures, etc.

I. Teacher in Space Program

While the original program was ñplaced on holdî following the 1986 Challenger disaster, NASA is now formally accepting astronaut applications for mission specialist teachers. Barbara Morgan (Christa McAuliffeÍs backup) was accepted as a mission specialist teacher in the1998 astronaut class. Contact Johnson Space CenterÍs Public Affairs Office for an astronaut application (see item III.A.)

J. NASA-ASEE Fellowship Program

University-based engineering and science faculty members spend 10 weeks conducing research with professional peers at NASA. Note that at least one clinical pharmacist faculty member has participated in this program.

For information contact the ASEE website at http://www.asee.org. or :

American Society for Engineering Education
1818 N Street, N.W.
Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20036-2479
(202)-331-3525
Email: projects@asee.org

The NASA/University Joint Venture (JOVE) Program is a partnership between NASA and institutions of higher education that have not been involved significantly in the NationÍs aerospace program. The researcher/student/faculty member agrees to perform NASA-related research exclusively for a prespecified period. NASA provides the research with access to data while the university provides the time for carrying out the research. Research begins in the summer when the student/faculty member spends 10 weeks with their mentors at NASA centers. When they return to their campus, an electronic link is established between them to facilitate research.

For more information contact:

Education Programs Office
Mail Code CL01
NASA
Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812
(205)-544-8800
http://space.hsv.usra.edu/

IV. Non-government organizations

A. Aerospace Medical Association (703)-739-2240

*publish Aviation, Space & Environmental Medicine

B. American College of Clinical Pharmacology (315)-768-6117 or (http://www.accp1.org/)

Publish The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Have sponsored space pharmacology symposia in past as well as this year (see I.B.6. )

C. American Society for Gravitational & Space Biology
http://asgsb.indstate.edu

Click on Space Biology: An EducatorÍs Resource, containing readings, references, links and teaching resources on space biology and physiology

D. American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (800)-639-2422
http://www.aiaa.org

Publish a number of aerospace technical journals

*Have co-sponsored symposia with NASA in past on life science issues (e.g. NASA/AIAA Life Sciences and Space Medicine Conference and Exhibits,Houston, TX, March 5-7, 1996)

E. Space Nursing Society

Established 1991, society seeks to ensure that nurses have a role in planning and implementing health care for people who eventually will live outside the Earth's atmosphere

Publish newsletter "Expanding Horizons"

Address: Space Nursing Society, 3053 Rancho Vista Blvd, Suite H377, Palmdale, CA 93551 (contact: Linda Plush, R.N.; e-mail: lplushsn@ix.netcom.com)

F. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB)

Sponsors symposium, "Pushing the Envelope: Medicine in Challenging Environmentsî, late September/early October

International Space University campus

Contact UTMB Office of Continuting Education, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555-1034, phone: (409)-772-7834

G. Civil Air Patrol - sponsors the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education, a nation-wide gathering of aerospace educators and civil air patrol personnel. The Civil Air Patrol is also a resource for aviation and space-related educational materials. Contact your state affiliate for further information.

H. Challenger Centers - located around the country, these centers are dedicated to fostering teamwork and interest in math, science, and technology. Learning is centered around a space exploration theme. Workshops for teachers and other professional development opportunities are available. The Challenger Center also has produced programs for classroom use for schools outside center service areas. Mars City Alpha and Marsville, for example, are classroom simulations that involve students in an interdisciplinary project to gather facts, form hypotheses and make team-based decisions to successfully prepare Mars for human habitation.

For more information:

Challenger Center for Space Science Education
1029 N. Royal Street, Suite 300
Alexandria, Virginia 22314-1529
703-683-9740
FAX: 703-683-7546
http://www.challenger.org

I. Space Camp
http://www.spacecamp.com

Located in Alabama (Huntsville), Florida (Titusville), California (Mountain View), and internationally,Space Camp offers participants a hands-on opportunity to experience the American space program through simulations of astronaut training and instruction. Programs are offered for school-age children and adults. Aviation Challengeis another course offered at the Alabama and California sites.

J. Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Centerƒ also offers a space camp experience called the Future Astronaut Training Program.

For more information:

Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center
1100 North Plum
Hutchinson, KS 67501
(316)-662-2305
1-800-397-0330

K. National Space Biomedical Research Institute
http://www.nsbri.org

The NSBRI combines the basic research capabilities of some of the nation's leading biomedical research laboratories with the operational and applied research of NASA to understand and remove the impediments to safe and effective human exploration and development of space. The NSBRI's discoveries and research products will lead to countermeasures against the effects of weightlessness and space radiation and will contribute to the clinical benefit of all mankind.

L. United States Space Foundation
http://www.spacefoundation.org/

Offers Space Discovery graduate courses over the summer in Colorado Springs as well as Teaching with Space in-services at schools across the country

V. Potential Research Opportunities

ñGet-Away Specialsî (GAS)... otherwise known as the Shuttle Small Payloads Project
http://www.wff.nasa.gov/%7Esspp/gas/gas.html

Note: apart from summer internship programs, the opportunities for research program like GAS increase substantially at the collegiate level; also, I am unclear as to whether GAS could be utilized for a life sciences experiments.

VI. Other Educational Opportunities

A. The University of North Dakota Masters of Science in Space Studies
http://www.space.edu

B. (for pharmacy students only!) Rotation available with pharmacology program at Johnson Space Center...

...contact Lak Putcha, Ph.D. (281-483-3058 FAX) for more information. E-mail: lakshmi.putcha1@jsc.nasa.gov

VII. Miscellaneous

A. ñZero-Gî CD-ROM from American MPC Research, Inc.- multimedia overview of microgravity-- what it is, its effects on physiology, working in microgravity, etc.

*this CD-ROM was offered through the (no defunct) Final Frontier Magazine

B.'The Heart in Space - how microgravity affects the cardiovascular system' and 'The Vestibular System' CD-ROMS. Produced by the STELLAR Multimedia Curriculum project at NASA Ames Research Center (see item G.4.). Information on obtaining the CD-ROM can be obtained from:

Sonya Cardenas, STELLAR Program Manager
NASA Ames Research Center
Mail Stop 19-15
Moffet Field, CA 94035-1000
(650)-604-1866; (650)-604-0820
(650)-604-2112 FAX

C. ñDestination Marsî video... available through the Discovery Channel for $19.95. Item #701318. Call 1-800-889-9950 or contact their website at http://www.discovery.com to order. A terrific video describing all aspects to consider for a manned mission to the Red Planet. Much of what Michael Collins discusses in his book (see VII. D.) are included here.

D.ñLong-term space travel: nutrition and food concernsî... a brochure published by NASA and the NJ-NSCORT (New Jersey- NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training for Bioregenerative Life Support) that summarizes the major conclusions from a symposia held by NASA and the NJ-NSCORT in 1997 entitled ñNutrition and foodconcerns of long-term space travel.