MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMME

(ASIAN KIBO MISSION: MALAYSIA SPACE SEED MODULE)

CONTENTS

1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.5 3.0 3.1 3.2

PROJECT BACKGROUND ...................................................................................................... 5 JAXA Programme .............................................................................................................. 5 MALAYSIA SPACE SEED PROGRAMME .......................................................................... 5 WHY CHILLI?.................................................................................................................... 6 ASIAN KIBO MISSION: MALAYSIA SPACE SEED COMPETITION ............................... 7 ABOUT THE COMPETITION ............................................................................................ 7 RULES AND REGULATIONS ............................................................................................. 9 Project Requirements and Costing ............................................................................... 10 CALENDER OF ACTIVITY / TIMELINE ......................................................................... 11 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE ........................................................................................... 13 RESEARCH PROPOSAL: .................................................................................................. 13 CROP CULTURE & DATA COLLECTION ....................................................................... 15 ACTIVITY PRIOR TO SOWING .............................................................................. 15 SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING SELECTION............................................ 16

3.2.1 3.2.2

DATA RECORDING.............................................................................................................. 21 3.2.3 TRANSPLANTING .......................................................................................................... 23 DATA RECORDING: ............................................................................................................ 26 3.2.4 CROP MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................. 36 3.2.5 YIELD COMPONENTS ............................................................................................. 38

DATA RECORDING.............................................................................................................. 41 3.3 REPORT WRITING .......................................................................................................... 45 INFORMATION ABOUT MICROGRAVITY ....................................................... 46

APPENDIX 1 :

MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMME (ASIAN KIBO MISSION: MALAYSIA SPACE SEED MODULE)

i. Introduction to Module Dear Teachers & Students, Salam 1 Malaysia The ANGKASA agency is pleased to present this manual to you and your colleagues as part of our continuing space science education program to promote the interest in space science as a valuable field of science for our Malaysian future generation. This manual deals with the field in seed science technology, where we think that seed is the starting element for the sustainable life in the universe. It is our sincere hope that the manual will serve as a useful resource for educators, students, and parents who are concerned about their engagement with the space science as one of the potential future career. It is also for those who wish to participate in school and community efforts to diversify the understanding of the space science technology among students.

1.0 1.1

PROJECT BACKGROUND JAXA Programme

The Space Environment Utilization Working Group (SEU WG) is launching its own space mission for the first time. The Space Seed for Asian Future (SSAF) 2010-2011 mission has been planned and developed by the space agencies participating in the SEU WG. The task force aims to joint utilizations of Japanese Experiment Module KIBO of the International Space Station by countries in the region. Based on Asian KIBO Mission Planning Task Force #3 Meeting held on 1 st July 2010 which consists of the space agencies of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, it was agreed that all members to launch their own seeds with the main keyword Space and Asian Seeds under the theme of Space Seeds for Asian Future (SSAF2010). The seeds are placed inside KIBO at ambient temperature. The Members (Asian task force country) are required to prepare specimens respectively for local activity. Objective of this international program is to promote space awareness and better understanding of science in the country. Overall the SSAF2010-2011 program will deepen understanding of the importance of space utilization by people in the AsiaPacific region and will stimulate scientific interest among young students.

1.2

MALAYSIA SPACE SEED PROGRAMME

Malaysia through National Space Agency (ANGKASA) has established a local committee to conduct this program. The local committee for Malaysian Space SEED Programme consist of the Ministry of Education (MOE), Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute (MARDI), and Department of Agriculture (DOA). Objective of the Malaysian Space SEED Educational Programme is :i. To promote of microgravity science - space awareness;

ii. iii.

To develop student interest and skill in scientific space experiments and research; To compare, analyze and do hypothesis about the growth of microgravity environment exposed seed compared to earth grown seed.

Malaysia sent 100gram of Capsicum annum (chilli) seeds and developed our very own local program comprised of 2 components incorporating both education and research. The seeds were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard "KOUNOTORI2" (HTV2, a cargo transporter to the ISS) by JAXA on 22 January 2011. The seeds are then retrieved several months later, hitching a ride onboard the final mission of Space Shuttle Endeavour, STS 134 back to Earth.

1.3

WHY CHILLI?

Chilli seeds were chosen by the committee because it was readily available, easily prepared by Malaysia. In particular, MC11 was selected because it is a variant developed by our local scientists at MARDI. The proposed seeds were later approved by the technical committee of ISS to be brought up and spend 4 month in space.

2.0 2.1

ASIAN KIBO MISSION: MALAYSIA SPACE SEED COMPETITION 2012 ABOUT THE COMPETITION

i)

Title: Asian KIBO Mission: Malaysia Space Seed Organizer: This competition is organized by the National Space Agency (ANGKASA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency with the collaboration of Ministry of Education (MOE), Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute (MARDI), Department of Agriculture (DOA). Nature of competition: Participants are required to conduct a research project to evaluate growth performance of Capsicum annum seeds. Eligibility This competition is open to all secondary school students in Malaysia. Schools are only allowed to send in one team comprises a maximum of 20 students supervised by 4 teachers. Competition Entry Submission of the entry competition must be made through online application via web page http://astronomi.angkasa.gov.my/spaceseeds All entries to the competition must be submitted to and received by the Organizer no later than the respective deadline. One school can submit only one application. Important Datelines Advertisement and call for application : 1 November 2011 Closing Date for application: 31 January 2012 Notification of successful application: March 2012 vii) Infrastructural Requirements: The school must have: - Internet access - Area for seed germination and planting at least for 40 plants

ii)

iii)

iv)

v)

vi)

viii)

Expenditure to conduct the experiment: All expenses/costs to be borne by the schools. Prizes & Reward All participants will be given a token and certificate of participation jointly issued by JAXA, MOE and ANGKASA. The Organizer; Reserve the right to use all works/materials produced by the Participants under the Competition for any purposes without prior notice or consent. Reserve the right to vary, postpone or reschedule the dates of the competition or extend the competition period at their sole discretion. Shall not be responsible for any damage to and/or personal injuries sustained in the course of the Competition. Shall not be responsible for any non-compliant of the Pesticide Act 1974.

ix)

x)

xi)

Disclaimer By participating in this Competition, the Participants agree and shall ensure that all team members, the teacher-in-charge and the school authorities agree to abide by the competition Rules and Regulations and all decisions made by the Organizers.

2.2

RULES AND REGULATIONS

i) Each school can only register one team consisting of a maximum of 4 teacher advisors and 20 students. ii) Each team will receive 2 packets of seeds (Space Seeds and Control Seeds) from the Organizer. iii) Only seeds provided by the Organizer are allowed to be used in this competition. iv) Each team is required to send their data within the timeline given supported by photographs using the designated website (http://astronomi.angkasa.gov.my/spaceseeds) v) Each team is required to send in a final report based on the data obtain within the deadline. vi) The final report must be written in English. vii) The final report must be submitted using the designated website. viii) The judges decision is final.

2.3

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS AND COSTING

This project may involve the use of the following items. An estimate of the cost of each item is provided below. No Item Hand throwel / fork Gloves Watering can Spray bottle Polybags, 12 X 18 Soil mixture Chord Support stake Plastic tray size 40 X 80 cm Fertilisers, NPK Blue Special Foliar Fertiliser (Bayfolan) Peat Gro Tag label Total Unit 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 pair pair pc pc pc bag roll pc pc Price per unit (RM) 8.00 3.00 5.00 13.00 0.80 6.00 6.00 0.50 10.00 4.00 64.00 16.00 50.00 Quantity required 2 10 2 2 50 50 1 50 2 3 1 1 1 RM 16.00 30.00 10.00 26.00 40.00 300.00 6.00 25.00 20.00 12.00 64.00 16.00 50.00 615.00

1 kg 4L 1 packet 1 roll

Costing of Optional Apparatus No 1 2 3 Item Fencing and Roofing for 30 plants Insecticide Mask Total Unit 7 X 21 1 bottle 1 box Price per unit (RM) 850.00 100.00 60.00 Quantity required 2 units 2 1 RM 1700.00 200.00 60.00 1960.00

Note : a) Creative use of the recycle materials is encouraged b) All expenses/costs to be borne by the schools c) Teachers may use this costing list in their project proposal

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2.5

CALENDER OF ACTIVITY / TIMELINE

Tentative dates 06.03.2012 03.04.2012 -

Timeframe

Activities Notification of successful application Briefing on the module to the teachers. Ceremony for seed distributions to schools

03.04.2012 09.04.2012

1 week from receiving feedback.

Seed handling keep seeds in refrigerator before sowing Seedling preparation in trays Preparing research proposal.

09.04.2012 09.04.2012 16.04.2012 22.04.2012 (Week 1)

Simultaneous sowing 1 week after sowing

Submit the research proposal Start competition : sowing Send report on germination behaviour online Spray foliar fertilizer weekly until experiment ends. Send report of germination behaviour online Prepare polybags for transplanting

20 days before transplanting 23.04.2012 29.04.2012 (Week 2) 30.04.2012 14.05.2012 Simultaneously 35 days after sowing 2 weeks after sowing

Transplanting Submission of progressive report on Morphological Characteristics , Reproductive Characteristics & Yield Characteristics online.

1) 21.05.2012 (Week 1) Every week after transplanting 2) 28.05.2012 (Week 2) 3) 04.06.2012 (Week 3)

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4) 11.06.2012 (Week 4) 5) 18.06.2012 (Week 5) 6) 25.06.2012 (Week 6) 7) 02.07.2012 (Week 7) 8) 09.07.2012 (Week 8) 14 days after transplanting (DAT) 17 DAT 30 DAT 35 DAT 40 DAT 42 DAT 45-50 DAT 14.07.2012 30.07.2012 03.08.2012 September 2012 December 2012 60-75 DAT Application of fertilizer I Application of pesticides I Fixing plant support Application of fertilizer II Pest and disease control II Application of fertilizer III Pest and disease control III Harvesting Submit final report online Evaluation of top 10 schools Announcement of winners

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3.0

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

3.1

RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

The school has to come up with a research proposal. The research proposal should consist of the following: The proposal should be 2-3 pages only.

REMINDER: The proposal should be sent online http://astronomi.angkasa.gov.my/spaceseeds to the following address:

Helpline for enquiries and consultation:- admin_sis@angkasa.gov.my

Organization Chart: Name of School School Address Name of Principal Teacher Advisors 1. 2. 3. 4. Group Leader Name of Participants (maximum 20) Email address School Telephone No School Fax No.

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Format of Proposal: Title

Problem Statement

Objectives

Research questions

Literature review

Methodology

Gantt Chart

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3.2

CROP CULTURE & DATA COLLECTION 3.2.1 ACTIVITY PRIOR TO SOWING Seeds should be kept at proper storage conditions. To maintain seed viability, it is best to store seeds with low moisture content and stored in a cool, dry place. For short term storage, low moisture content seeds can be kept at room temperature but if seeds are to be stored longer, they should be kept at low temperatures (1020C). Seeds can be packed in pouches, plastic bag or cans to avoid contact to prevent absorption of moisture from the atmosphere. Seed containers should be labeled to indicate species, cultivar, moisture content, germination percentage & date tested, date of production, and sometimes instructions how to grow the plants.

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STEP BY STEP ACTIVITY PRIOR TO SOWING A) Receiving seed 1. Inspect conditions, labels upon receiving. 2. Seeds should be kept in their sealed envelopes until just prior to planting. 3. Keep in refrigerator prior to use.(Not in freezer) 4. Make sure to avoid extreme conditions (temperature) B) Preparation For Sowing Refer to 3.2.2

3.2.2 SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING SELECTION

The basic requirement for germination is water and air (oxygen). Water is imbibed through the micropyle, an opening in the seed coat. This activates biochemical reaction within the seed, which releases nutrients and other growth factors for the embryo to resume active cell division, organ differentiation and thus growth and development. The first organ that emerges from the seed is the radical, which is the primary or the first root, followed by the cotyledons, the first leaves. In chilli, the cotyledons grow above the seed and this orientation is called epigeal. Germination medium such as soil or peat pellets, provides support for the seedling to anchor and orientate itself in relation to geotropism. Emergence is the appearance of seed cotyledon above the surface during germination .

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Pictures are showing seedling emergence

hypocotyl

cotyledon

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

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Seedling emergence can be count at stage 3

Stage 5

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STEP BY STEP SOWING: 1. 2. Obtain peat gro from any nursery Obtain 2 units of germination trays (plastic egg trays can be used as an alternative)

Fig. : Germination tray

Fig : Fill the trays with peat- gro

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Fill the trays with peat- gro Water till wet Sow 50 seeds each of type a and type b chillies in the trays Place germination trays away from direct sunlight Record germination rate behaviour. Spray seedlings gently with foliar fertiliser 15 days after sowing Spray seedlings gently with insecticide 20 days after sowing Record the germination behaviour in the table provided. Fig. : Fill the tray with peat gro. Reminder : 1. Dont forget to prepare for transplanting. Refer Transplanting 2. Dont forget to look after your little seedlings

Tip: Emergence of seedling needs food supply after two weeks germinated. Put two fertilizer of NPK blue special on the media. Precaution! Be careful, dont touch the seedling with the fertiliser, it will die.

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PARAMETERS TO BE MEASURED BY STUDENTS 1 Germination Behaviour Record appearance of 1st seedling (once) Record number of emergence daily (every day for 14 days) Calculate Mean Germination Time using formula given Record emergence percentage at day 14 (once) 2 Morphological Characteristics Plant height from soil to the top of the plant (weekly, starting from 14 DAT) Stem diameter at 15 cm from soil surface (weekly, starting from 14 DAT) use a vernier calipers to measure diameter Canopy diameter (weekly, starting from 14 DAT) 3 Reproductive Characteristics Appearance of first flower for the whole batch of 20 plants (once) Record total number of flowers (for selected sample of 5 plants) on week 7 4 Yield Characteristics A. Number of fruits per plant (once on last day) B. Average length of fruit (once on last day for selected sample of 5 plants)

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DATA RECORDING

1 Germination Behaviour

Instruction Menu Record the number of new seedlings that emerge each day from days 1 - 14 CLICK to see what a new seedling emergence looks like (MARDI - picture of an emergence) Do not count the same seedling twice! REMEMBER! You must key in your results twice on days 7 and 14 Calculate the Mean Germination Time (MGT) using the formula : ( Dn ) / n where n is the number of seeds, which emerges on day D, and D is the number of days counted from the beginning of germination (D = 1, 2, 3, , 14) Find the percentage of emergence using the formula : ( Number of seedlings Total number of seeds sowed ) x 100% Take photographs of your seedlings Present your data creatively for your final report

Day Space 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Sample Ground

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12 13 14 Total Mean Germination Time (MGT) Percentage of Emergence

Emergence of 1st seedling Space Seeds : _________________ Ground Seeds : _________________

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3.2.3 TRANSPLANTING

Transplanting is the process of transferring normal, healthy seedlings from the nursery (or germination trays, germination pallets) to their permanent growing sites (in the field or polybags). Seedlings deemed suitable for transplanting are as shown in Picture below

Picture of suggested nursery Planting distance Transplanting of seedlings 100cm x x x x x x x x

x 100cm x

x PLOT A

x PLOT B

Notes: of plants

x- experiment

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Soil preparation The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.5 and, if lower than this, a liming material should be added during soil preparation. Seed sowing and acclimatization Site preparation

STEP BY STEP Before transplanting 1. Prepare a soil mix of 3:2:1 (soil : organic matter: sand) 2. Obtain polybags according to the size( 30 x 45 cm) 3. fill polybags with soil mixture full 4. Water till wet 5. Label the polybags with s1- s20 for space seeds and g1-g20 for ground seeds 6. Water the soil in the polybags till wet

During transplanting 1. Select 20 healthy seedlings of each type 2. Make a hole at the centre of the polybags, deep enough to cover the root-ball. 3. Remove seedlings from germination tray, keeping the rootball intact 4. Place the seedlings in the planting holes in an upright position, firm up the base with surrounding soil 5. Water the newly transplanted plants until the soil is moist but avoid leaving standing water .

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After transplanting 1. Look after your plants and replace them if they die, are diseased or weak 2. Arrange polybag at 1 meter between rows and 1 meter within rows. Refer 3.2.3 (Planting distance) 3. Separate the plot area for space seedlings and ground seedlings with a plastic barrier. 4. Start recording your data beginning from 14 days after transplanting. REMINDER: Make sure all polybags are labeled correctly with suitable waterproof tag according to samples.

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DATA RECORDING:
2 Morphological Characteristics a. Plant Height b. Stem Diameter c. Canopy Diameter
Instruction Menu Measure the plant height, stem diameter and canopy diameter of your plants weekly CLICK to see how to take these measurements (MARDI visuals of how to measure the plant height, stem diameter and canopy diameter) Record your measurements in the respective tables Calculate the average REMEMBER! Do not forget to key in your results every week. Take photographs of your growing plants Present your data creatively for your final report

Stem Diameter

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Plant height

Canopy

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A. Plant Height Space Plants Week 1 Plant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Average 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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Ground Plants: Week 1 Plant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Average 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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B . Stem Diameter Space Plants: Week Plant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Average 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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Ground Plants: Week Plant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Average 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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C.

Diameter of canopy

Space Plants: Week Plant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Average 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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Ground Plants: Week Plant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Average 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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3 Reproductive Characteristics
Instruction Menu Look out for the appearance of the first flower CLICK to see the difference between a flower and a bud (MARDI - photo of a flower in full bloom amongst buds to show difference) Record the DAT of the appearance of the first flower for Group A and Group B Select a sample of 5 chilli plants from Group A and Group B on week 7 Count and record the total number of flowers on each plant in the table CLICK to see a 7 week old flowering chilli plant (MARDI - photo of a 7 week old flowering chilli plants) Calculate the average Take photographs! Present your data creatively for your final report

c
a. Flower bud b. Flower full bloom c. Fruit

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Appearance of first flower (full bloom) Space Plant Flower : DAT - _______________________ Ground Plant Flower : DAT - _______________________ Total number of flowers (for selected sample of 5 plants) on week 7 Sample Plant 1 2 3 4 5 Average Space Plants Ground Plants

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3.2.4 CROP MAINTENANCE

Crop maintenance activities are important operations in crops production. Organized and well executed crop maintenance operations ensure good, healthy growth of plants. Some important operations include watering, fertilizing, weeding and pest & disease control.

STEP BY STEP: 1. Water your plants to keep soil in the polybags always moist.. 2. Note: Do not overwater your plants Note: Do not over fertilise your plants to be done by Spray weekly with foliar fertiliser. Spray at the whole plants 3. Apply pesticides in accordance with recommended agronomic practices. Note: Preparation and application of insecticide/pesticide teachers. 4. 5. 6. Apply other pesticide if necessary. Remove weeds manually. Can be done at any time as often as required Tie up plants with strings to stakes driven about 15 cm into the ground. To avoid plants from falling over

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Note : Participants must follow standard safety rules and regulations. In the event that the uses of pesticides are required, Participants must comply with Pesticide Act 1974.

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3.2.5 YIELD COMPONENTS Crop yield can be categorize as biological yield (stems, branches, leaves and roots) and economic yield (fruits and seeds). For practical purposes, emphasis is placed upon the production of the economic yield components. BIOLOGICAL YIELD a) b) Root Root system is confined to the top 30 cm from the surface. Stem

Chilli is a semi-hardwood herbaceous plant. The stem colour is green and it becomes woody as the plant matures. c) Branches

Branching is cincinnal, buds are opposite but only one develop alternately from each node. Secondary and tertiary branches bear most of the flowers and fruits. d) Leaf

Leaves are simple and alternate, ovate in shape, green to dark green in colour on the upperside, and whitish green on the underside. Thickness of the leaves somewhat deter insects, thus reducing the chances for spread of diseases.

Fig.2: Leaf shape 1. Deltoid 2. Ovate 3. Lanceolate

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ECONOMIC YIELD a) Flower

Flowers are formed terminally, singly. As in most modern chilli varieties, flowers are the pendant type, i.e. hanging downwards. The corolla is white in colour, with the pistil sticking out from the central axis and surrounded below by the stamens. Anthesis, or shedding of mature pollen grains occur around 45 days after planting.

Fig. 3: Flower b) Fruit

The fruit of MC11 chilli is elongate in shape, surface slightly wrinkled, green when immature and turns red when ripened. It has a thin layer of wax. The high dry matter content helps it retain shape and colour relatively longer after fully ripened.

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Fig. 4: Chilli fruit c) Seed

Chilli seeds are categorized as orthodox. They can be dried to a relatively low moisture content and kept at low temperatures without loss of viability. The seed is round (diameter around 4mm) and thin (about 0.7mm in thickness). A seed weighs approximately 4mg. The seed coat is thin and light yellow in colour, the endosperm fills up almost the entire space within the seed coat, embryo is globular.

Fig. 5: Chili seed size

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STEP BY STEP FRUITS OF MY LABOUR 1. Measure fruits at Maturity Index 3 2. Measure and record the number of fruits per plant and the length of fruits

DATA RECORDING
1 YIELD CHARACTERISTICS a. Number of fruits b. Length of fruits
Instruction Menu Count the number of mature fruits on each plant on DAT 75 for all your space and ground plants CLICK to see a picture of a mature fruit at index 3 (when fruits are just beginning to turn red) (MARDI photos of chillies at maturity indices 1 5) Calculate the average Select a sample of 5 chilli plants each from the Space Plants and Ground Plants Measure and record the length of fruits on all the selected plants on DAT 75 CLICK to see how to measure the length of the fruit (MARDI - photo of how to measure the length of a chilli fruit from the shoulder to the tip of the fruit) Tabulate your data Take photographs! Present your data creatively for your final report

Picture a. Index 1 Not mature

Maturity index

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b.

Index 2 Mature

c.

Index 3 Mature

d.

Index 4 Mature

e.

Index 5 Mature

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Shoulder

Tip

Fruit length from shoulder to fruit tip A. Number of fruits per plant (once on last day) Group Plant 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Average Space Plants Ground Plants

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B. Average length of fruit (once on last day for selected sample of 5 plants) Sample Plant 1 2 3 4 5 Average Space Plants Ground Plants

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3.3

REPORT WRITING

The school has to come up with a report writing. The research proposal should consist of the following:

PROBLEM STATEMENT RESEARCH QUESTION LITERATURE REVIEW AIM HYPOTHESIS VARIABLES Manipulated Responding Constant: APPARATUS & MATERIALS PROCEDURE

DATA COLLECTION AND PRESENTATION Tables Graphs Charts Pictures Photos others

DISCUSSION CONCLUSION EXTENSION / FUTURE INOVATION REFERENCE

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APPENDIX 1 :

INFORMATION ABOUT MICROGRAVITY

WHAT IS MICROGRAVITY? Microgravity, also called weightlessness or zero gravity, is the absence of gravity. It is best illustrated by astronauts floating in their spacecraft. They are floating because they are in a microgravity environment. Besides astronauts, many people experience microgravity every day by riding roller coasters or jumping off diving boards. It is the "free fall" period of these activities when the microgravity occurs and of course only lasts for a short period of time. Gravity cannot simply be eliminated, but its effects can be compensated with the help of an appropriate acceleration force. The acceleration force must have exactly th same absolute value as the gravity force and it must point into the opposite direction of local gravity vector. The resulting equilibrium of forces is called weightlessness. In practice, however, an exact equilibrium state is difficult to obtain and a very small gravity force is always remaining. Specialists therefore speak of microgravity rather than weightlessness. Under microgravity conditions, various fundamental physical phenomenon are significantly altered or even fully removed.

WHY MICROGRAVITY? Microgravity can be used as a special tool for a better understanding of fundamental questions and for the solution of problems on Earth. This allows to improve and to optimize physical, chemical and biological processes on Earth that are important in science, medicine, engineering and technology for all of us. Although these studies began with a purely scientific interest, results from basic research can lead to practical applications with a major industrial and economic impact, as was the case for the development of semiconductors. The absence of gravitational effects in a microgravity environment means, for example, that temperature differences in a fluid do not produce convection,
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buoyancy or sedimentation. The physical picture is thus simplified and underlying processes can be more readily observed and analysed. The changes in fluid behaviour in microgravity lie at the heart of the studies in materials science, combustion and many aspects of space biology and life sciences. Microgravity research holds the promise to develop and eventually manufacture new materials which can not be made on Earth due to gravity. These new materials shall have properties that are superior to those made on Earth and hence be far more valuable. One of the most promising new areas for the commercialization of space is in the field of microgravity. A new method to develop a new advance material. These new materials can be used e.g. to speed up future computers, reduce pollution, improve fiber optics, and enable medical breakthroughs to cure diseases; Microgravity allows further understanding about environment and nature; One of the methods to demonstrate fundamental knowledge/ basic phenomena for educational purposes (e.g. Newton laws, surface tension etc.)

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INFORMATION ON INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS)

The International Space Station (ISS) is a manned research facility that is being assembled while in orbit around the earth. It is a joint project between five space agencies, those of the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and the European Space Agency (ESA). In some ways, the ISS represent a unification of previously planned independent space stations: Russias MIR 2, the US Space Station Freedom and the Planned European Columbus and Japanese Experiment Module. The ISS is located in orbit around the Earth at an altitude of approximately 220 miles (360 km), a type of orbit known as low Earth orbit. It orbits Earth in about 92 minutes. The International Space Station marks its 10th anniversary of continuous human occupation on November 2, 2010. Since Expedition 1, which was launched on October 31, 2000, and docked on November 2, the space station has been visited by 196 individuals from eight different countries. As of the November 2010 anniversary date there have been 103 launches to the space station: 67 Russian vehicles, 34 space shuttles, one European and one Japanese vehicle. A total of 150 spacewalks have been conducted in support of space station assembly totalling more than 944 hours. The space station, including its large solar panels, spans the area of a U.S. football field, including the end zones, and weighs 827,794 pounds. The complex now has more liveable room than a conventional five-bedroom house, and has two bathrooms and a gymnasium.

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International Space Station Size & Mass

Module Length: 167.3 feet (51 meters) Truss Length: 357.5 feet (109 meters) Solar Array Length: 239.4 feet (73 meters) Mass: 816,349 lb (370,290 kilograms) Habitable Volume: 12,705 cubic feet (360 cubic meters) Pressurized Volume: 29,561 cubic feet (837 cubic meters) Power Generation: 8 solar arrays = 84 kilowatts Lines of Computer Code: approximately 2.3 million

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INFORMATION ON KIBO MODULE AT ISS

The Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" is Japan's first manned experiment facility, and it is the largest experiment module on the International Space Station (ISS.) The Kibo consists of two experiment facilities, the Pressurized Module (PM) and the Exposed Facility (EF.) The PM is 11.2 meters long and 4.4 meters in diameter, and the inside atmospheric pressure is maintained to 1 atm. Astronauts can move around between the PM and other ISS modules in their plain clothes. Scientific experiments using the microgravity environment and cosmic radiation are being carried out on the experiment racks in the PM. The EF is directly exposed to space, and it is a unique facility among ISS laboratories as it enables long-term experiments in open space as well as Earth and astronomical observations. The PM is equipped with an airlock, thus we can move an experiment device directly from the PM to the EF, and vice-versa, through the airlock by manipulating the Kibo's robotic arm (JEMRMS). Kibo's docking and assembly operations have been completed as the Pressurized Module was assembled in June 2008, and the Exposed Facility in July 2009.

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INFORMATION ABOUT JAXA H-II TRANSFER VEHICLE (HTV): "KOUNOTORI2" The H-II Transfer Vehicle is an orbital transfer vehicle designed to transport cargo to International Space Station (ISS) using the Japanese H-IIA rocket. The HTV will approach the International Space Station to be captured by the ISS manipulator arm to be berthed to a lock. The HTV is planned to be outfitted with two types of logistics carriers.

The HTV has 2 types of logistics carrier. One is a mixed (pressurized & unpressurized) carrier and the other is a pressurized carrier. The cutaway illustration shows the mixed carrier which can carry up to 8 ISPRs (International Standard Payload Racks) in pressurized section, and up to 3 EFPLs (Exposed Facility Payloads) on exposed pallet in the unpressurized section. The pressurized section has air conditioning ducts and lights to create the same environment for crew activities as other pressurized modules of Space Station. The unpressurized section of the HTV has an exposed pallet for cargo handling by the ISS manipulator arm.

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INFORMATION ON SPACE SHUTTLE ENDEAVOUR Endeavour was NASA's fifth and final space shuttle orbiter to join the fleet at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour also is known inside the space agency by its designation Orbiter Vehicle-105, or OV-105. Construction of Endeavour began on Sept. 28, 1987, and it rolled out of the assembly plant in Palmdale, Calif., on April 1991. For the first time, a national competition involving students in elementary and secondary schools produced the name of the new orbiter. After receiving 6,154 entries, representing more than 70,000 students, NASA chose Endeavour and it was announced by President George Bush in 1989. The name comes from a ship chartered to traverse the South Pacific in 1768 and captained by 18th century British explorer James Cook, an experienced seaman, navigator and amateur astronomer. Endeavour first launched May 7, 1992, on the STS-49 mission to capture the INTELSAT VI communications satellite and re-release it into a geosynchronous orbit. In 1993, Endeavour embarked on STS-61, the first servicing mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Endeavour is targeted to liftoff on its final mission, STS-134, on April 19, 2011. It will be the second space shuttle retired from NASA's fleet.

KEY ENDEAVOUR MISSIONS STS-49 Maiden Flight; Capture and redeploy Intelsat VI STS-47 Spacelab mission J STS-54 Deploy TDRS-F STS-57 Retrieve European Retrievable Carrier STS-61 First Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission STS-72 Retrieve Japanese Space Flyer Unit STS-89 Rendezvous with Mir space station STS-88 International Space Station assembly mission, which assembled the Unity module, the first U.S. component of the station STS-100 International Space Station assembly mission, which delivered the Canadarm2 robotic arm and hand STS-123 International Space Station assembly mission, which delivered the first element of Japan's Kibo module along with the Canadian Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator robotic arm (Dextre)

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THE NUMBERS (Prior to STS-134) Total miles traveled: 116,372,930 Total time in space: 283 Total orbits: 4,423 Total flights: 24 Total crew members: 167 Mir dockings: 1 International Space Station visits: 11

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