Hobbies And Interests
Testing Rocket Equipment
The initial reason for sending animals into space was to test rocket components prior to launching humans and risking their lives. The primary role of these animals focused on testing the function of critical life-support systems, such as those responsible for maintaining capsule pressure, temperature and oxygen levels. For example, in the initial stages of the Mercury program, rhesus monkeys were flown on two flights (1959 and 1960) to test Mercury life-support systems.
Verifying the Viability of Humans in Space
Before the first manned space flights, scientists were unsure whether humans could survive the trip. Concerns included the effects of microgravity and high g-forces on the cardiovascular system. Ham, the most famous space chimp, flew aboard Mercury 2 as the final medical test prior to the launch of an astronaut. During the flight, Ham's cardiovascular response was monitored. Four months later, Alan Shepard made the first suborbital flight by a human.
Studying the Effects of Space on Humans
There are two primary reasons other animals are used in place of humans: to conduct experiments that would interfere with the daily activities of the astronaut and to conduct experiments that require a closely-controlled regiment or environment. The primary purpose of these animal experiments is to examine the long-term health effects of space on humans. Types of studies include radiation exposure, bone demineralization, physical endurance, sleep patterns, eye function, immunological and endocrinological.
Studying the Effects of Space on Animals
Animals are also used to explore questions related to the effects of space on animals themselves. These flights provide valuable information about tissue development, developmental biology, performance levels and mating functions in microgravity. For example, Skylab 3, launched on July 28, 1973, studied the ability of spiders to spin webs in space.
Typical Animal Mission
From 1966 to 1969, NASA launched three of six planned Biosatellite missions. Bio II's primary mission was to determine the sensitivity level of organisms to ionizing radiation in space, as compared to on Earth. Bio III utilized animals to study the effects of space flight on brain states, behavioral performance, cardiovascular status, fluid and electrolyte balance and metabolic state.
Recent Use of Animals in Space
Beginning in 1983, the Space Shuttle has carried numerous Spacelab experiments into orbit. These biological payloads have featured a wide variety of animals, insects and other living creatures. On April 17, 1998, STS-90 set a biological payload record, transporting more than 2,000 creatures into space for a 16-day mission to test neurological functions.