A space habitat like the International Space Station, whether actually in space or in a simulation - an analog mission, as it is called - can be many things. It is a home for the astronauts, a food warehouse, a gym, a hospital if necessary. It is also a laboratory, and what would a laboratory be without experiments?
Many scientists would be over the moon (pun intended) to examine their hypotheses under space conditions. Physicists, chemists, plant scientists and so many other fields have a lot to observe when gravity is removed from the equation. Space is not just lack of gravity, though. The isolation, the artificial light, the intense exercising, the sterilised unfamiliar food can bring many changes to a human organism, both physically and mentally. So, naturally, space missions generate a lot of interest for researchers. And analog missions too - they lack only the microgravity aspect, but everything else is there!
Sadly, there is no space (this pun was not intended) for everyone, and a selection has to happen. But luckily, you've stumbled upon the blog of someone who has submitted a couple of experiments and wants to share everything she learned from these experiences! So, let's get started.
1. A Clear Proposal
You can't get very far without clearly stated objectives and methodology. The question you want to address and the way you will address it have to be understood by people who are not in your field. Describe in detail the gaps in the literature, don't assume knowledge, and make it as readable as possible by using a logical flow and the right headings.
2. Broader Applications
Dedicate time to think about what you will do with the results of your experiment. There must be broader applications of the research you are doing: addressing needs, improving existing practices, or unlocking new potential. It is always appreciated when an experiment can have great impact not only on the astronauts, but also on the population on Earth!
3. Fitting to the Mission
The methodology will probably include measurements or handlings, but there's a complication: The researcher will not be in the habitat with the astronauts and thus, the researcher cannot perform these actions themselves. Usually, the astronauts are trained to perform the necessary actions in place of the researcher, so it's good to make sure that the skills involved in the methodology are transferable.
Another thing to consider is the time that the astronauts have available. Time-consuming handlings will probably be rejected - place your focus on automating processes, facilitating data collection, and integrating methodology into existing workflows.
4. Using What We Have
Resource availability is vital, and it includes equipment, facilities, but also type of data collected. Think for example of an experiment that requires blood samples from the astronauts. It's not just the drawing of the blood; it's also the storage of the samples. Is there a suitable fridge close enough? And what about the lab that will perform the analysis? Non-invasive methods with easy-to-store samples, even if deviating a bit from golden standards, trump accurate methods with cumbersome paraphernalia.
5. Ethically Right
As a researcher, you also have to ensure that your proposed experiment aligns with ethical guidelines. This means that you have to prove it respects the well-being and autonomy of the astronauts involved. Think of informed consent, and a "minimum harm and risk" way of working, which will probably need approval by an ethics committee. In addition, you will need to think of the potential impact on the environment. Responsible use of consumables, equipment, and energy, is a way to ensure that your work aligns with ethical standards.
Conclusion
As a final remark, I want to emphasize the importance of... just going for it! Inspiring more and more scientists to engage in the discovery process is the only way to build knowledge, especially when it comes to the space sector - an emerging field where we are all learning from each other. If your project gets accepted, it can be an incredible learning opportunity. And if a rejection comes along, let it also be a learning opportunity! It's a win-win situation, isn't it?