MeF1 (Megakaryocytes Orbiting in Outer Space and Near Earth)

Principal Investigator: Dr. Hansjorg Schwertz, University of Utah, Salt Lake City

Overview: This investigation will study how microgravity affects platelets and bone-marrow megakaryocytes during their development and operation. This will help researchers learn more about the impacts microgravity has on the human body during spaceflight.

Two side by side square images of textured blobs in grayscale that are human platelets. Underneath each square in very small print are letters and numbers.

A scanning electron-microscopy image of human platelets taken at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory

Credit: NASA

Science objectives:

To research how platelets and megakaryocytes adapt to changes and the environment during spaceflight
To conduct experiments synchronously on the International Space Station and Earth with advanced techniques to learn more about inflammation and blood clotting
To compare samples from astronauts before and after spaceflight and note changes induced while aboard the space station

Potential Earth applications:

To use results to determine if other types of blood cells have similar reactions to clotting and inflammation
To assist with future similar studies on human health associated with blood clots and inflammation

Potential space applications:

To have a better understanding of how the human immune system reacts on the space station to space radiation and microgravity
To create a dataset on how certain genes are affected by gravitation forces
To develop ways to protect the health of the crew on future missions and regulate the creation and operation of normal platelets and megakaryocytes

Related resources:

Space Station Research Explorer Page

NASA Science on Health, Safety to Launch on 31st SpaceX Resupply Missi on

NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Divisio n pioneers scientific discovery and enables exploration by using space environments to conduct investigations not possible on Earth. Studying biological and physical phenomenon under extreme conditions allows researchers to advance the fundamental scientific knowledge required to go farther and stay longer in space, while also benefitting life on Earth.