Project Title: 

12.05-3309
An Animal Development Habitat for Space Biology
Star Enterprises Inc.
3595 N. Hinkle Rd
Bloomington
IN
47401
Alberts
R. Jeffrey
NAS2-12476
Amount:   
ARC
NAS2-12113
Abstract    A full-size model of a life support system has been designed and constructed
to sustain a lactating rat and her offspring during a Shuttle mission.  The configuration
of this burrow-like habitat meets the spatial and environmental requirements of the
Shuttle middeck.  An innovative aspect of the design phase was a program of observational
and choice tests of animals, which was used to establish their needs and preferences.
 The Habitat model includes:  nest, den, passageway, waste and airhandling modules,
lighting and temperature control, regulated airflow, two video cameras and timelapse
recording capability, as well as food and water provisions for the full mission.
 Further objectives are:  (a) construction of a flight-type prototype of the Animal
Development Habitat, (b) provision of extensive bioengineering data on its functional
characteristics and the quality of animal life within it, (c) assembly drawings,
and (d) videographic documentation of Habitat structure and function.  Use of the
Habitat by NASA and private interests is anticipated on the Shuttle and space station.
 Components developed for the project have commercial potential.

Abstract: