An Israeli space mission announced on Monday that NASA has approved 35 of its experiments after passing regulations and testing.
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The 'Rakia' mission to the International Space Station set for mid-February will see Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe conduct the scientific space experiments, Israeli news outlet Calcalist first reported.
Stibbe's flight – partially sponsored by The Ramon Association, Israel Space Agency, and the Innovation, Science, and Technology Ministry – will make him one of the first private astronauts to embark to space along with his Ax-1 crew.
During the 10-day expedition, Stibbe and his team will perform experiments and test innovative technologies ranging from medicine to astrophysics, agriculture, and more.
Following are nine of the planned projects:
Medicine:
"Space travel" – Examining the physiological responses seen when the human body is exposed to extreme conditions.
Human BBB (Blood Brain Barrier) – Attempts to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
Chemotherapy – Researchers will study leukemia cells under microgravity conditions in the presence of chemotherapy.
Optics & Communications:
NISSAN nano-ISS antenna – A pop-up antenna capable of delivering high-bandwidth communications in space.
Electromagnetism – Study how Earth's magnetic field protects us from charged particles and cosmic radiation, and search for methods to improve navigational systems.
Astrophysics:
AstroRad – A special vest that will be worn by Stibbe, and protects astronauts against cosmic radiation in space.
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Agriculture:
Space hummus – Synthetic biology to grow chickpea plants in space. This will enable astronauts to grow different types of plants in space, perhaps on a future lunar settlement.
Our Head of Space Research and @AstroKarenN spoke with @a_leinfelder of @HoustonChron last week about our space journey, including our preparation to #RakiaMission & @DeepSpaceFood. #MeatForSpace @ILSpaceAgency @RamonFoundation
Read the article below👇 https://t.co/ntWx8DYZn4
— Aleph Farms (@AlephFarms) January 17, 2022
Fresh greens – Super-vegetables in space filled with nutrients and dietary supplements that can be grown under microgravity conditions in an autonomous growing facility.
Meat for space – Allowing astronauts to grow cow cells for cultured meat in microgravity conditions.
i24NEWS contributed to this report.
