NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : Avian Hatchling Habitat for Bioregenerative, Physiological, & Behavioral Studies

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Advanced technology is needed to help better understand problems associated with sustaining humans in space. Animal life science research in space provides valuable insight into musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, and vestibular problems experienced by humans during space flight. The Avian Hatchling Habitat is innovative technology for supporting investigations of biological responses of animals in space. The Habitat provides innovations for observing, measuring, and manipulating adult quail or newborn chicks in microgravity. It builds upon SHOT's Avian Development Facility developed for the Space Station Biological Research Project being managed at NASA Ames. The Habitat relies extensively on tele-robotics and tele-operations to provide specimen accessibility, expedite data retrieval, reduce crew involvement, and enhance science return. Phase I objectives will define specific hardware requirements based on science community input. From these requirements, concepts for modular cage, automated feed/water, waste management, video monitoring, and environmental control systems will be developed. Evaluation and refinement of these concepts will establish Habitat easibility. Continued Phase II support will allow development of a high-fidelity Habitat prototype. Eventually, flight versions will enhance science return and reduce cost on U.S.-Russian missions and the International Space Station, allowing astrobiological investigations that will advance human space exploration.

Technology evolving from the Avian Hatchling Habitat will catalyze commercial space development by helping resolve problems associated with human space flight. Additionally, since the Habitat allows the life cycle to be completed (egg to egg), the avian holds great promise as a bioregenerative food source for long term flights, and eventually, space colonization on the Moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies. In turn, basic biological research could lead to new developments in the diagnosis and treatment of various musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, and vestibular abnormalities in humans. Furthermore, technology from the development of the various systems of the Habitat could spin-off into commercial products for the medical (telemetry and remote sensing), automotive (robotics, subminaturization, and controls), and commercial poultry (broiler and hatching) industries.

John C. Vellinger
SHOT, Inc.
5605 Featherengill Road
Floyds Knobs, IN 47119

SHOT, Inc.
5605 Featherengill Road
Floyds Knobs, IN 47119