Gravitational Biology on the Space Station

The development of a permanent space station requires projection of potential applications and opportunities in gravitational biology. Of particular interest is the effect of long-term, multigenerational exposure of various animal and plant species to the environment of near-earth space, with special emphasis upon exposure to chronic null-gravity on morphogenetic processes and on vascular, structural and sensory subsystems. The opportunities for basic research engendered by a biological facility in space will be discussed from the perspective of potential applications of aseptic culture technology. Attention will be drawn to the value of multi generations of space-reared organisms as a starting point for continuing earth-based research and to the use of this potential for such technological innovations as replacement organ generation and production of cell-tissue-organ metabolites.