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The
gravitational force is omnipresent on Earth. All physical, chemical
and biological processes occur under these prevailing conditions.
Obviously, gravity plays an important role: matter falls to
the ground, water flows downhill and warm air rises upwards.
But sometimes, the influence of gravity in natural and technical
processes is not as obvious though it is of profound importance.
As an always constant value, it influenced the evolution of
life: Gravity and life have been intermingled inseparably on
our planet for three and a half billion years. In view of thiscscientific
research under space conditions is necessary for all important
areas of Medicine, Biology, Physics and Material Sciences. |
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"Space
conditions" are defined as: microgravity (or more generally,
altered gravitational conditions), vacum and a different radiation
spectrum to that experienced on Earth. The program "Research
under Space conditions" as part of the German Space program
supports investigations on the influence of space conditions.
New insights in science and technology are obtained and lead
to innovative applications for mankind on Earth. With research
under space conditions the DLR pursues 4 goals:
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Investigation of basic vital functions
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Development of new medical diagnostic methods and therapies
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Pushing the limits of the Physical Sciences
- Increase
innovative Material research
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Since life on Earth exists under the permanent influence of
gravity, its importance for most of the vital functions can
only be investigated in weightlessness. Scientists observe
reactions, adaptation of metabolism and biological processes
under these conditions: why do plant roots grow to the geocenter,
but the shoot in the opposite direction to the light? Space
experiments enable scientists to better understand the mechanisms
of perception and processing of gravitational forces, from
prokaryote to humans. This is not only important for basic
research, for example for understanding the signal processing
in general, but also for biotechnical processes. In addition,
Space experiments increase our knowledge on the origin, evolution
and distribution of life, on our planet Earth and beyond.
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