Brain Shift in Space Complicates Volume Measurement; Micrometeoroids' Composition Analyzed; Engineer's Simulation Aids Artemis Missions

Research on the International Space Station (ISS) reveals that brain shifts during spaceflight complicate accurate measurement of brain volume changes, potentially skewing previous adaptation studies. The Canadian Space Agency's Wayfinding investigation suggests reanalyzing past data using new methods to account for these errors. Analysis of micrometeoroid impact tracks on the ISS indicates the presence of iron and orthopyroxene crystals, suggesting their abundance in low Earth orbit. Further measurements are needed to understand their origins and potential for carrying life. The JAXA Tanpopo experiment aims to capture these particles to test theories of interplanetary life transfer. At NASA's Johnson Space Center, James Gentile leads the Integrated Simulation team, developing high-fidelity simulations for the Artemis program. His team's simulations provide insight into human landing system designs and train crews for lunar missions. Gentile's Human Landing System CrewCo Lander Simulation is now a critical tool for engineers and astronauts, evaluating guidance systems and providing hands-on piloting experience.