SBIR-STTR Award

If a practical direct calorimeter system were available for the measurement of metabolic heat releases in animals in orbital laboratories, it would be possible to quantify such processes as l) changes in bone mineral and muscle status (as a result of weightlessness) and 2) changes in the immune system (as a result of stress and radiation force fields) in terms of the corresponding metabolic changes.A calorimeter system has been developed to perform such measurements. This system can operate in a zero gravity environment on a continous basis for longer periods of time (of the order of a few weeks). Due to the duration of operation, methods of urine and feces removal have been developed, in addition to ways of supplying food to the animals.STATUS: Project Proceded to Phase II

___(NOTE: Note: no official Abstract exists of this Phase II projects. Abstract is modified by idi from relevant Phase I data. The specific Phase II work statement and objectives may differ)___ If a practical direct calorimeter system were available for the measurement of metabolic heat releases in animals in orbital laboratories, it would be possible to quantify such processes as l) changes in bone mineral and muscle status (as a result of weightlessness) and 2) changes in the immune system (as a result of stress and radiation force fields) in terms of the corresponding metabolic changes.A calorimeter system has been developed to perform such measurements. This system can operate in a zero gravity environment on a continous basis for longer periods of time (of the order of a few weeks). Due to the duration of operation, methods of urine and feces removal have been developed, in addition to ways of supplying food to the animals.STATUS: Project Proceded to Phase II