Validation of a new Rodent experimental System to investigate consequences of Long Duration Space Habitation

This research study focuses on ensuring that laboratory mice used in space experiments are healthy and safe before they travel into orbit for scientific investigations. Before these specialized rodents, known as Validation animals, embarked on their journey to the International Space Station (ISS), a team of veterinarians at Kennedy Space Center carefully checked them upon arrival from California using various methods like fecal tests and body weight measurements. The mice were kept in cages with enough space for all five individuals comfortably, provided standard food pellets that are specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs while they lived on a schedule similar to Earth's day-night cycle (12 hours of light followed by 12 hours of darkness). The researchers also monitored how much the mice weighed and consumed water regularly, which helps them understand if everything is going well with these animals. Four days before their trip into space, the Validation animals were slowly introduced to new food bars designed for astronauts (NuRFB) as part of a process called acclimation.

This research paper presents a comprehensive study on the preparation and monitoring of laboratory animals for spaceflight, specifically focusing on rodent models used in microgravity experiments aboard NASA's Space Shuttle. The methodology employed rigorous standards to ensure animal welfare while also maintaining experimental integrity through meticulous control over environmental conditions and dietary intake. Upon arrival at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), mice were quarantined for 14 days, during which time they underwent a thorough health examination by veterinary staff to ensure their suitability for spaceflight experiments. Fecal samples collected from these animals served as an indicator of microbial contamination and overall gut health; the absence of pathogens in fecal matter was confirmed through analysis conducted at Charles River Laboratories, ensuring that mice were free from harmful organisms prior to launch.