Provided by Quartz spacex launch <\/p>\n
SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft successfullydocked with the International Space Station on Jan. 12, and astronauts will beunloading more than 5,100 lbs (2,300kg)of cargo it brought up for NASA and other space agencies over the next month. Beyond the supplies, lateChristmas presents,and replacement equipment that astronauts had been waiting for patiently, there were a few unusual items that the Dragon took up. According to a NASA factsheet, heres what else was onboard: <\/p>\n
NASA wants to study how these generally parasitic invertebrates regenerate their cells in low gravity. The space agency says its tests will provide insight into how wounds heal in space, and how humans could potentially heal themselves. Like Wolverine. <\/p>\n
The same insects that seemingly appear out of nowhere every time you leave fruit out in the kitchen are now on the ISS, albeit under anesthesia (as opposed toannoying astronauts whilethey eat). NASA says it will be testing the immune systems of the common fruit fly, as spaceflight affects all animals immune systems, and apparently the flies provide a good model for our own immune systems. <\/p>\n
Christopher Nolan wouldprobably have loved to use some of the shots the astronauts are likely to get as B-roll forInterstellar. <\/p>\n
Continuing the self-preservation-in-space theme, NASA says it has brought up the Salmonella virus to test on roundworms, tobetter understand the risks of infections (and under-cooking chicken) during long-term space flights. <\/p>\n
NASA was unable to confirm exactlywhat was inthecare packages sent to each astronaut, or what groceries were set up beyond the usual Space Food, but we do know that the astronauts were really hankering for some mustard. <\/p>\n
Were excited to have it on board,astronaut Barry Wilmore told mission control, USA Today reported.Well be digging in soon. <\/p>\n
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The rest is here:<\/p>\n
NASA just sent its astronauts some weird stuff<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Provided by Quartz spacex launch SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft successfullydocked with the International Space Station on Jan. 12, and astronauts will beunloading more than 5,100 lbs (2,300kg)of cargo it brought up for NASA and other space agencies over the next month. Beyond the supplies, lateChristmas presents,and replacement equipment that astronauts had been waiting for patiently, there were a few unusual items that the Dragon took up. Continue reading