New Zealand science in space
· 30 min · Episode 379
Episode New Zealand science in space
In March 2024, a rocket launched from Florida carrying New Zealand’s first science payload to the International Space Station. The small cube, named Lucy, is a protein crystallisation lab developed by Dr Sarah Kessans from the University of Canterbury. Protein crystallisation is often the key first step in figuring out a protein structure, and the unique fluid conditions of microgravity in low Earth orbit helps the process. Working with several collaborators, Sarah is trying to develop a commercially viable crystallisation lab in space. Plus, Dr Brian Russell is creating AI tools to help space companies make critical decisions around astronaut health and safety.
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Guests:
• Associate Professor Sarah Kessans, University of Canterbury • Dr Brian Russell, Auckland Bioengineering Institute and AUT
Learn more:
• Read more: New Zealand in the low Earth orbit economy. • Researchers in the Paihau Robinson Research institute are also working on developing plasma rockets for travel in space. They launched a superconducting magnet for testing on board the ISS yesterday. • In 2017, the same year that RocketLab did their first ‘It’s a test’ launch, William Ray had a look at New Zealand in space. • Listen to Dr Sarah Kessans on Morning Report in 2023.
Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Links in the notes 9
- https://radionz.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=211a938dcf3e634ba2427dde9&id=81ad21bafe
- https://profiles.canterbury.ac.nz/Sarah-Kessans
- https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/brian-russell
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ourchangingworld/573155/new-zealand-and-the-low-earth-orbit-economy
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/audio/2018915158/plasma-rockets-in-space
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/573128/spacex-rocket-carries-lower-hutt-built-experiment-to-iss
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/audio/2018622454/new-zealand-in-space
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018886847/canterbury-scientist-to-grow-protein-crystals-in-space
- https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/ourchangingworld?share=0e94087f-d7d9-4698-b5c3-9ef73818f472
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