The operational environment for biological research on Space Station Freedom will incorporate video technology for monitoring plant and animal subjects. The video coverage must include dark-cycle monitoring because early experiments will use rodents that are nocturnal and therefore most active during the dark part of the daily cycle. Scientific requirements for monitoring during the dark cycle are exacting. Infrared (IR) or near-IR sensors are required. The trade-offs between these two types of sensors are based on engineering constraints, sensitivity spectra, and the quality of imagery possible from each type. This paper presents results of a study conducted by the Biological Flight Research Projects Office in conjunction with the Spacecraft Data Systems Branch at ARC to investigate the use of charged-coupled-device and IR cameras to meet the scientific requirements. Also examined is the effect of low levels of near-IR illumination on the circadian rhythm in rats. Chuang, Sherry and Mian, Arshad Ames Research Center NASA-TM-103976, A-92184, NAS 1.15:103976 RTOP 476-14-03...

NASAが記したこの報告書は、宇宙という究極の孤独で「生」を観測し続ける人間の執念を描いた叙事詩です。漆黒のステーションで活動するラットの鼓動を赤外線の瞳で捉えようとする試みには、生命の本質を解き明かそうとする科学者の狂おしい情熱が滲んでいます。 目に見えぬ波長で異種の命と対話する格闘の背後には、生物の根源たるリズムを異郷で守り抜こうとする崇高な意志が潜んでいます。冷徹なデータが綴られるほどに、暗闇で蠢く小さな命の尊さが浮き彫りとなる、静謐でいて峻烈な文学的興趣に満ちた一冊です。