The United Nations Human Space Technology Initiative (HSTI): Science Activities

TL;DR

The paper discusses the UN HSTI's efforts to promote international cooperation in human space technology, focusing on microgravity research and education through activities like distributing clinostats for plant growth experiments.

Contribution

It introduces the Zero-gravity Instrument Distribution Project, enabling global microgravity research and education, and aims to build a large dataset on plant responses to simulated microgravity.

Findings

Distribution of clinostats to multiple countries.

Creation of a large dataset on plant growth in microgravity.

Enhanced international collaboration in space science.

Abstract

The United Nations Human Space Technology Initiative (HSTI) aims at promoting international cooperation in human spaceflight and space exploration-related activities; creating awareness among countries on the benefits of utilizing human space technology and its applications; and building capacity in microgravity education and research. HSTI has been conducting various scientific activities to promote microgravity education and research. The primary science activity is called 'Zero-gravity Instrument Distribution Project', in which one-axis clinostats will be distributed worldwide. The distribution project will provide unique opportunities for students and researchers to observe the growth of indigenous plants in their countries in a simulated microgravity condition and is expected to create a huge dataset of plant species with their responses to gravity.