Ants … in … space!

A rather odd sort of astronaut was shot up into space on Aug. 29, headed for the International Space Station. Six legs. A chitin exoskeleton. More than a little creepy.

No, they’re not Martians. They’re ants, courtesy of a Girl Scout experiment. Hope the ISS crew can keep a lid on them. Imagine if they got out in zero gravity (shudder).

For 21 years and counting, human astronauts aboard the ISS have been conducting research in a way that can’t be done anywhere else. Orbiting 250 miles above us, the space station is the only laboratory available for long-duration microgravity research. In addition to NASA’s own research, universities, companies and educational groups have access to this spacelab.

Results of the 3,000-plus experiments so far have supported many discoveries, scientific publications, medical and historic breakthroughs which are useful back here on Earth. To highlight a few:

Alzheimer’s, cancer and more: Several experiments studying cells in zero gravity, as well as other things such as proteins and drug development, have netted more insight into these and other major diseases, as well as cellular responses to certain treatments.

Muscle and bone loss: Space studies have added much to understanding bone and muscle loss in astronauts — and how to mitigate it. That knowledge can apply to people on Earth dealing with diseases such as osteoporosis.

Water: 93 percent of the water astronauts use in space is recycled. Their experience and experiments led to a license to adapt such water treatment systems on Earth.

Natural disaster response: With crew handheld camera imagery as a core component, the station is an active participant in orbital data collection to help support disaster responses for the U.S. and the world.

In addition to the Girl Scouts’ ants, the most recent payload includes 4,800 pounds of supplies, food, and more experiments involving seeds and farming, solar cells and concrete.

A Japanese start-up's experimental robotic arm will also make its orbital debut by attempting chores normally done by astronauts. The hope is that in 2025, such arms could help build lunar bases and mine the moon for precious resources.

For more information on research in space, seeNasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who used to dream of space, but will just stick with the ants here on Earth. Email Sholeh@cdapress.com.