Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques to conduct ground-breaking science in space

Researchers and companies from across Canada advance science and technologies on the International Space Station for healthier Canadians on Earth

LONGUEUIL, QC, Nov. 29, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut David Saint-Jacques, joined by CSA President Sylvain Laporte, announced the Canadian health experiments to be conducted and the biotechnological devices that will be used during his mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Dr. Saint-Jacques will wear a biotechnological device that will eventually improve our ability to monitor the health of astronauts. He will also test a new instrument known as a bio-analyzer, which will perform near real-time analysis of blood. Scientists and companies from across Canada were at CSA headquarters to discuss the current and future science and biotechnology experiments in space.

Two new experiments were also announced:

• Immuno Profile: This experiment will investigate and monitor astronauts' immune systems over long-duration missions on board the ISS. The results may help us understand how certain diseases evolve over time, such as the reactivation of latent viral infections and age-related decreases in immune defences.
• Vascular Aging: Building on previous work in space, this experiment will study the impact of weightlessness, nutrition, physical activity and radiation on the cardiovascular system and the onset of insulin resistance in orbit. This collaborative study will be the first of its kind and will provide insights that will maintain crew health and point to important lifestyle factors that can affect us on Earth.

The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening science in Canada, supporting scientists' vital work and furthering the country's reputation as a global centre of excellence in science, research and innovation.

As part of its commitment to science, the Government of Canada is making sure that space science helps drive innovation in Canada, in alignment with the Innovation and Skills Plan.

As international space agencies explore increasingly distant destinations, space travel must be made safer for astronauts. Canada's space science community makes an essential contribution to understanding issues related to the health and wellbeing of astronauts.

Canadian scientists use space to study our bones, heart, blood vessels and brain. This has led to discoveries that helped develop new fitness strategies to improve the health of people at risk of cardiovascular diseases, increased our understanding of the early stages of Type 2 diabetes and other issues that may arise from increasingly sedentary lifestyles and aging.

Quote

"Our government knows that investing in space technology and science aboard the International Space Station will have a direct and positive impact on the everyday lives of all Canadians. As we look to take on more space-related missions, the health experiments announced today will not only keep our astronauts safer and healthier, but will advance health-related innovations to keep Canadians, on Earth, healthier as well."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• In November 2018, David Saint-Jacques will launch aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to join an international crew in the ISS. Expedition 58/59 will be the first mission for David Saint-Jacques and will mark the 17th space flight for the Canadian Astronaut Corps.
• Canada's space sector is comprised of nearly 10,000 well-paying jobs, including close to 3000 scientists and engineers.
• In the past five years, over 400 professors and students from 17 universities across Canada, along with over 25 companies, have worked to advance our knowledge of health and life sciences in space.
• Every six months, an average of 250 international space experiments are conducted onboard the ISS.

Links

Backgrounders
Why Canada conducts science experiments in space 
Benefits on Earth of previous Canadian scientific research on the International Space Station 
International Space Station (ISS) ongoing Canadian health experiments and biotechnological devices in use

Infographic
How Does Space Affect the Human Body?

Webpage
Canadian science on the International Space Station

Website: http://asc-csa.gc.ca
Email:[email protected]
Follow us on Social Media

SOURCE Canadian Space Agency

Canadian Space Agency, Media Relations Office, Telephone: [phone]