User:ANNA1120/Kathleen Rubins

Research Projects
Dr. Rubins also conducted research regarding space radiation and its effect on astronauts. The authors of this study investigate whether or not the Risk of Exposure-Induced Death (REID) that NASA had accepted was not accurate enough. Much of the radiation in space is from ion exposure and solar cycle activity. The authors of the Nature paper conclude that although there are limitations in estimating the radiation levels that astronauts are exposed to while in space, more research needs to be done on the subject.

Another study that Dr. Rubins was involved with was the life-cycle analysis of a family of viruses including the smallpox virus. The researchers utilize fluorescent protein-based reporters to monitor and analyze the function of the Vaccinia virus. This study was important in starting to work on treatment for diseases like Monkeypox. In 2003, there was a small Monkeypox outbreak in the United States, which provided more motivation for the study to be conducted. The results of this study provided useful information for the tracking of viral activity and replication.

Rubins was a part of the research team that investigated the effects of microgravity on RNA isolation and PCR analysis. This study was conducted while onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The experiment performed was one of the first successful ones in the WetLab-2, a research station built for microbiology in space. The results of this study were incredibly valuable for the future of space exploration and analysis of space environment samples.

Expedition 63/64 Research
While on the ISS during her most recent trip, Rubins continued research for the Cardinal Heart experiment. This study was analyzing the effects of low-gravity on heart muscles. Dr. Rubins and other scientists generated 3D engineered heart tissue. This research could provide important information for heart problems not only for astronauts returning home, but also for any citizen on Earth.

Spacewalk Achievements
During her first spacewalk, Dr. Rubins successfully installed the first International Docking Adapter, which allows U.S. commercial spacecraft to dock. On her second spacewalk, Rubins installed new, high definition cameras.

Rubins also captured the SapceX Dragon commercial resupply spacecraft and sent back experiment samples to Earth.

Artemis Program
NASA has announced the next group of astronauts to be a part of the Artemis program that will put the first American woman on the moon. Kate Rubins is among the astronauts announced on the Artemis Team. The Artemis program aims to not only place an American woman on the moon but also survey the entire surface of the moon to gain a better understanding for the possibility of human life on Mars.