European Physiology Module (EPM)

The European Physiology Modules (EPM) facility builds upon the previous European experience gained through experiments on such facilites as Sled, Anthrorack and Physiolab. Human physiology experiments are aimed primarily at increasing our knowledge of how the human body reacts to long-term weightlessness. However, this area of research also contributes to an increased understanding of terrestrial problems such as the ageing process, osteoporosis, balance disorders, and muscle wastage. Typical research areas include:

• Neuroscience - Neurovestibular control of posture, balance, and motion sensory coordination.
• Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems - Control of blood volume and distribution; fluid volume shift.
• Bone and Muscle Physiology - Muscle deconditioning/atrophy; Bone mass loss
• Endocrinology and Metabolism - Hormonal regulation; de-mineralisation.

To correctly evaluate the on-board data, it is essential that reference (or baseline) data are collected prior to flight and following the return of the crew (the experiment subjects) to Earth. For this reason, the EPM facility will provide a Baseline Data Collection system that includes functional copies of the on-board instruments. The Baseline Data Collection will be readily transportable to ensure avaliability of the equipment for the pre-launch and post-flight activities.

NASA is developing a complementary facility to the EPM facility, known as the Human Research Facility (HRF). It is planned to collocate the Human Research Facility within the Columbus Laboratory with the EPM facility in order to allow combined experiments using instruments from both facilities.

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