MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. – A biology experiment carried by NASA's
GeneSat-1 Earth-orbiting satellite is generating "excellent
data," according to scientists. The 10-pound GeneSat-1, carrying
bacteria inside a miniature laboratory, has been orbiting Earth
since its launch on Dec. 16, 2006. "We continue to receive
excellent data from the GeneSat-1 spacecraft," John Hines,
GeneSat-1 project manager at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett
Field, Calif., reported early on Dec. 21, 2006. "The biology
experiment has passed its halfway point, and continues to
perform flawlessly," Hines added. "During this mission, we are
exposing bacteria to the space environment to see how they are
affected," Hines explained earlier. GeneSat-1's onboard micro-
laboratory includes sensors and optical systems that can detect
proteins that are the products of specific genetic activity. "We
expect to complete the biology experiment no later than Friday
morning, Dec. 22, 2006, and then stand down the mission
operations ground station team to a