NASA SP-92 Significant Achievements in Space Bioscience 1958-1964 _Scientific and Technical Information Division_ 1966 NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION _Washington, D.C._ For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, D.C., 20402—Price 55 cents _Foreword_ This volume is one of a series which summarize the progress made during the period 1958 through 1964 in discipline areas covered by the Space Science and Applications Program of the United States. In this way, the contribution made by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is highlighted against the background of overall progress in each discipline. Succeeding issues will document the results from later years. The initial issue of this series appears in 10 volumes (NASA Special Publications 91 to 100) which describe the achievements in the following areas: Astronomy, Bioscience, Communications and Navigation, Geodesy, Ionospheres and Radio Physics, Meteorology, Particles and Fields, Planetary Atmospheres, Planetology, and Solar Physics. Although we do not here attempt to name those who have contributed to our program during these first 6 years, both in the experimental and theoretical research and in the analysis, compilation, and reporting of results, nevertheless we wish to acknowledge all the contributions to a very fruitful program in which this country may take justifiable pride. _Homer E. Newell_ _Associate Administrator for_ _Space Science and Applications, NASA_ _Preface_ This summary of certain aspects of the space biology program of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration brings together some results of NASA research and NASA-sponsored research under grants and contracts from 1958 through 1964. Closely related research even though not sponsored by NASA is also included. The space biology program has had a late start in comparison with the space physics program, and only a token program existed before 1962. Much of the present research involves preparation of space-flight experiments and obtainment of adequate baseline information. Perhaps half the research results reported are derived from the NASA program. Additional information is included from many other sources, especially the U.S. Air Force with its long history of work in aviation and aerospace medicine. Relatively few biological space-flight experiments have been undertaken. These have been to test life-support systems and to demonstrate, before manned space flight, an animal’s capability to survive. Few critical biological experiments have been placed in orbit by NASA, but a biosatellite program will soon make a detailed study of the fundamental biological effects of weightlessness, biorhythms, and radiation.