The LRP in weightlessness

The KRABS (Kinetics of Red cell Aggregation and Blood Structure-rheology link) experiment took part in the CNES VP181 parabolic flight campaign aboard Novespace's A310-Zero g from Bordeaux-Mérignac airport from 1 to 11 October 2024. In this experiment, developed in collaboration with the Center for Research and Engineering in Space Technologies at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, LRP researchers are studying the rheological changes in blood linked to blood aggregation at low flow speeds, particularly in relation to the venous flow anomalies observed in astronauts. The microgravity conditions offered by parabolic flight make it possible to avoid the rapid sedimentation of red blood cells that normally occurs in these quasi-stagnant flow conditions. This campaign of experiments - the third for KRABS - is part of the preparations for an experiment selected by ESA to be implemented in the MASER 17 sounding rocket, which will be launched in 2026. As well as collecting scientific and technical data, it enabled an engineer from the Swedish Space Corporation in charge of developing the future experimental module to take part in the parabolic flight campaign to get a feel for the experiment and its technical constraints.