Besides sequencing DNA, Rubins herself will be a test subject as part of NASA's efforts to learn how the human body adapts to space travel. The agency has been looking more closely into the effects of space travel, now that it has solid plans to send humans to Mars. If you'll recall NASA conducted a twin experiment involved former ISS commander Scott Kelly and his twin brother. The agency compared the condition of their bodies after Kelly's year-long stint on the station.
You can watch Rubins', Ivanishin's and Onishi's ride blast off tonight on NASA TV. The coverage should have already started, but the launch itself will take place sometime around 9:36PM Eastern.
#AstroKate talks preps for 4-month mission, sequencing 3 genomes & how space affects humans for @ISS_Research.https://t.co/lZQjeA6bXr
— Intl. Space Station (@Space_Station) July 6, 2016