Mini Protein Crystallization Facility. Phase a Study: Executive Summary

摘要

The feasibility of a miniprotein crystallization facility to be flown on a KOSMOS system was established. Temperature regulation can be achieved within the 50 W allowed but for reentry and before recovery phases a battery is required to provide extra power. The payload can be accommodated within the volume allowed. Total mass is 50 kg. Reentry shocks can be absorbed if the 25 Hz frequency requirement is deviated for the orbital flight and the return phase. Up to 192 samples can be processed at 4 C before crystallization, 20 C during and after crystallization. However other crystallization temperatures are feasible. A mock-up and further tests are needed to improve the design of the compartments making up the experiment chambers (for instance syringe shape and volume decrease of the droplet after crystallization); investigate insulation improvement; assess the behavior of crystals submitted to residual shocks and vibrations; and optimize the Peltier elements consumption. Supersaturation, and storage life must also be examined.