Mini Protein Crystallization Facility (MPCF), Phase a Study: Executive Summary

摘要

A protein facility for a Biokosmos flight is discussed. Existing facilities designed for Spacelab, shuttle, and EURECA are unsuitable, so a system was designed. It carries 90 experiment cells mounted on 9 stacks (LPCF-type) or optionally, 70 cells where 2 cells can be observed and crystals can be detected and photographed. Mass is 40 kg; box dimensions 582 x 268 mm; power consumption is 50 W nominal; one process temperature; temperature accuracy is 1 K for all phases. The facility is integrated into Biokosmos in Moscow and thermal preconditioned prior to stack insertion. The stacks are inserted at launch site, where Biokosmos power is used for the thermal control; prelaunch power breakdowns of Biokosmos are acceptable up to 30 hr.