Microgravity Science Glovebox
The Microgravity Science Glovebox ( MSG ) is a payload in the form of an International Standard Payload Rack , which is installed in the European Columbus research laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS) . The core element of the rack is a large glove box , which enables space travelers to conduct experiments under the low gravity ( microgravity ) in the orbit of the space station in a controlled and completely isolated environment.
The experimental module was launched into space by the space shuttle Endeavor in June 2002, long before Columbus took off, on the STS-111 mission . It was in the MPLM Leonardo during the flight and was then installed in the US research module Destiny . After the start of Columbus in February 2008, the Microgravity Science Glovebox was removed from the Destiny research module and installed in the Columbus module. In October 2010 MSG was transferred back and is now part of the Destiny Laboratory again.
The experiment volume is 255 liters, in which constant conditions such as air temperature, air circulation and air pressure as well as cooling are provided by the module. Objects with a diameter of up to 40 cm can be transported into the glove box through an air lock with a volume of 40 liters. The experiment module also includes facilities for recording and storing videos in order to document the experiments.
The Microgravity Science Glovebox was built by EADS Astrium in Bremen.
See also
Web links
- ESA: Microgravity Science Glovebox (English)
- NASA: Microgravity Science Glovebox (English)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Ralf Möllenbeck: Diverse work on the ISS. raumfahrer.net, October 24, 2010, accessed April 3, 2016 .