Space Qualified Hardware

Astronaut Norm Thagard operating the DMDA-O aboard STS-67

Description: The DMDA/DMDA-O is a multi-user space processing laboratory commercially developed by ITA that can accommodate microgravity experiments including cell biology, thin film membrane casting, protein crystal growth, seed germination, collagen research, fluid sciences and diffusion experiments, microencapsulation of drugs, and inorganic crystal growth. Depending upon the specific crystal growth techniques chosen, up to 300 data samples can be obtained in a single DMDA.

The DMDA-O (optical) provides up to 100 standard sample data points and provides 9 optical samples. A video camera with a 150x magnification capability is provided for video recording. The video recording process is automatically controlled. The camera sweeps the DMDA-O stopping at each of the 9 optical wells to record video data. The sweep rate can be selected in flight by a crew member. The first DMDA/DMDA-O units flew as CMIX-5 on Shuttle STS-80. Six DMDA/DMDA-O units for the Canadian Space Agency, designated CAPE-1, are flying on the Shuttle STS-86/Increment-6 Mir Mission in September, 1987.

This is a video image of a Urokinase crystal we grew onboard STS-95 as part of our Urokinase cancer research program. We are trying to get a crystal from space good enough to then determine the structure and build a drug to block various cancers.

The next generation of DMDA/DMDA-O units will incorporate additional features:

• Video RS232 port to downlink video images in real time
• Continuous video recording of a single video sample (selectable)
• Increase of video sample capacity from 9 to 18
• Increase of DMDA sample capacity from 300 to 400
• Provide up to 1600 data points in a single Shuttle Mid-deck locker
• Option for capillary tube inserts for direct protein growth capability
• Simplify harvesting and minimize crystal breakage using capillaries

The next generation of ITA's DMDA/DMDA-O units, designated CIBX-1, are scheduled to fly on Shuttle STS-95 in October, 1998.

Carrier: Standard Shuttle Middeck locker (MDL) or Commercial Refrigerator/Incubator Module (CRIM)

Number of Units/data samples:

4 DMDA's / MDL 1200 data points

2 DMDA's and CRIM MDL 600 data points

4 DMDA-O's/MDL 400 data points

2 DMDA-O's and CRIM/MDL 200

Temperature Control: 6 degrees C and 20 degrees C or 20 degrees C and 37 degrees C

Dimensions: CRIM - 24.5 cm wide, 16.8 cm high, 40.6 cm deep (no temperature control)

Replaces Shuttle Mid-deck locker 43.94 cm x 25.4 cm x 49.78 cm.

Volume: CRIM = 17.4 liters (1060 cubic inches)

MDL = 55.6 litres (3390.8 cubic inches)

Weight: DMDA-3.2 kg, DMDA-O-4.1 kg.

Power: 0 watts (no temp control), 110 (with temp control)

ITA continues to adapt its equipment and develop new hardware based upon customer requirements and needs.

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