Space Qualified Hardware
Description: The DMDA Crystallization
unit is an automated microgravity processing laboratory commercially
developed by ITA for the growth of protein crystals. The unit
consists of a standard DMDA, and optical DMDA (DMDA-O), an automated
controller, and a video recorder. The unit was developed to provide
a large number of protein crystal experiments utilizing several
crystal growth techniques and providing video of selected samples
to observe crystal growth cycles.
The following protein crystal
growth techniques are available on ITA's Crystallization unit:
The first crystallization units flew on the Shuttle STS-86/Increment-6 Mir Mission in September, 1987. This unit, designated CAPE-1, was fabricated for the Canadian Space Agency. CAPE-1 consists of two separate crystallization units having a total of 730 experiment samples. The crystallization unit is qualified to fly on both the NASA Shuttle and the Russian MIR Space Station.
Carrier: Standard Shuttle Mid-deck locker (MDL) or Commercial Refrigerator/Incubator Module (CRIM)
Number of Units/MDL - data samples:
2 DMDA's and 2 DMDA-O's - 800 data points
1 DMDA and 1 DMDA-O and CRIM- -400 data points
Temperature Control: 8 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 44 cm x 25.4 cm x 50 cm.
Volume: CRIM = 17.4 liters (1060 cubic inches)
MDL = 55.6 liters (3390.8 cubic inches)
Weight: Crystallization unit - 11.3 kg
Power: Crystallization unit: 100 watts (with temp control), 3 watts (without temp control)
ITA continues to adapt its equipment and develop new hardware based upon customer requirements and needs.
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