Opportunities have been created recently for conducting biology research aboard free-flying satellites launched from expendable vehicles. This project is directed towards developing a centrifuge facility that can be accommodated within the LIFESAT free-flyer and that can satisfy a wide range of experimental needs of space biologists. The centrifuge facility will provide at least two independently-controlled rotors capable of providing g-force environments within the range of zero to somewhat above one while supplying simultaneous 1 g control data. The facility will have the ability to record video images of test specimens on the rotors together with other experimental and housekeeping data. Specifications will be derived in Phase I from the scientific community and satellite interface requirements and used to prepare a preliminary design. A hardware development plan will be completed to provide an overview of how an engineering prototype version of the centrifuge facility could be fabricated and tested during Phase II.
Potential Commercial Applications:The centrifuge facilities would supply the background data required for the development of practical techniques for the production of food plants in space.STATUS: Project Proceded to Phase II
