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MICROGRAVITY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

Microgravity Science Glovebox (MGBX)
Project Scientist: Dr. Donald A. Reiss, Space Sciences Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.

The Microgravity Glovebox Flight Program is part of the Microgravity Research Program at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

Objective: The Microgravity Glovebox (MGBX) facility offers scientists the capability to conduct investigations, test science procedures, and develop new technologies in microgravity. The Glovebox provides an enclosed work area about the size of a microwave for these small-scale investigations. The Glovebox also:

  • Provides a work area with two levels of containment - physical barrier and negative pressure - between the crew working space and the microgravity investigations.
  • Provide services that will allow microgravity investigators to concentrate on science development rather than on facility development.

The following investigations will be performed in the Glovebox during the STS-95 mission:

  • Colloidal Gelation Experiment (CGEL)
  • Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition (CDOT) Investigation
  • Internal Flows in a Free Drop (IFFD) Investigation

Research conducted in the Glovebox facility is an extension of traditional Earth-based laboratory science with investigations benefiting from the stable, long-duration microgravity environment.

Description: The Glovebox provides a sealable, controlled workspace for performing investigations that require hands-on attention while protecting the astronaut researcher and the rest of the crew. Fluids, powders, bioproducts and irritants are among the materials that may be used by researchers during their investigations. It is a facility designed to support investigations and demonstrations in five microgravity research disciplines - materials science, biotechnology, combustion science, fluid dynamics and fundamental physics.

Within the Glovebox, while investigations are being conducted, three video cameras can record the development of the investigation. This data may be transmitted to the principal investigators on Earth allowing them to instruct the crew to make experimental adjustments if necessary.