Biotechnological research on the ISS US Segment

Promiss-3 Experiment

Experiment PROMISS-3 is a part of the scientific research program to be conducted by ESA astronaut of the Dutch nationality Andre Kuipers onboard the ISS RS in the frame of DSM Delta Project, and is an extension of experiments PROMISS-2 (SSM Cervantes Project) and PROMISS (Odissea Project). The European Space Agency is a customer of the preparation and implementation of the research program.

The experiment is conducted in MSG on the US On-Orbit Segment of the ISS.

Objective:

Investigate the protein growth processes in microgravity condition using the counter-diffusion technique.

Tasks:

• To measure the parameters of the growing protein crystals
• To measure the composition changes (in depletion zone) of liquid around the growing protein crystals
• To use holographic microscope for optical monitoring of the crystal growth mechanisms in microgravity conditions.

Science Hardware Used:

• PROMISS-2 experiment box with digital holographic microscope;
• PROMISS-2 Kit 1 with electronics box and cables;
• PROMISS-2 Kit 2 including clamp, and wheel with 6 reactors;
• PROMISS-3 Kit 2 with experiment samples, protein solutions;
• AQUARIUS incubator to stow biological samples till the download.

Consumables

• PROMISS-3 Kit 1 with mini DV videotapes (12 pcs.) and PROMISS-3 return container.

Experiment Results:

Biological materials to be returned to the ground from the ISS, as well as experiment video recording.