Project Title:

Variable-G Facility for LIFESAT

12.08-9339
Variable-G Facility for LIFESAT
Micro-G Research Inc.
3401 Market Street, Suite 345
Philadelphia
PA
19104-3323
David G.
Heathcote
(215-387-9339)
ARC

Abstract:

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 Application:

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.