This paper addresses the need for an advanced robotic laboratory system for a protein crystal growth experiment on a space station. The development of the experiment will be concerned with the robotic system and its interface with the crystal growth design and with the human interface necessary in the displays and controls needed for the activity. This system will enable several hundred protein crystals to grow simultaneously in microgravity. Previous experiments indicate that the microgravity environment of space allows larger crystals of higher quality to be grown compared to the same crystals grown on the ground. Growing good quality crystals is important in determining the complete structure of the protein by X-Ray diffraction. This information is useful in the research and development of important medical and biotechnological products. The use of an advanced robotic system would be a tool for use by the astronauts in mundane and repetitive activities which require excessive time. A prototype of the robotically driven crystal growth experiment is being developed at the Marshall Space Flight Center.
Space manufacturing in an automated crystal growth facility
Weltraumfertigung in einer automatisierten Kristallwachstumsvorrichtung
Technical Paper. Society of Manufacturing Engineers ; May ; 1-13
1989
13 Seiten, 10 Bilder, 4 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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