MSG

Abstract

The Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) has been designed as a modular multi-user facility for performing a wide variety of materials, combustion, fluids and biotechnology investigations in the microgravity environment. Primarily it provides an enclosed and sealed Work Volume (WV) equipped with lighting, mechanical, electrical, data, gas and vacuum connections, and thermal control. The WV is provided with built-in glove ports for safe handling by the crew and isolates the item under investigation from the operator area and the general ISS environment. An attached Airlock (AL) allows specimens and tools to be inserted or removed during MSG operations with limited environmental exchange between the WV and the ISS cabin. The MSG facility will also accommodate minor repair/servicing of hardware requiring a clean and/or an encapsulated working environment (e.g. the Fluid Science Laboratory's investigation containers).