NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Prototype chip for LOCAD-PTS, a handheld device for rapid detection of biological and chemical substances on board the space station. Image Credit: NASA/MSFC
Scientists, engineers and technicians at the Marshall Center are performing critical developmental work to ensure the continued operation of the International Space Station while also focusing their expertise on the next era of space exploration.

Marshall plays an important role in the development of space station flight hardware and in developing systems critical to the future of space exploration. The center's many roles in the International Space Station include management of three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules. These pressurized modules serve as "moving vans," carrying equipment, experiments and supplies to and from the station aboard the space shuttle. While docked to the station, racks and equipment are unloaded from the module and then old racks and equipment may be reloaded and returned to Earth.

Marshall designed and developed a standardized payload rack system for transporting, storing and supporting experiments aboard the station. The EXPRESS Rack -- Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station -- maximizes the station's research capabilities and enables quick and simple integration of multiple payloads in a streamlined approach. Experiments contained within EXPRESS racks may be controlled by the space station crew or remotely from the ground by the Payload Rack Officer on duty at the Payload Operations Center at Marshall.

Marshall developed the Oxygen Generation System and Water Recovery System technologies as part of the station's Environmental Control and Life Support System. ECLSS provides a safe and comfortable environment for the crew and ensures a pure supply of water and air. The Wastewater Recovery System "recycles" waste water into usable water, while the Marshall-developed Oxygen Generation System provides oxygen for breathing air for the crew, reducing the need for costly transportation of these items to the station.

The Marshall team also played a key role in the development of Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development Portable Test System, or LOCAD-PTS. This system is a handheld device for rapid detection of biological and chemical substances on board the space station. It provides an early warning system to enable crewmembers to take remedial measures if necessary to protect the health and safety of those on board the station.

The Materials Science Research Rack-1 (MSRR-1) -- developed and managed by the Marshall Center -- will be used for basic materials research in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station. MSRR-1 will allow the study of a variety of materials, including metals, ceramics, crystals and glasses, possibly leading to discovery of new applications for existing materials and new or improved materials.

The Marshall Center also has played a key role in development and management of Nodes 1, 2 and 3 -- modules which interconnect the assembly elements of the International Space Station. Built at the Marshall Center by the Boeing Company, Node 1, or "Unity," launched to the station in December 1998. It was the first U.S.-built component of the station, providing internal storage and serving as a link between station elements. Node 2, or "Harmony" -- launched to the station in October 2007 -- serves as a connector for three station laboratories and a working base point for the Canadian robotic arm – Canadarm 2, used for moving equipment and supplies outside the station and supporting astronauts working in space. Node 3 -- planned for a future launch to the station -- will house the life support equipment necessary for the permanent station crew of six. It also will accommodate the Cupola, a seven-window, dome-shaped observation module, giving the crew a panoramic view of space.