NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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Overview | Description | Applications | Operations | Results | Publications | Imagery

Experiment Overview


Brief Summary

The NanoRacks-Kentucky Space Test-1 and -3 experiments ensure on-orbit functionality works as planned with the ground data collection support for future NanoRacks investigations. This experiment provides the foundation to successfully perform other investigations on board the International Space Station (ISS).

Principal Investigator(s)

James E. Lumpp Jr., Ph.D., University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States

Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

Information Pending

Developer(s)

NanoRacks, LLC, Houston, TX, United States

Sponsoring Space Agency

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Sponsoring Organization

National Laboratory (NL)

ISS Expedition Duration:

March 2010 - March 2011

Expeditions Assigned

23/24,25/26

Previous ISS Missions

ISS Expedition 23/24 is the first mission for the NanoRacks-Kentucky Space Test-1 and -3 investigations.

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Experiment Description

Research Overview

• NanoRacks-Kentuck Space Test-1 and -3 utilizes Modules 1 and 3 of the first and second NanoRacks Platforms on the International Space Station (ISS). The standard-sized Module experiments are identical and each contains an internal USB storage device.



• NanoRacks-Kentucky Space Test-1 and -3 ensure on-orbit functionality works as planned with the ground data collection support.

Description

The NanoRacks-Kentucky Space Test-1 and -3 experiments ensure on-orbit functionality works as planned with the ground data collection support for future NanoRacks investigations. This experiment utilizes Modules 1 and 3 of the first NanoRacks Platforms on the International Space Station (ISS). The standard-sized Module experiments are identical and each contains an internal USB storage device.

NanoRacksFacility is a multipurpose research facility providing power and data transfer capability to the NanoRacks Modules. Each NanoRacks Platform is approximately 17 x 9 x 20 inches and weighs approximately 12 pounds. A NanoRacks Platform is designed for use within the pressurized space station environment. Each platform provides room for up to 16 Modules to plug effortlessly into a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, which provides both power and data connectivity. Its plug and play system uses a simple, standardized interface that reduces payload integration cost and schedule for nanoscale research in microgravity.

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Applications

Space Applications

This investigation is a part of a series of investigations to be conducted on board the ISS to provide the foundation for use of the ISS as a National Laboratory following assembly complete.

Earth Applications

The long-term goal of this project is to enhance technological, industrial, and educational growth for the benefit of people on Earth.

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Operations

Operational Requirements

The experiment is activated by moving the respective switch on the NanoRacks Platform into the "ON" position, if needed. For the deactivation, the switch is moved to the "OFF" position.

Operational Protocols

An ISS crewmember powers down the NanoRacks Platform, and then plugs in the NanoRacks Modules. The NanoRacks Platform is powered up, and the data cable between the associated USB port on the NanoRacks Platform front panel and an EXPRESS Laptop computer is plugged in to collect data and download at designated times.

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Results/More Information

Information Pending

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Related Websites

NanoRacks LLC

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Imagery

Twyman Clements of Kentucky Space holding NanoRacks-Kentucky Space Test-1 and -3. Image courtesy of NanoRacks, LLC.
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