Science Facilities on the ISS

Fluids & Combustion Facility

The Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) is a set of two International Space Station (ISS) research facilities designed to support physical and biological experiments in support of technology development and validation in space. 

Microgravity Science Glovebox

The Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) is a rack-level payload facility located in the U.S. Laboratory module on the International Space Station (ISS). MSG provides resources such as power, data, video, heat rejection, vacuum, nitrogen and containment for investigations. The facility is well suited for handling hazardous materials when crew are present. MSG is capable of accommodating both physical science and biological research payloads.

Maintenance Work Area

The Maintenance Work Area (MWA) consists of three major components: MWA Work Surface Area (WSA), MWA Containment System, and MWA Utility Kit. Additionally, the MWA Utility Strip may be used in conjunction with the MWA Containment System.

SCaN Testbed

The Space Communications and Navigation Testbed (SCAN) Testbed consists of a set of reconfigurable software defined radios (SDRs), including newer Ka-band and Global Positioning System (GPS) L5 frequency bands, and uses software based communications and navigation functions capable of being functionally modified once on-orbit. 

Space Acceleration Measurement System-II

Space Acceleration Measurement System-II (SAMS-II) is an ongoing study of the small forces (vibrations and accelerations) on the International Space Station (ISS) resulting from the operation of hardware, crew activities, dockings and maneuvering.

Materials ISS Experiment Flight Facility

Alpha Space’s MISSE facility provides a unique platform that is available for the private sector, as well as other government entities, to utilize applied materials testing or technical demonstrations. The primary Materials ISS Experiment Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) platform provides the ability to test materials, coatings, and components or other larger experiments in the harsh environment of space, which is virtually impossible to do collectively on Earth.

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System

Microgravity Acceleration Measurement System (MAMS) studies the small forces, or vibrations and accelerations, on the International Space Station (ISS) that result from the operation of hardware, crew activities, dockings and maneuvering.