Research in Space

2013 and Beyond

International Space Station Facilities

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
The ISS Facility Brochure is published by the NASA ISS Program Science Office.

Lead Editor: 

Donald C. Barker, M.S., M.A.

1

Executive Editor: Kirt A. Costello, Ph.D.

Associate Editor: Tara M. Ruttley, Ph.D.

Associate Editor: Deborah L. Ham, Ph.D.

Designer: Cynthia L. Bush, M.A.

NP-2012-10-027-JSC
2

Introduction

Research Goals of Many Nations

An Orbiting Laboratory Complex

Knowledge and Benefits for all Humankind

ISS Facilities Definition

ISS Research History and Status

ISS Topology

Multipurpose Laboratory Facilities:

EXPRESS Racks, freezers, glove boxes, 

Express Logistics Carriers and external 

attachment sites

 

Biological Research:

Incubators, growth chambers and centrifuges

Human Physiology Research:

Exercise equipment and healthcare

Physical Science Research:

Fluid physics, furnaces, crystal growth 

and test beds

Earth and Space Science:

Radiation, thermal, solar, geophysics and 

 Earth observations

Technology Demonstration:

Hardware testing and development

Acronyms

3

7

9

10

14

15

16

24

Table of Contents

41

65

54

76

82

89
3

Welcome to ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) is an unprecedented human 

achievement from conception to construction, to operation and long 

term utilization of a research platform on the frontier of space. 

Fully-assembled and continuously-inhabited by all Partners, this 

orbiting laboratory provides a unique environment in which to 

conduct multidisciplinary research and technology development 

that drives space exploration, basic discovery, and Earth benefits. 

The ISS is uniquely capable of unraveling the mysteries of our 

universe; from the evolution of our planet and life on Earth to 

technology advancements and understanding the effects of spaceflight 

on the human body. Through continued habitation and experience 

this outpost also serves to facilitate human exploration beyond low 

Earth orbit to other destinations in our solar system. 

This orbiting laboratory is our species largest foothold in space. 

Exploration, research and discovery, bound with international 

cooperation and commercial development serve to highlight 

the best that we can be.

We look forward to sharing this brochure which outlines and 

highlights our ISS research capabilities and potential as we continue 

to push the bounds of on-orbit research. 
4
Program Managers

Mr. Bernardo Patti

Head of ISS Programme and Exploration Department

Directorate of Human Spaceflight and Operations

European Space Agency

Mr. Pierre Jean

Director, Operations Engineering and Program Manager 

Canadian Space Station Program

Mr. Alexey Krasnov 

Director of Piloted Space Programs Department

Federal Space Agency of Russia

Mr. Masazumi Miyake

Program Manager

International Space Station Program

Human Space Systems and Utilization Mission Directorate 

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Mr. Michael T. Suffredini

Manager, International Space Station

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Mrs. Silvana Rabbia 

MPLM/PMM Program Manager

Italian Space Agency

5
Program Scientists

Nicole D. Buckley, Ph.D.

Chief Scientist 

Life Sciences and the International Space Station Exploration Spatiale 

Canadian Space Agency

Mr. Shigeki Kamigaichi

Deputy Director

Space Environment Utilization Center

Human Space Systems and Utilization Mission Directorate

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 

Dr. Martin Zell

Head of  ISS Utilisation and Astronaut Support Department

Directorate of Human Spaceflight and Operations

European Space Agency

Julie A. Robinson, Ph.D.

International Space Station Program Scientist

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Dr. Igor V. Sorokin 

Deputy Head of Space Stations Utilization Center

S.P.Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia

Mr. Jean Sabbagh

National & International Relations

Head of Microgravity, Exploration & Space Science Office

Italian Space Agency

6
Research Goals 

of Many Nations

It is the unique blend of unified and diversified goals among the world’s space 

agencies that will lead to improvements in life on Earth for all people of all 

nations. While the various space agency partners may emphasize different 

aspects of research to achieve their goals in the use of ISS, they are unified in 

several important overarching goals. 

All of the agencies recognize the importance of leveraging ISS as an education 

platform to encourage, inspire and ultimately motivate today’s youth to pursue 

careers in math, science and engineering: educating the children of today to 

be the leaders and space explorers of tomorrow.

Advancing our knowledge in the areas of human physiology, biology, material 

and physical sciences and translating that knowledge to health, socio-economic 

and environmental benefits on Earth is another common goal of the agencies: 

returning the knowledge gained in space research for the benefit of society.

Finally, all the agencies are unified in their goals to apply knowledge gained 

through ISS research in human physiology, radiation, materials science and 

engineering to enable future space exploration missions: preparing for the 

human exploration of destinations beyond low Earth orbit.

7
8
An Orbiting Laboratory 

Complex

The laboratories and operational components of the International Space 

Station (ISS) have been assembled and are up and running. As all ISS partner 

nations expand their research programs, international collaboration and 

interaction among scientists worldwide is growing rapidly. 

Joining the U.S. Destiny laboratory on orbit, 2008 saw the greatest expansion 

of research capabilities with the addition of the European Space Agency 

Columbus and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Kibo laboratories as well 

as several external platforms. Over the final years of assembly from 2009-2010, 

many initial experiments were completed in the newest racks and the crew 

complement onboard ISS doubled to accommodate six rotating crewmembers; 

thus our transition from “early utilization” to “full utilization” of ISS became 

reality. The ISS, now complete, serves as the worlds preeminent microgravity 

research facility.

Early science on ISS has taught us much about what to expect as additional 

research facilities become operational. Across the scientific spectrum, many 

hypotheses about what will happen without gravity are being challenged. 

Data from ISS experiments is causing scientists to rethink existing models, 

and propose different lines of research, as they seek to understand new data 

from orbit. Rather than waiting years for the next flight opportunity, ISS 

discoveries generate new hypotheses that can often be tested in a short period 

of time—in the same way that scientists would follow a compelling result in a 

laboratory on Earth. We are able to push the bounds of previous research and 

extend the duration of experiments over many months and even years. We do 

not yet know what will be the most important knowledge or benefit gained 

from ISS, but through dedicated persistence, we do know that some amazing 

discoveries are yet on their way!

9
Knowledge and Benefits 

for all Humankind

ISS research benefits humankind in areas ranging from human health to advanced 

product development to environmental study and monitoring. Ongoing development 

of patents and partnerships have directly demonstrated benefits to our lives on Earth 

as a result of the public’s and world’s investment in ISS research.

NASA Image 

ISS017E005600 

The Expedition 

17 crew captured 

this image of the 

Tropical Cyclone 

Nargis in the Bay 

of Bengal prior to 

landfall in Burma 

on May 2, 2008. 

NASA Image 

ISS012E13692 

A 25-kilometer long 

smoke plume from a fire 

in the Upper Ouachita 

National Wildlife 

Refuge in northeastern 

Louisiana.

10
Knowledge and Benefits 

for all Humankind

New Treatment Options for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Collaborative 

High Quality Protein Crystal Growth – This JAXA and Russian FSA-sponsored investigation was a unique collaboration between these and other ISS 

International Partners. The inhibitor for human hematopoietic prostaglandin 

D synthase (H-PGDS) is a candidate treatment in inhibiting the effects of 

Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Investigators used the microgravity environment of the ISS to grow larger crystals and more accurately determine the 

3-dimensional structures of H-PGDS inhibitor complex. The findings led to 

the development of a more potent form of the inhibitor, which is important 

for the development of novel treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

11

Crystals of H-PGDS grown on Earth (left) and in space (right) showing 

better defined crystal structures produced within the microgravity 

environment. 

Electro density maps of the inhibitor crystals grown in space (resolution 

of 1.1 Angstroms by X-ray diffraction, right) show a clearer and more 

detailed density as compared to the inhibitor crystals grown on Earth 

(resolution of 1.8 Angstroms, left).
Knowledge and Benefits 

for all Humankind

Microbial Vaccine Development – Scientific findings resulting from International Space Station research have uniquely shown increased virulence in 

Salmonella bacteria flown in space, and identified the controlling gene responsible. AstroGenetix, Inc. has funded their own follow-on studies on ISS and are 

now pursuing approval of a vaccine as an Investigational New Drug (IND) with 

the FDA. They are now applying a similar development approach to methycillinresistant Staph aureus (MRSA).

An ISS investigator recently patented the Microparticle Analysis 

System and Method, an invention 

for a device that detects and analyzes 

microparticles. This technology supports the chemical and pharmaceutical 

industries, and is one of a sequence of 

inventions related to technology development for experiments on the ISS, 

including the MEPS (Microencapsulation Electrostatic Processing System) 

experiment that demonstrated microencapsulation processing of drugs, a new and powerful 

method for delivering drugs to targeted locations. 12
By allowing us to continuously explore and seek out answers to each question 

presented by our marvelous universe, the ISS laboratory provides a unique 

setting for discovering untold benefits for all Humanity. Possibly the greatest 

and most lasting benefit will be its unique ability to inspire and motivate youth 

and adults alike to learn and grow, and to bring together all who inhabit our 

tiny world. Such a unique vantage point and environment teaches us to look 

at questions and problems from ever new and unique perspectives, all the 

while paving the way for our next great leaps towards the stars.

13

Knowledge and Benefits 

for all Humankind
14

What is an ISS Facility?

Let’s begin our tour by defining exactly what a Facility is on the ISS:

ISS Research Facilities enable scientific investigations and are defined as 

1) available onboard or as a sortie to ISS for long periods of time (i.e., 

more than a single increment) AND 2) can be scheduled for use by 

investigators OR provide an interface for connecting investigations to the 

ISS/environment, by other than the hardware’s original developer/owner.

Keeping this definition in mind, the remainder of this brochure outlines and 

highlights the capabilities of the Facilities already or soon to be in use onboard 

the ISS as of the date of this publication.

Since the list of all Facilities onboard ISS periodically changes, please be sure 

to contact the Program Science Office (PSO) in case of questions at jsc-issresearch-helpline@mail.nasa.gov, or check the latest Facility information, 

availability and research results at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/

research/facilities_category.html.

NASA Image: ISS018E026974 - Astronaut Sandra Magnus works 

with the Smoke Point In Co-flow Experiment (SPICE) using the 

Microgravity Sciences Glovebox (MSG) during Expedition 18. 
ISS Research History 

and Status

The International 

Space Station (ISS) 

was first inhabited 

just before the turn of 

the millennium. This 

laboratory in space has 

continuously grown 

and supports ongoing 

research into how the 

microgravity environment impacts fields 

of research from the 

physical sciences to biology to human physiology, and as such much of the knowledge gained crosses 

over and directly impacts many aspects of our daily lives. 

In 2009 a significant space exploration goal was established, the number of 

astronauts capable of living onboard the ISS increased from 3 to 6, and in 

2010 the assembly of the ISS was completed. Since then the time spent onorbit performing ISS research has continuously grown. ISS laboratories now 

accommodate an unprecedented amount of space-based research with new and 

exciting capabilities being continuously proposed and developed.

This Earth orbiting laboratory and living facility houses astronauts who continuously conduct science across a wide variety of fields including human life 

sciences, biological science, human physiology, physical and materials science, 

and earth and space science. Over 1250 unique experiments have been conducted on the ISS over 13 years of continuous research. 

Current International Space Station utilization statistics, including a cumulative history of research completed is continuously being tracked and updated 

and can be found here: 

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/695701main_Current_ISS_Utilization_Statistics.pdf.

15

For up to date information regarding ISS activities, research and accomplishments, please visit the following link:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html
ISS Topology

16

ISS Topology

“Where things are!”

This section provides an overview of the completed ISS, its structures, and 

the locations that house and supply all of the individual ISS research facilities. All labels and locations depict the onboard layout at the time of this 

publication, though upgrades are planned and in work.

Before we begin discussing the layout, we should review a little about the 

unique location this laboratory inhabits high above our heads. The ISS 

resides in a 51.6 degree inclined low-earth orbit that repeatedly provides 

a view of the majority of the populated surface of the Earth. Perpetually 

free-falling, the microgravity environment on the ISS provides a unique 

location for conducting unparalleled biological, physical, Earth and space 

science research. From an average altitude of 400 km, surface details in 

such features as glaciers, agricultural fields, cities and coral reefs can be 

clearly observed from the ISS. Coordinated with ground observations, ISS 

provides the most flexible, repeatable and efficient sources of space-based 

data available.

Orbiting once every 90 minutes, 

the ISS passes over 90 percent 

of the Earth’s habitable land mass.
17

ISS Topology

This graphical breakout shows the major ISS elements and components 

with regards to their current locations. Highlights show international 

partnerships as well as locations housing, both internal and external ISS 

research facilities.
18

ISS Topology

USOS Laboratory Research Rack 

Locations at Assembly Complete

Destiny

Kibo

Columbus

ISS LABORATORY 

RESEARCH RACK LOCATIONS 

at ASSEMBLY COMPLETE

Partner 

at ASSEMBLY COMPLETE 

DESTINY

COLUMBUSCO U US

KIBO

Version 10/15/2012 2:05 PM

ORY 

OCATIONS 

MPLETE

Utilization 

Rack at 

Assembly 

Complete

Partner Utilization/

Stowage/ 

MPLETE Future

=

=

COLUMBUS

=

CO U US

ORATORY 

CK LOCATIONS 

Y COMPLETE

Utilization 

Rack at 

Assembly 

Complete

Partner Utilization/

Stowage/ 

Y COMPLETE Future

=

=

COLUMBUS

=

CO U US

ISS LABORATORY 

RESEARCH RACK LOCATIONS 

at ASSEMBLY COMPLETEat ASSEMBLY COMPLETE 

DESTINY

KIBO

Version 10/15/2012 2:05 PM
19

ISS Topology

ISS “Destiny” Laboratory 

Internal Facility Locations

Configuration for DESTINY MODULE RESEARCH 

Increment 31/32

Configuration for Increment 31/32

overhead

EXPR-2

(ARIS)

(NASA)

MSRR-1

(ARIS)

(NASA)

EXPR-1

(NASA) DDCU-2

GALLEY

EXPR-6

(NASA)

ZSR

(NASA)

U

aft

deck

P

M

A 

-

ARS Avionics-1 2 WORF

(NASA) Avionics-3 Avionics-2

TCS MSS / AV CEVIS EXPR-7

P (NASA) S

L

A

B

EXPR-8

(NASA)

Robonaut

(NASA)

RSR

(CHeCS)

forward

CEVIS = Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System

CIR (PaRIS) = Combustion Integration Rack 

(Passive Rack Isolation System)

EXPR-# = EXPRESS Rack Number 

MSG

(NASA) TCS MSS / AV

CIR

(PaRIS)

(NASA)

FIR

(ARIS)

(NASA)

MELFI-3

(NASA)

FIR (ARIS) = Fluids Integration Rack

(Active Rack Isolation System)

MELFI-# = Minus Eighty Degrees Laboratory Freezer for ISS

MSG = Microgravity Science Glovebox

MSRR-# (ARIS) = Materials Science Research Rack

(Active Rack Isolation System)

WORF = Window Observational Research Facility

ZSR = Zero-Gravity Stowage Rack

11 NASA Utilization Racks

Version 10/15/2012 2:05 PM

CK TOPOLOGY

Physical Sciences 

and Materials 

Research

Earth Science 

Human Research

Multipurpose

E RESEARCH RACK TOPOLOGY

ment 31/32

EXPR-2

(ARIS)

(NASA)

XPR-1

NASA) 

Physical Sciences 

and Materials 

Research

Earth Science 

P

M

A 

-

2 

ionics-3 Avionics-2

XPR-7

NASA) 

Robonaut

(NASA)

Human Research

Multipurpose

Systems

ation System

System)

MSG

(NASA) 

MELFI-3

(NASA)

Systems

and Stowage

ARIS/PaRIS Capable

ystem)

Freezer for ISS

DDCU-2

TCS

TCS

ARS RSR

(CHeCS) Avionics-1 Avionics-3 Avionics-2

MSS /AV

MSS /AV

ZSR
20

ISS Topology

ISS “Columbus” Laboratory 

Internal Facility Locations

Configuration for 

Increment 31/32

COLUMBUS MODULE RESEARCH 

Configuration for Increment 31/32

ZSR ZSR FSL

(ESA) overhead ZSR

C 

aft

deck

HRF-2

(NASA)

EPM

(ESA)

EXPR-3

(ARIS)

(NASA)

Bio Lab

(ESA)

ETC

(ESA) System System System

C

O

L

U

M

B

U

forward HRF-1

(NASA)

MARES

(NASA)

EDR

(ESA)

ZSR

(NASA)

S

Bio Lab = ESA Biolab Facility

EDR = European Drawer Rack

EPM = European Physiology Module

p y gy

ETC = European Transport Carrier

EXPR-# (ARIS) = EXPRESS Rack Number 

(Active Rack Isolation System)

FSL = Fluid Science Laboratory

HRF-# = Human Research Facility-Number

MARES = Muscle Atrophy Resistive 

Exercise System

ZSR = Zero-Gravity Stowage Rack

4 NASA Utilization Racks

5 ESA Utilization Racks

Version 10/15/2012 2:05 PM

CK TOPOLOGY

Biological Sciences

Human Research

Physical SciencesPhysical Sciences

and Materials 

Research

Multipurpose

Systems 

and Stowage

RESEARCH RACK TOPOLOGY

Biological Sciences

Human Research

Physical Sciences

32

Physical Sciences

and Materials 

Research

Multipurpose

Systems 

and Stowage

ARIS/PaRIS

Capable

ZSR ZSR ZSR

ZSR

System System System
21

ISS Topology

ISS “Kibo” Laboratory 

Internal Facility Locations

Configuration for 

Increment 31/32

KIBO MODULE RESEARC

Configuration for Increment 31/32

overhead

Radial Port

DMS-2 JRSR-1 DMS-1 ICS /

PROX JRSR-2

deck

aft RMS RYUTAI

(JAXA)

SAIBO

(JAXA)

MELFI-2

(NASA)

ECLSS/

TCS-2

MELFI-1

(NASA)* EPS-1 ECLSS/

TCS-1

EPS-2

J

E

M

P

M

MSPR

(JAXA)

HDP

(JAXA)

ZSR

(NASA)

forward W / S EXPR-5

(NASA)

M

EXPR-4

(NASA)

ISPR

(JAXA)

ZSR

(NASA)

EXPR-# = EXPRESS Rack Number

ISPR = International Standard Payload Rack

HDP = Hard Dummy Panel

KOBAIRO

(JAXA)

JRSR-# = Japanese Resupply Stowage Rack

KOBAIRO = Material Science

MELFI-# = Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer 

for ISS (MELFI-1 is 85% NASA, 15% JAXA)

4 JAXA Utilization Racks

4 NASA Utilization Racks

MSPR = Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack

RMS = Remote Manipulator System 

RYUTAI = Fluid Science

SAIBO = Cell Science

ZSR = Zero-Gravity Stowage Rack 

Version 10/15/2012 2:05 PM

K TOPOLOGY

Biological Sciences Biological Sciences

Physical Sciences and 

Materials Research

Multipurpose

Systems and Stowage

Future JAXA Utilization

board 

HDP

Future JAXA Utilization

Rack Location

ARIS/PRIS Cbl

HDP

ARCH RACK TOPOLOGY

Biological Sciences Biological Sciences

Physical Sciences and 

Materials Research

Multipurpose

Systems and Stowage

Future JAXA Utilization

aft port forward starboard 

ZSR ZSR HDP HDP

Future JAXA Utilization

Rack Location

ARIS/PaRIS Capable

JLP

ZSR ZSR HDP HDP

DMS-2

EPS-1

W / S

EPS-2 ECLSS/

TCS-1

ECLSS/

TCS-2

ZSR

RMS

ZSR

DMS-1 ICS /

PROX JRSR-2 JRSR-1

HDP

ISPR
22

ISS Topology

ISS Russian Segment Laboratory 

Internal Research Locations

The Russian Segment (RS) has 5 modules used to support on orbit 

research: the Service Module (SM) Zvezda, the Mini Research Modules 

(MRM) Rassvet (MRM1) and Poisk (MRM2), the Docking Compartment-1 (DC1) Pirs, and one US sponsored module – the FGB Zarya. 

Additional modules are planned for the future.

One of these modules, MRM1 is further described below. This module 

contains eight internal workstations equipped with facilities including a 

glovebox, two incubators (TBU-V and TBU-N ) to accommodate highand low temperature experiments, and a Multipurpose Vibroprotective 

Platform (VZP-U ).

MRM1 - Port side

MRM1 - Starboard side

TBU-N

Graphics courtesy of and © RSC Energia, 2011

TBU-V

Glovebox-C

VZP-U
23 ISS Topology

ISS External Facility Locations

This graphical representation of the ISS flying towards the viewer highlights the primary locations where external facility interface infrastructure 

and hardware is located, including a subset of current ISS facilities housed 

at those locations.

• MISSE 8

• SCAN Testbed • Solar Facility • J-SSOD

• Vynoslivost Experiment Facility

• Replaceable Cassette-Container
24Multipurpose Laboratory Facilities

Multipurpose 

Laboratory Facilities

Multipurpose ISS facilities represent a wide array of internal and external 

structures and devices designed to support a variety of investigations. These 

facilities often provide attachment locations for individual investigations or 

provide an assortment of research equipment that can be used by different 

research teams in furthering their own experiments.

This section is divided into two areas to highlight those facilities that are 

available inside the habitable volume of the ISS as well as those that are 

external and open to the space environment. Additions and changes to the 

makeup of these facilities occurs over time and the remainder of this section 

provides an overview of current capabilities and locations:

Internal Facilities:

• European Drawer Rack (EDR) [ESA] 

• Expedite the Processing of Experiments to 

Space Station (EXPRESS) Racks [NASA]

• General Laboratory Active Cryogenic ISS 

Equipment Refrigerator (GLACIER) [NASA]

• Light Microscopy Module (LMM) [NASA]

• Microgravity Experiment Research Locker/Incubator (MERLIN) [NASA]

• Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG ) [ESA, NASA]

• Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI ) [ESA, NASA]

• Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) [JAXA]

• Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites 

(SPHERES) [NASA]

External Facilities:

• Columbus-External Payload Facility (Columbus-EPF) [ESA]

• Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station (EXPRESS) 

Logistics Carrier (ELC) [NASA]

• JEM External Facility (JEM-EF) [JAXA]

• JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) [JAXA]

• URM-D multipurpose workstations , Biaxial pointing platforms, Magnetomechanical anchors/locks and 

Portable working platform [Roscosmos]
25

ISS Internal 

Accommodations

The following section provides an overview of existing Internal Facilities 

that are multidisciplinary in nature - providing access to the microgravity 

environment as well as ISS resources and crewmembers. 

International Standard Payload 

Rack (ISPR) Utilities and Capabilities

Power

• 3, 6 or 12 KW, 114.5-126 VDC

Gases

• Nitrogen

• Flow = 0.1 kg/minute min

• 517-827 kPa nominal, 

1379 kPa max.

• Argon, Carbon Dioxide, Helium

• 517-768 kPa nominal 

• 1379 kPa maximum

Data

• Lo Rate: MIL-STD- 1553 bus 1Mbps

• High Rate: 100 Mbps

• Ethernet: 10 Mbps

• Video: NTSC

Vacuum

• Venting: 10-3 torr in less than 

2 hours 

• Vacuum Resource: 10-3 torr

Cooling Loops

• Moderate Temperature: 

16.1C - 18.3C

• Flow rate: 0-45.36 kg/hr

• Low Temperature: 3.3 C - 5.6C

• Flow rate: 233 kg/hr

Internal Multipurpose Facilities
26

Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) 

Racks [NASA] are modular multipurpose payload racks designed to 

store and support experiments aboard ISS. Each rack provides structural 

interfaces, power, data, cooling, water and other items needed to operate 

science experiments on the ISS. Experiments are exchanged in and out of 

EXPRESS Racks as needed; some smaller multi-user facilities will remain in 

EXPRESS for the life of ISS, others are used for only a short period of time. 

Express Racks are one of the primary means of accommodating 

scientific hardware in the habitable volume of the ISS. Express Racks 

are the most flexible modular research facility available on ISS, and 

are used by NASA, JAXA and ESA.

Internal Multipurpose Facilities
27

EXPRESS Rack Configuration

Layout of all ISS Express Racks as planned through the SpaceX-3 mission 

docked operations timeframe. See legend (page 29) for more details.

Internal Multipurpose Facilities

SpX-3 (7/1

CGBA4 ISS Locker ARIS-POP

(Inactive) CGBA6

ER1 - LAB1O2 ER2A - LAB1O1 

NLP NLP 

ISS Locker Plate Reader 

ISS Locker

MERLIN 3 ABRS

(Inactive) ISS Locker

NLP NLP 

SPHERES RINGS 

power source (L2)

CUCU redundant 

power source

SPHERES RINGS 

power source (L3)

MERLIN 4/CPCGHMISS Locker 

SAMS-RTS1 SAMS-II-ICU ISIS Dwr KuREC E

MAMS

ISS Locker

GLACIER FU1

(L4 Power)

Plate Reader

NLP 

NLP

CTP power

MERLIN 1 

ER5 - JPM1F1 ER6 - LAB1O4 

SDRUMS-APEM SDRUMS-PCEM MERLIN 2

Galley G

SDRUMS-AGM MERLIN 1

Galley Galley -

Potable Water 

Dispenser

MSDRUMS-IPM

NLP NLP

NLP NLP

CUCU Spare 

SpaceDRUMS-PM GLACIER FU2

(L4 Power)_

CUCU

NLP

PS28 power 

connection (L3)

FW connection

SDRUMS D1 SDRUMS D2 Food Warmer Food Warmer 

AMS DDRS Laptop utilizes PS28 powerL3 

SpX-3 (7/18/13)

NanoRacks

Platform-3 DECLIC

GLACIER FU3

CGBA6

B1O1 ER3A - COL1A1 ER4 - JPM1F5

NLP NLP

NanoRacks

Pl tf 2 

late Reader NanoRacks

Pl tf 1

VEGGIE

SS Locker

ISS Locker DECLIC

GLACIER FU3

(L2 Power)

NLP NLP

CUCU redundant 

power source

HERES RINGS 

wer source (L3)

Platform-2

SS Locker ISS Locker ISS Locker

KuREC EMCS-ISIS Dwr ISIS Dwr ELITE-S2 SAMS-RTS2

late Reader

EMCS-HS

Platform-1

NLP NLP NLP
28

EXPRESS Rack Configuration

See legend (page 29) for more details.

Internal Multipurpose Facilities

ISS Locker Plate Reader 

MERLIN 4/CPCGHMISS Locker 

SAMS-RTS1 SAMS-II-ICU ISIS Dwr KuREC EMCS-ISIS D

MAMS

ISS Locker

GLACIER FU1

(L4 Power)

Plate Reader

NLP 

NLP

CTP power

MERLIN 1 

ER5 - JPM1F1 ER6 - LAB1O4 ER7

SDRUMS-APEM SDRUMS-PCEM MERLIN 2

Galley GSM/RWPS

SDRUMS-AGM MERLIN 1

Galley Galley -

Potable Water 

Dispenser

MERLIN 5/CP

HM

SDRUMS-IPM

NLP NLP

NLP NLP

CUCU Spare 

SpaceDRUMS-PM GLACIER FU2

(L4 Power)_

CUCU

GLACIER F

(L4 Power

NLP

PS28 power 

connection (L3)

FW connection

SDRUMS D1 SDRUMS D2 Food Warmer Food Warmer ISIS Dwr 

AMS DDRS Laptop utilizes PS28 power, L3 

data, and J7 HRDL.

-3 (7/18/13)

NanoRacks

Platform-3 DECLIC

GLACIER FU3

ER3A - COL1A1 ER4 - JPM1F5

LP NLP

NanoRacks

Pl tf 2 

NanoRacks

Pl tf 1

VEGGIE

ISS Locker DECLIC

GLACIER FU3

(L2 Power)

LP NLP

ant 

rce

S 

3)

Platform-2

ISS Locker ISS Locker

EMCS-ISIS Dwr ISIS Dwr ELITE-S2 SAMS-RTS2

EMCS-HS

Platform-1

LP NLP NLP

ROBONAUT

ER7A - LAB1P2 ER8A - LAB1P4

CGBA2

GSM/RWPS-C RWPS-W Biotube-MICRo ISS Locker

r 

MERLIN 5/CPCGHMRWPS-M 2 ROBONAUT

Tele-Ops 

NLP NLP NLP

NLP NLP

CGBA1

ISS Locker ISS Locker

GLACIER FU4

(L4 Power)

ISS Locker

AMINE 

SWINGBED

ROBONAUT can 

mount to ER7 

seat tracks and 

may temporarily 

cover L3-L7, L4-

L8, or D1-D2.

NLP

r ISIS Dwr ISIS Dwr AMINE SWINGBED ISIS Dwr

L3 
29

EXPRESS Rack Configuration

Key

Internal Multipurpose Facilities

Legend

- Stowage Locker ISS 

Locker

- Location reserved for Lean Payloads

- Payload Insert (Payload inserted into ISS 

L k oc er or ISIS D ) ISIS Drawer)

- Locker Replacement Payload

- ISIS Drawer

- Drawer Replacement Payload

- requires water (TCS)

- requires EXPRESS Rack provided power

- Front Breather payload

- deployed payload

power resource utilized- power resource utilized

NLP - National Lab Payload
30

Internal Multipurpose Facilities

Gloveboxes provide containment for experiments, insuring that 

small or hazardous materials do not escape or float about the 

cabin. The MSG has been the most heavily used facility during ISS 

construction. This glovebox is continuously used for experiments 

ranging from combustion science, to the study of complex fluids, 

to the harvesting of plants.

Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG ) [ESA, NASA] provides a safe 

environment for research involving liquids, combustion and hazardous 

materials on board ISS. Crewmembers access the work area through ports 

equipped with rugged, sealed gloves. A video system and data downlink 

ability allows for the control of enclosed experiments from the ground. 

Built by ESA and operated by NASA, MSG is the largest glovebox ever 

flown in space. 
The Protein Crystallization Diagnostics and Facility (PCDF) 

was the first experiment performed with the EDR rack. Its main 

science objectives is to study protein crystal growth conditions 

by way of non-intrusive optical techniques like Dynamic Light 

Scattering (DLS), Mach-Zehnder Interferometry (MZI) and classical 

microscopy. Understanding how crystals grow in purely diffusive 

conditions help define the best conditions needed to make crystals as perfect as possible. 31 Internal Multipurpose Facilities

European Drawer Rack (EDR) [ESA] is a highly felxible, multidisciplinary facility that supports up to seven modular experiment modules. 

Each payload has its own cooling, power, data communications, vacuum, 

venting and nitrogen supply. EDR facilitates autonomous operations of 

subrack types of experiments in a wide variety of scientific disciplines. The 

EDR also provides a data downlink capability for an ESA high definition 

3D video camera.

With the installation of a special drawer inside EDR, the facility is able 

to accommodate one of ESA’s KUBIK incubator facilities, providing the 

ability to undertake a range of experiments. Investigations to date have 

included protein crystal growth studies that attempt to understand how 

crystals grow in purely diffusive conditions, and cell biology experiments, 

using the KUBIK Incubator, have studied the activation of T cells that 

play an important role in the immune system. 

EDR capabilities will soon be expanded with ESA’s Facility for Adsorption and Surface Tension (FASTER) addition, which provides an ability to 

study the links between emulsion stability and physico-chemical characteristics of 

droplet interfaces. The Electro-Magnetic 

Levitator (EML) will also soon be added 

to investigate microgravity thermophysical properties of metal alloys, supporting 

both basic and industrial research and 

development needs.
JAXA Image: 

The MSPR is shown during 

ground processing prior to 

launch. 32

Internal Multipurpose Facilities

Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) is a multi-user facility that 

has a Work Volume (WV) that can hold research hardware (roughly 350L 

in volume) and a Workbench (WB), and a Small Experiment Area (SEA). 

The rack also provides general interfaces, such as power, N2 gas supply 

and exhaust, heat rejection, smoke detection, sound suppression, communications and video. The MSPR can be used for wide range of fields in 

the space environment, including science and educational missions. More 

information available at http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/kiboexp/pm/mspr/mspr.pdf.

Work Volume (WV)

Workbench (WB)

Small Experiment

Area (SEA)
33Internal Multipurpose Facilities

General Laboratory Active Cryogenic ISS Equipment Refrigerator 

(GLACIER) [NASA] serves as an 

on-orbit ultra-cold freezer (as low 

as -165 °C). 

Minus Eighty-Degree 

Laboratory Freezer for ISS 

(MELFI ) [ESA, NASA] are 

ESA-built and NASA-operated 

freezers that store samples at 

temperatures as low as –80 °C.

Microgravity Experiment Research 

Locker/Incubator (MERLIN ) 

[NASA] can be used as either a 

freezer, refrigerator, or incubator 

(between -20.0 °C to + 48.5 °C). 

Freezers allow for cold storage and transportation of science 

samples collected on ISS for later return to Earth; often times 

relating to the biological and life sciences. Three MELFI freezers 

are on orbit to support physiology and biology research by all of 

the ISS partners. 
34

Internal Multipurpose Facilities

Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, 

Reorient, Experimental Satellites 

(SPHERES) [NASA] is a suite of freeflying satellites used to perform preprogrammed coordinated flight demonstrations and is capable of supporting 

multiple attachments to perform 

investigations from fluid physics to 

technology demonstration. SPHERES 

have been used for numerous investigations to date and including educational 

outreach and student competitions. 

NASA Image 

ISS017E017377 - 

Above, Astronaut Greg 

Chamitoff, Expedition 17, programs the 

SPHERES satellites to 

perform a coordinated 

flight task.
35

ISS External 

Accommodations

This section gives an overview of existing External Facilities that are multidisciplinary in nature - providing access to multiple sites that are exposed 

to the space environment and which include structural attachment points 

and utility interfaces.

JEM External Facility (EF) 

• Mass: 500 kg (10 Standard Sites, 

mass includes PIU adaptor); 

2500 kg (3 Heavy Sites, mass 

includes PIU adaptor)

• Volume: 1.5 m3

• Size: 1.85m x 1m x 0.8m

• Power: 3 kW/6 kW, 113-126 VDC

• Thermal: 3 kW/6 kW cooling

• Data: Low Rate: 1 Mbps 

 MIL-STD-1553

 High Rate: 43 Mbps (shared)

 Ethernet: 100Base-TX

EXPRESS Logistics Carrier (ELC)Adapter

• Mass: 227 kg (8 sites across 4 ELCs; not including adaptor plate)

• Volume: 1.2 m3

• Size: 0.8m x 1.2m x 1.2m

• Power: 750 W, 113-126 VDC; 500 W, 28 VDC

• Data: Low Rate: 1 Mbps 

 MIL-STD-1553

 Medium Rate: 6 Mbps (shared)

Columbus External Payload 

Facility (EPF) 

• Mass: 230 kg per site (4 

sites; uses Columbus External 

Payload Adapter (CEPA)

• Volume: 1.2 m3

• Size: 0.8m x 1.2m x 1.2m

• Power: 1250 W, 120 VDC 

(shared)

• Data: Low Rate: 1 Mbps 

 MIL-STD-1553

 Medium Rate: 2 Mbps 

(shared)

 Ethernet: 10 Mbps

External Multipurpose Facilities
36

External Multipurpose Facilities

Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station (EXPRESS) 

Logistics Carrier (ELC) [NASA] is a pallet designed to support external 

research hardware and store external spares (called Orbital Replacement 

Units, ORUs) needed over the life of ISS. Currently, 4 ELCs are mounted to 

ISS trusses providing unique vantage points for space, technology and Earth 

observation investigations. Two ELCs are attached to the starboard truss 3 

(ITS-S3) and two ELCs to the port truss 3 (ITS-P3). By attaching at the S3/

P3 sites, a variety of views such as zenith (deep space) or nadir (Earthward) 

direction with a combination of ram (forward) or wake (aft) pointing allows 

for many possible viewing opportunities.
37External Multipurpose Facilities

Columbus-External Payload Facility (Columbus-EPF) [ESA] provides 

four powered external attachment site locations for scientific payloads or 

facilities, and has to date been used by ESA and NASA. Each of the four 

attachment sites may hold a mass of up to 290 kg, and are provided utility 

connections for power and data. Included with Columbus at launch, the 

Solar Facility was one of the first two European investigations supported 

by the Columbus-EPF. In the future the Atomic Clocks Ensemble in 

Space (ACES) investigation holding two high precision atomic clocks and 

the Atmosphere Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM) will be installed on 

the lower, Earth-facing external attachment sites. 

Solar

ASIM

ACES
38

External Multipurpose Facilities

JEM External Facility (JEM-EF) [JAXA] is an un-pressurized multipurpose pallet structure attached to the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) 

or “Kibo” (meaning Hope). This external platform is used for research 

in areas such as communications, space science, engineering, technology 

demonstration, materials processing, and Earth observation. Accessible 

from the internal pressurized volume of ISS via the JEM Airlock, articles 

interfacing with this structure are grappled and moved using the JEM 

Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS). This entire platform is roughly 

5.6m x 5m x 4m, weighing approximately 4000 kg, and includes utilities 

at each of the nine attachment sites.

MAXI

SMILES

ICS

HREP

MCE

SEDA-AP

Current users of the JEM-EF include SEDA-AP (Space Environment 

Data Acquisition equipment-Attached Payload) that measures the 

space environment around the ISS, MAXI (Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image) is a space X-ray observatory, ICS-EF (Inter-Orbit Communication 

System-EF) is used to transfer data between ISS and Earth, SMILES 

(Superconducting Submillimeter-wave Limb-emission Sounder) observes global trace gases in the stratosphere, HREP (HICO and RAIDS 

Experiment Payload) consists of two Earth observation devices, and 

MCE (Multi-mission Consolidated Equipment), which supports five science experiments including earth observations.

NASA Image 

S134e010604 taken 

by STS-134 crewmembers during departure 

shows the leading side 

of JEM –EF.
39 External Multipurpose Facilities

The JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) [JAXA] provides 

a novel, safe, small satellite launching capability to the International Space 

Station (ISS). The J-SSOD is a unique satellite launcher handled by the 

Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) 

that provides containment and deployment mechanisms for several individual small satellites. Once the J-SSOD including satellite install cases 

with small satellites are installed on the Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform (MPEP) by crewmembers, it is passed through the 

JEM airlock for retrieval, 

positioning and deployment 

by the JEMRMS.

Examples of some J-SSOD users include TechEdSat, 

NanoRacksCubeSat-1/F-1, FITSAT-1, RAIKO and WE-WISH.

NASA Image: 

iss033e006452 - 

Astronaut Akihiko 

Hoshide posing 

with J-SSOD 

before it enters 

the JEM airlock for 

its initial CubeSat deployment 

operations during 

Expedition 32. 
40 External Multipurpose Facilities

Russian Segment External 

Facilities [Roscosmos] consists 

of a whole host of multi-user 

external Facility interface locations and support structures. The 

following list outlines, by element, 

the primary locations, types and 

nomenclature for these sites.

Service Module (SM) or Zvezda:

• URM-D multipurpose 

 workstations

• Biaxial pointing platforms

• Handrail clamp locations

Docking Compartment-1 (DC1) or Pirs:

• Magnetomechanical anchors/locks 

• Handrail clamp locations

Mini Research Modules (MRM2) or Poisk:

• URM-D multipurpose workstations

• Magnetomechanical anchors/locks

URM-D stands for “universal workstation with capabilities for re-equipping.”

Image © Roscosmos: 

URM-D multipurpose 

workstation with integrated Photon-Gamma 

experiment taken during 

Increment 26 EVA-28.

Image © RSC Energia: 

External view of the ISS RS 

in 2010-2011.

Image © 

RSC Energia

MRM2

MRM1 SM

DC1

Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) - scheduled for launch in late 2013:

• Magnetomechanical anchors/locks 

• Handrail clamp locations

• URM-D multipurpose workstations
41

Biological Research

In our ongoing quest to understand biological processes, protect biological 

systems and engineer ever more efficient and effective means of cultivating 

biological products, the microgravity environment of the ISS has opened a 

whole new frontier for long duration study and experimentation. Provisioned with a multitude of advanced facilities and coupled with an interdisciplinary focus, the ISS supports an array of scientific investigations in 

the field of biological research. Akin to any biological research laboratory 

here on Earth, the ISS is outfitted with all the instrumentation and tools 

needed to conduct modern biological investigations including: incubators, 

centrifuges, animal and plant habitat systems, glove boxes, freezers and 

coolers, spectrometers and microscopes.

This section provides an overview of the current and growing capabilities 

afforded by the ISS in the fields of animal, plant, cellular and microbial 

research:

Internal Facilities:

• Advanced Biological Research System (ABRS) [NASA]

• Aquatic Habitat (AQH) [JAXA, Roscosmos] 

• BioLab [ESA]

• Biomass Production System (BPS) [NASA]

• Biorisk [Roscosmos] 

• Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller (BSTC) [NASA]

• Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) [JAXA]

• Clean Bench (CB) [JAXA]

• Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) [NASA]

• EOSTEO Bone Culture System [CSA] 

• European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) [ESA, NASA]

• Kriogem-3M [Roscosmos] 

• KUBIK (KUBIK) - European Space Agency (ESA)

• LADA [Roscosmos]

• Mouse Drawer System (MDS) [ASI]

• Rodent Habitat (RH) [NASA]

• Saibo Rack (Saibo) [JAXA]

• TBU-N Low-temperature incubator [Roscosmos]

• TBU-V High-temperature incubator [Roscosmos]

• VEGGIE (VEGGIE) [NASA]

External Facilities:

• Expose Experiment (Expose) [ESA]

Biological Research
42 Biological Research

The first experiments in ABRS include the first trees flown in 

space (Willows for a Canadian study of cambium formation) and 

an American study will use green fluorescent proteins as indicators of environmental stress. 

Advanced Biological 

Research System (ABRS) 

[NASA] is a single locker 

system providing two growth 

chambers. Each growth chamber is a closed system capable 

of independently controlling 

temperature, illumination, 

and atmospheric composition 

to grow a variety of biological 

organisms including plants, 

microorganisms, and small arthropods (insects and spiders).

BioLab [ESA] can be used to 

perform space biology experiments on microorganisms, cells, 

tissue cultures, small plants and 

small invertebrates. Such studies 

provide a better understanding 

of the effects of microgravity 

and space radiation on biological organisms. Biolab includes 

an incubator, microscope, 

spectro¬photometer, glovebox, 

freezer units, and two centrifuges 

to simulate the effects of gravity.
43

Kriogem-3M [Roscosmos] is a 

refrigerator-incubator used for the stowage of biological samples or medical kits 

and for the culture and incubation of 

bioreactors such as Recomb-K, Lutch-2.

TBU-V High-temperature incubator 

[Roscosmos] enables a 

variety of experiments 

in human life sciences, 

biology, and biotechnology at elevated 

temperatures.

TBU-N Low-temperature incubator [Roscosmos] provides a refrigerated environment for 

carrying out a variety of 

experiments in human 

life sciences, biology, 

and biotechnology.

Biological Research

Incubators and bioreactors are 

specialized environmentally 

controlled hardware used for 

growing cells, tissues, and microorganisms. 
44 Biological Research

CGBA, operated by Bioserve 

Space Technologies is a key 

facility being used by investigators as part of the ISS National 

Laboratory initiative.

Biotechnology 

Specimen Temperature Controller 

(BSTC) [NASA]

includes a refrigerator, incubator and 

cryo-drawer, as well 

as environmental 

and atmospheric 

controls to grow 

and maintain mammalian cell cultures 

in microgravity. 

Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) 

[NASA] provides programmable, 

accurate temperature control—

from cold stowage to a customizable incubator—for experiments 

that examine the biophysical and 

biochemical actions of microorganisms in microgravity. CGBA 

can be used in a wide variety of 

biological studies, such as protein 

crystal growth, small insect 

habitats, plant development, 

antibiotic-producing bacteria and 

cell culture studies. 
45

KUBIK [ESA] are portable incubators with microgravity and centrifuge 

accommodations which were originally designed to be flown to ISS via 

Soyuz spacecraft. KUBIK can function as an incubator or cooler (+6C 

to +38C temperature range) for undertaking self-contained automatic 

biological experiments. One of the KUBIK incubator facilities is accommodated within the European Drawer Rack (EDR) facility. Standalone 

KUBIK incubators have also been used to house numerous experiments 

on the ISS. An example in the field of immunology is the ROALD-2 

(ROle of Apoptosis in Lymphocyte Depression 2) investigation, December 

2011, which studied the role of the lipid, Anandamide, with regards to 

the regulation of immune processes in human lymphocytes and in the cell 

cycle under weightless conditions. 

Biological Research
46 Biological Research

The initial BPS mission provided the most extensive microgravity 

data set for plant growth and development to date. Apogee wheat 

plants, shown above, were grown in the BPS during the Photosynthesis Experiment and System Testing Operation (PESTO) investigation portion of this initial Technology Validation Test.

VEGGIE (VEGGIE) [NASA] is an 

ISS biology research facility that will 

soon be onboard, allowing researchers 

to analyze and grow large plants in the 

habitable volume of a spacecraft. This 

hardware is housed in an Express rack, 

provides light and uniquely 

relies on the ISS cabin Environmental Control and Life 

Support System (ECLSS) 

cabin air flow for temperature, 

humidity, and CO2 maintenance.

Biomass Production System (BPS) [NASA] provides a complete growing 

environment for plants in microgravity. Several large chambers are designed 

to support plant growth during long duration space flight in order to assess 

viability and examine the impacts of microgravity on growing and developing plants. Four independent chambers provide lighting, temperature, 

humidity, carbon dioxide level, and nutrient/water delivery control.  
47

European Modular 

Cultivation System 

(EMCS) [ESA, NASA]

allows for cultivation, 

stimulation and crewassisted operation of 

biological experiments 

under well-controlled 

conditions (e.g. temperature, atmospheric composition, water supply and 

illumination). It is being 

used for multi-generation 

experiments and studies 

of the gravitational effects 

on early development 

and growth in plants and 

other small organisms. 

Biological Research

The EMCS has two centrifuges that can spin at 0 to 2x Earth’s 

gravity. Different experiment containers can hold a variety of 

organisms, such as worms and fruit flies, as well as seeds and 

plants. The EMCS has already supported a number of plant 

growth experiments operated by ESA, NASA, and JAXA.
48

LADA [Roscosmos]

is a space greenhouse 

launched in 2002, and 

it has been in almost 

continuous use for 

growing plants in the 

Russian Service Module. It has supported a 

series of experiments 

on fundamental plant 

biology and space 

farming, growing 

multiple generations 

of sweet peas, wheat, 

tomatoes, and lettuce. 

Biological Research

NASA and Roscosmos have used the LADA greenhouse in cooperative tests to determine the best ways to keep roots moist in space. 

Bioregenerative life support from photosynthesis may be an important 

component of future spacecraft systems.

NASA Image: 

ISS014E15479 – 

Above, Cosmonaut 

Mikhail Tyurin 

performs inspection 

of the BIO-5 Rasteniya-2 (Plants-2) 

experiment in the 

Russian LADA 

greenhouse during 

Expedition 14.
49

EOSTEO Bone Culture System [CSA] provides the controlled environmental conditions needed to grow bone cells in microgravity. This culture 

system has been used successfully on previous U.S. and Russian recoverable 

orbital flights, and is available for use to study bone cell cultures on ISS. 

Mouse Drawer System (MDS) [ASI] is hardware provided by the 

Italian Space Agency that uses a validated mouse model to investigate 

the genetic mechanisms underlying bone mass loss in microgravity. 

MDS is a multifunctional and multiuser system that allows experiments 

in various disciplines of biomedicine, 

from research on organ function to the 

study of the embryonic development of 

small mammals under microgravity 

conditions. Research conducted with 

the MDS is an analogue to the human 

research program, which has the 

objective of safely extending the 

human presence beyond low Earth 

orbit.

Biological Research

Understanding the changes in bone cells in microgravity could be 

key for understanding the bone loss that occurs in astronauts while 

they are in space or during the aging process on at home on Earth.
50

The Saibo Rack (SAIBO) 

[JAXA] is a multi-purpose rack 

consisting of two main parts, the 

Clean Bench [CB] [JAXA] and 

Cell Biology Experiment Facility [CBEF] [JAXA]. The CB is a 

sterilized glove box equipped with 

a phase contrast microscope, and 

the CBEF is an incubator that has 

a micro-G compartment and a 

1G compartment equipped with 

small centrifuge. The primary 

purpose of the Saibo Rack is 

to support cell or plant culture 

experiments across a range of life 

and biological sciences.

Biological Research

Saibo (細胞) means “Cell” in Japanese. This rack consists of the 

CBEF and CB which supports various cell culture experiments, and 

its first use included studies on the effects of space radiation.

Saibo Rack

CB CBEF
51

Aquatic Habitat (AQH) [JAXA, Roscosmos], located in the Multipurpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) facility, is designed for breeding 

small fresh-water Medaka or Zebrafish for up to 90 days in the microgravity environment in the ISS. Such fish provide many advantages as model 

animals for microgravity research of biological processes and systems. 

The AQH is composed of two aquariums that contain automatic feeding 

systems, day/night cycle LED lighting, Charge-coupled device (CCD) 

cameras and a bacteria based water quality control system. Multiple lines 

of biological research are planned for AQH including bone degradation, 

muscle atrophy and radiation impacts.

Rodent Habitat (RH) [NASA]

will provide containment systems for rodents within an ISS 

ExPRESS rack in support of 

mammalian biological studies. 

This hardware contains a complex 

assortment of ancillary equipment and Hardware Support 

Kits, all designed to safely and 

comfortably transport and house 

animal subjects and provide basic 

analytical capabilities on-board. 

This includes the Animal Transport System (ATS), which has 

two subcomponents that provide 

environmental control (AEM-E) 

and housing (AEM-T ) during 

transportation to the ISS, and 

the Animal Access Unit (AAU) 

and Animal Enclosure Module-X 

(AEM-X) which provide on-orbit 

access and housing.

Biological Research

AEM-X

AAU
52

Expose Experiment (Expose) [ESA] is a multi-user facility accommodating experiments in the following disciplines: photo processing, photobiology and exobiology. Expose allows short- and long-term exposure of 

experiments to space conditions and solar UV radiation reaching the ISS. 

The Expose facility is installed outside of the ISS where the appropriate 

resources are available (power, data, etc) and to date has been installed on 

the external surfaces of the Russian Zvezda service module (Expose-R) 

and the European Columbus laboratory (Expose-E). Expose-E was returned from orbit in 2009 as part of the European Technology Exposure 

Facility (EuTEF). The Expose-R facility is still on orbit awaiting the 

next batch of experiment samples as part of the follow up project called 

Expose-R2.

Biological Research

NASA Image: ISS018E014431- Cosmonaut Yury 

Lonchakov, Expedition 18 flight engineer, working 

with the EXPOSE-R and its connectors .
53

Biorisk [Roscosmos] is a suite of hardware used to measure the impacts 

of the space environment on biological activity. Two internal components, 

the Biorisk-MSV container and Biorisk-KM case, and one external 

Biorisk-MSN container, allow researchers to obtain new information 

about limits of an organisms (phenotypical) adaptation and its associated response or genotypical changes. The focus with this hardware is on 

bacteria and fungi that form conventional colonies of microorganisms 

living on structural materials used in space technology. Biorisk-MSN, on 

the other hand, is designed to support long-term exposure for monitoring 

the resting stages of organisms on the external surface of the ISS Russian 

modules. 

Together, these experiments provided evidence that bacterial and fungal 

spores as well as dormant forms of organisms that have reached higher 

levels of evolutionary development (for instance, dehydrated embryos of 

lower crustaceans in the state of deep diapauses) have the capability to 

survive a long-term exposure to the harsh outer space environment. This 

observation suggests that such organisms can be transferred on external 

surfaces of spacecraft during interplanetary missions and therefore may 

drive future requirements with regards to planetary protection.

Biological Research

Inside, pressurized environment compartment monitors:

The Biorisk-MSN containers 

expose samples to the long term, 

external space environment.

Biorisk-MSV container 

Biorisk-KM case
54

Human Physiology 

Research

ISS Facilities support an array of scientific investigations concerning human physiology, adaptation and the health of crewmembers. All facilities 

in this section support investigations that directly employ human subjects 

as the focus of the experiment. Much of the hardware serves the dual purpose of maintaining or assessing crewmembers health as well as equipment 

capable of supporting scientific research.

This section provides overviews and highlights with regards to facilities 

that can support research into human physiology and space adaptation 

presently available onboard the ISS:

Internal Facilities:

• Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) [NASA]

• Anomalous Long Term Effects in Astronaut’s Central Nervous System 

(ALTEA) [ESA, NASA, ASI]

• Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistive Exercise Treadmill (COLBERT) [NASA]

• Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System (CEVIS) [NASA]

• European Physiology Module (EPM) [ESA]

• Hand Posture Analyser (HPA) [ASI]

• Human Life Research Complex [Roscosmos]

• Human Research Facility (HRF-1 and HRF-2) [NASA]

• Human Research Hardware [CSA]

• Human Research Hardware [JAXA]

• Intra-Vehicular Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (IV-TEPC) 

[NASA]

• Measuring Radiation Hazards in Space (Matryoshka) [Roscosmos]

• Muscle Atrophy Research Exercise System (MARES) [ESA]

• Onboard Diagnostic Kit (ODK) [JAXA]

• PAssive Dosimeter for Lifescience Experiments in Space (PADLES) 

[JAXA]

• Percutaneous Electrical Muscle Stimulator (PEMS) [ESA]

• Pulmonary Function System (PFS) [ESA, NASA]

• Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device (SLAMMD) 

[NASA]

• Ultrasound 2 [NASA]

Human Physiology and Adaptation
55Human Physiology and Adaptation

Muscle Atrophy Research Exercise 

System (MARES) [ESA] is used for 

research on musculoskeletal, biomechanical, and neuromuscular human 

physiology to better understand the 

effects of microgravity on the these 

related systems. This instrument 

is capable of assessing the strength 

of isolated muscle groups around 

joints by controlling and measuring 

relationships between position/velocity and torque/force as a function 

of time.

European Physiology Modules (EPM) [ESA] facility is designed for 

investigating the effects of microgravity on short-term and long-duration 

space flights on the human body and includes equipment for studies in 

neuroscience, cardiovascular, bone and muscle physiology as well as investigations of metabolic processes. 

The EPM Cardiolab instrument 

was provided by the French 

national space agency (CNES) 

and German Aerospace Center 

(DLR).

NASA Image 

ISS025E008371 - 

Above, Doug Wheelock, 

Expedition 25 commander, performing 

PASSAGES experiment.

NASA Image 

ISS030E177225 - 

Left, Astronaut Dan 

Burbank, Expedition 30, 

performing PASSAGES 

experiment.
56

Human Research Facility (HRF-1 and HRF-2) [NASA] enables human 

life science researchers to study and evaluate the physiological, behavioral, 

and chemical changes induced by long duration space flight. HRF-1 

houses medical hardware including devices for measuring blood pressure 

and heart function, and a refrigerated centrifuge for processing blood 

samples. Two more pieces of hardware that are in themselves facilities are 

Ultrasound 2 [NASA], and the Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device (SLAMMD) [NASA] for measuring on-orbit crewmember 

mass, The equipment is being used to study the effects of long-duration 

spaceflight on the human body. Researchers will use ISS to understand the 

physiology and to test countermeasures that will prevent negative effects, 

and enable humans to travel beyond Earth orbit.

Human Physiology and Adaptation

Techniques developed for using ultrasound technology on ISS are 

now being used in trauma facilities to more rapidly assess serious 

patient injuries.

SLAMMD

Ultrasound 2

Refrigerated Centrifuge
57Human Physiology and Adaptation

Pulmonary Function System (PFS) 

[ESA, NASA] is hardware developed 

collaboratively by ESA and NASA. 

It includes four components that are 

needed to make sophisticated studies of lung function by measuring 

respired gases in astronaut subjects. It 

includes two complimentary analyzers to measure the gas composition of 

breath, the capability to make numerous different measurements of lung 

capacity and breath volume, and a 

system to deliver special gas mixtures 

that allow astronauts to perform 

special tests of lung performance. ESA 

also operates a small portable version 

of the system (Portable PFS) that 

can be used in the various laboratory 

modules on ISS. PFS and PortablePFS are instruments used in the field 

of respiratory physiology, comprising 

gas analysis and delivery modules with 

the goal of enhancing our capabilities 

in pulmonary research and operational medicine.

SLAMDD and PFS are used by flight surgeons during periodic 

medical exams on ISS. Understanding the gradual deconditioning 

of astronauts and cosmonauts during their stay on ISS is critical 

for developing better exercise capabilities for exploration beyond 

Earth orbit.

Portable PFS
58

Human Physiology and Adaptation

Human Research Hardware [CSA]

developed by Canada, is used cooperatively with other international 

hardware in order to better assess 

and understand human physiological 

responses to space flight. The hardware includes radiation dosimeters 

(EVARM), hardware and software for 

studying hand-eye coordination and 

visual perception (PMDIS, BISE), 

and neurophysiology (H-Reflex).

H-Reflex

BISE

EVARM

PMDIS
59Human Physiology and Adaptation

Advanced Resistive Exercise Device 

(ARED) [NASA] provides resistive exercise 

capabilities to crewmembers on the ISS. 

The ARED also collects data regarding the 

parameters (loads, repetitions, stroke, etc) 

associated with crew exercise, and transmits 

it to the ground. 

Combined Operational Load 

Bearing External Resistive Exercise 

Treadmill (COLBERT) [NASA] is 

an exercise treadmill that can be used 

to collect data such as body loading, 

duration of session, and speed for 

each crewmember. 

Cycle Ergometer with Vibration 

Isolation System (CEVIS) [NASA] 

The CEVIS is a structurally isolated 

aerobic exercise cycle that serves as 

a countermeasure to cardiovascular 

deconditioning on-orbit. 

Crew Health Care hardware used for daily exercise onboard ISS 

collects information on protocols and forces that are used as supplemental data for physiological studies including muscle and bone 

loss and cardiovascular health during long duration spaceflight.
which measure radiation entering 

the spherical phantom. Research 

institutes from around the world 

have collaborated and shared data 

from the project, and the results will 

allow researchers to better correlate 

between skin 

and organ dose 

and therefore 

provide better 

risk assessments 

for future long 

duration space 

flight. 

60

Human Physiology and Adaptation

Measuring Radiation Hazards in Space 

(Matryoshka) [Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA] 

is composed of a torso (Matryoshka-E) 

and a spherical phantom (Matryoshka-R) 

that are used to measure radiation doses 

experienced by astronauts at various locations both outside and inside the ISS. 

The torso mannequin is made of materials 

equivalent to human tissues therefore simulating the different muscles and organs of 

the body, including a lower density material for the lungs. The torso is equipped 

with dozens of radiation sensors that are 

placed in strategic locations throughout its 

surface and interior to measure how susceptible different organs and tissue may be to 

radiation damage in space. Matryoshka-R 

also represents a human body radiation 

equivalent and is filled with water and a 

series of passive radiation detectors 

Participants from 10 countries provided dosimeters and other 

components of Matryoshka, making it one of the most interesting 

collaborative investigations on the ISS. This program started in 

2004 and will incrementally continue under Russian leadership for 

some years after undergoing refurbishment on ground.

Spherical phantom 

shown stowed 

aboard ISS.
61 Human Physiology and Adaptation

Human Life Research Complex [Roscosmos] includes a variety of devices 

and systems designed to study human life in space. Components include 

the Cardiovascular System Research Rack, Weightlessness Adaptation Study 

Kit, Immune System Study Kit, and Locomotor System Study Facility.

Cardiovascular 

Research System

Locomotor System

Weightless Adaptation
Human physiology research is coordinated by an internal working group in order to efficiently schedule experiments and share 

data. An astronaut or cosmonaut can participate in as many as 

20 physiology experiments on orbit in during an increment.

62

Human Physiology and Adaptation

The PAssive Dosimeter for Lifescience Experiments in Space (PADLES) 

[JAXA] contains the following set of hardware for assessing the space 

radiation environment: Area PADLES are used to monitor radiation at 

prescribed locations inside the Kibo module, Bio PADLES assesses the 

biological effects of radiation exposure and 

Crew PADLES measures the personal dose 

acquired by an individual astronaut. These 

small, portable devices measure absorbed doses 

(Gy) and dose equivalent (Sv). Dose records 

are used to asses astronaut radiation exposure 

limits in low 

Earth orbit and 

help researchers 

better understand human 

exploration 

beyond LEO. 

Anomalous Long Term Effects in 

Astronaut’s Central Nervous System 

(ALTEA) [ESA, NASA, ASI], originally 

an experiment developed by the ISS 

partner and ESA member agency, the 

Italian Space Agency (ASI), ALTEA is a 

helmet-shaped device that holds 6 

silicon particle detectors that used to 

measure the exposure of crewmembers 

to cosmic radiation and its relation to 

brain activity and visual perception; 

including astronauts’ perceptions of 

light flashes when their eyes are closed 

due to the passing of radiation through 

the eye. Because of this equipments 

ability to be operated without a 

crewmember, it is also being used as a 

portable dosimeter to provide quantitative data on high energy radiation 

particles passing into ISS.
Human Physiology and Adaptation

One component of the ODK is the Digital Holter ECG recorder, 

a portable 24-hour electrocardiogram recording device used to 

monitor astronauts’ cardiovascular and autonomic functions.

Hand Posture Analyser (HPA) 

[ASI] is composed of the Hand-

grip Dynamometer / Pinch Force 

Dynamometer (HGD/PFD), the 

Posture Acquisition Glove (PAG) 

and the Inertial Tracking System 

(ITS) for the measurement of 

fingers position and upper limb 

kinematics. The HPA examines 

the way hand and arm muscles 

are used differently during 

grasping and reaching tasks in 

weightlessness. 

The Onboard Diagnostic Kit (ODK) [JAXA] is a non-invasive, healthmonitoring system capable of measuring, storing, and analyzing crewmember medical data while onboard the ISS. The medical data collected 

onboard can be sent to the ground immediately, whereby doctors can 

quickly diagnose crewmember health. For example, one component of 

this system is the Digital Holter ECG recorder which records a 24-hour 

electrocardiogram that can be used to monitor astronauts cardiovascular 

and autonomic functions.

63
64

Intra-Vehicular Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (IV-TEPC) 

[NASA] is a portable, active ionizing radiation monitor that measures the 

internal radiation environment in near real time using a simulated tissue 

site device. Some of the information generated by this instrument is used 

to make operational radiation protection decisions and make risk assessments by estimating the physiological consequences to crewmembers from 

radiation exposure during space flight. As a portable unit, it may be used 

to characterize the radiation environment in different locations within the 

ISS and assess varying impacts related to humans during long duration 

space flight.

Percutaneous Electrical Muscle Stimulator (PEMS) [ESA] is a portable, 

self-contained neuromuscular research device that may be used standalone or in conjunction with other physiological instruments. The purpose 

of this device is to deliver electrical pulse stimulation to non-thoracic 

muscle groups of a human test subject, thereby creating contractile 

responses from the muscles. It is capable of providing single, variable 

amplitude pulses or pulse trains according to a pre-adjusted program.

Human Physiology and Adaptation
65Physical Science Research

Physical Science 

Research

Scientific investigations concerning the physical sciences and materials research are supported by an array of onboard ISS Facilities. Today researchers are examining fundamental scientific questions from how fluids behave 

and crystals develop to how things burn and smoke moves through the 

environment; and these are just a small example of the contributions being 

made in the physical sciences onboard the ISS. Additionally, by exposing and understanding how various materials perform and change in the 

microgravity and space environments allows future designers the ability to 

more wisely build spacecraft, systems and long lived components.

This section provides highlights of the current physical and material 

science platforms available onboard the ISS. An overview of each of the 

following is provided within this section:

Internal Facilities:

• Chamber for Combustion Experiment (CCE) [JAXA]

• Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) [NASA]

• Device for the study of Critical Liquids and Crystallization (DECLIC) 

[ESA, NASA]

• Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL) [ESA]

• Fluid Physics Experiment Facility (FPEF) [JAXA]

• Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) [NASA]

• Gradient Heating Furnace (GHF) [JAXA]

• Kobairo Rack (Kobairo) [JAXA]

• Light Microscopy Module (LMM) [NASA]

• Materials Science Laboratory (MSL) [ESA, NASA]

• Materials Science Research Rack (MSRR-1) [ESA, NASA ]

• Plasma Crystal 3 Plus (PK-3 Plus) [Roscosmos, ESA]

• Ryutai Rack (Ryutai) [JAXA]

• Solution Crystallization Observation Facility (SCOF) [JAXA]

• Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF) [JAXA]

• Space Dynamically Responding Ultrasonic Matrix System (SpaceDRUMS) [NASA]

External Facilities:

• Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) [NASA]

• Replaceable Cassette-Container (SKK or CKK) [Roscosmos]

• Vynoslivost Experiment Facility (Endurance) [Roscosmos]
Physical Science Research

66

Combustion Integrated Rack 

(CIR) [NASA] is used to 

perform sustained, systematic 

combustion experiments in 

microgravity. It consists of an 

optics bench, a combustion 

chamber, a fuel and oxidizer 

management system, environ-

mental management systems, 

interfaces for science diagnos-

tics and experiment specific 

equipment, as well as five different cameras to observe the 

patterns of combustion in 

microgravity for a wide variety 

of gasses and materials.

The Multi-User Droplet Combustion Apparatus - Flame Extinguish-

ment Experiment (MDCA-FLEX) and The Flame Extinguishment - 2 

(FLEX-2) have produced and positioned droplets of fuel that ignite 

while suspended in the CIR containment chamber. 

Image: Glenn 

Research Center - 

Burning droplet from 

the MDCA-FLEX 

investigation.
Physical Science Research

Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL) [ESA] is a multi-user facility for 

conducting fluid physics research in microgravity conditions. The FSL 

provides a central location to perform fluid physics experiments on board 

the ISS that gives insight into the physics of fluids in space and on Earth, 

covering areas such as foam and emulsion stability, geophysical fluid flow, 

and thermodiffusion. An enhanced understanding of how fluids behave in 

space and on earth will help researchers improve mathematical models of 

fluids and geophysical processes and may lead to improvements in many 

industrial processes involving fluid systems. 

The first experiment processed in the FSL, GEOFLOW, examined 

an experimental model of a planet in order to improve knowledge 

of geophysical fluid flow. The more complex follow-up experiment, 

GEOFLOW-2 has also been completed and both have provided a 

wealth of fundamental data. Another series of investigations, known 

as FASES, will study emulsion properties using advanced optical 

diagnostics which could enhance processes in the oil extraction, 

chemical and food industries. 

Geoflow Interferogram Image

67

100

80

60

40

200

1 0.5

0 -0.5 -1-1

-0.5 0 0.5 1

-1

-0.50

0.51y

x

z

temperature T
Physical Science Research

68

Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) [NASA] is a multi-user fluid physics 

research facility designed to accommodate and image a wide variety of 

microgravity fluid experiments. FIR features a large user-configurable 

volume for experiments. The FIR provides data acquisition and control, 

sensor interfaces, laser and white light sources, advanced imaging capabili-

ties, power, cooling, and other resources. The FIR will host fluid physics 

investigations into areas such as complex fluids (colloids, gels), instabili-

ties (bubbles), interfacial phenomena (wetting and capillary action) and 

phase changes (boiling and cooling). Fluids under microgravity condi-

tions perform differently than those on Earth and by understanding how 

fluids react in these conditions will lead to improved designs on fuel tanks, 

water systems and other fluid based systems. An additional component, 

that is itself considered facility is the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) 

[NASA] - a remotely controllable, automated microscope, that allows flex-

ible imaging (bright field, dark field, phase contrast, etc.) for physical and 

biological experiments. .

NASA Image: ISS21E033218 - 

Astronaut Bob Thirsk assembling 

LMM components in the FIR 

during Increment 21.

NASA Image: ISS026E032518 - 

Astronaut Paolo Nespoli, below, 

loading a sample of live c.elegans 

for imaging in the Preliminary 

Advanced Colloids Experiment - 

Light Microscopy Module: Biologi-

cal Samples (PACE-LMM-Bio) 

investigation during Increment 26.
69 Physical Science Research

Materials Science Research Rack 

(MSRR-1) [ESA, NASA] is a powerful, 

multi-user facility that enables researchers by providing hardware to control the 

thermal, environmental, and vacuum 

conditions of experiments, as well as 

monitor experiments using video, and 

supply power and data handling for 

experiment instrumentation.

Materials Science Laboratory 

(MSL) [ESA, NASA] is a facility 

housed inside MSRR-1 that 

can accommodate microgravity studies over a wide range of 

different types of materials and 

experimental conditions. The 

ability to exchange dedicated 

furnace inserts in the MSL processing chamber also provides a 

wider range of processing conditions for different samples.

Experiment modules that 

contain metals, alloys, polymers, 

semiconductors, ceramics, crystals, and glasses, can be studied 

to discover new applications 

for existing materials as well 

as the development of new or 

improved materials (e.g., crystal 

growth, longer polymer chains, 

and purer alloys). 

Experiments in the MSL are coordinated by international teams, 

sharing different parts of the samples. Columnar-to-Equiaxed 

Transition in Solidification Processing (CETSOL) and Microstructure 

Formation in Casting of Technical Alloys under Diffusive and Magnetically Controlled Convective Conditions (MICAST) were the first 

two investigations in the MSL supporting research into metallurgical 

solidification, semiconductor crystal growth, and measurement of 

thermo-physical properties of materials. 
70

Physical Science Research

Ryutai Rack (Ryutai) [JAXA] is 

a multipurpose, multi-user rack 

system that supports various fluid 

physics experiments. Ryutai consists 

of four sub-racks of which three 

are themselves considered facilities: 

Fluid Physics Experiment Facility 

(FPEF) [JAXA]; Solution Crystallization Observation Facility 

(SCOF) [JAXA]; Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF) 

[JAXA]. The fourth subrack holds 

the Image Processing Unit (IPU) 

that supports the entire rack with 

regards to image data handling. 

Ryutai enables teleoperations of 

experiments while providing the 

electrical power, ground command 

and telemetry monitoring, water 

cooling, and gas supply needed by 

those sub-rack facilities.

Ryutai (流体) means “Fluid 

Dynamics” in Japanese. 

Using this rack, the JAXA experiment Pattern Formation 

during Ice Crystal Growth 

(Ice Crystal) examines the 

formation of unique patterns 

in ice crystals in microgravity. 

Ryutai Rack

FPEF

IPU

SCOF

PCRF

JAXA Image: One of six PCRF 

protein Cell Unit sample enclosures is shown during ground 

processing.
JAXA Image: 

The CCE is shown 

during ground processing prior to launch.

71

Physical Science Research

Chamber for Combustion Experiment (CCE) [JAXA] is located in 

the Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) facility and enables 

researchers to conduct controlled combustion experiments aboard the ISS.

Space Dynamically Respoding Ultrasonic Matrix 

System (SpaceDRUMS) 

[NASA] provides a suite of 

hardware capable of facilitating containerless advanced 

materials science, including 

combustion synthesis and 

fluid physics. SpaceDRUMS 

uses ultrasound to completely 

suspend a baseball-sized solid or 

liquid sample during combustion 

without the materials ever contacting the container walls. Potential 

outcomes could be in advanced 

ceramics production which may 

have applications in new spacecraft or extraterrestrial outposts, 

such as bases on the Moon. 
72

Physical Science Research

The Kobairo Rack (Kobairo) 

[JAXA] contains the Gradient 

Heating Furnace (GHF) [JAXA], 

which provides all utility interfaces 

for this material science furnace. 

The GHF is a vacuum furnace that 

contains three heating blocks, and 

is used mainly to conduct high 

quality crystal growth experiments 

using unidirectional solidification. 

The three heater-units can generate the high temperature gradients 

needed to produce large scale pure 

crystals.

Kobairo, which is short for ondo-kobairo (温度勾配炉), means 

“temperature gradient furnace.” The JAXA experiment, Growth of 

Homogeneous SiGe Crystals in Microgravity by the TLZ Method 

(Hicari), examines crystal-growth by using the Travelling Liquidous 

Zone method in microgravity.

NASA Images 

showing GHF with 

door removed 

(left) and one of 

the heating 

elements (below).
73

Physical Science Research

Device for the study of Critical Liquids and Crystallization 

(DECLIC) [ESA, NASA] is a multi-user facility developed by the 

ESA-member agency Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (French Space 

Agency, CNES) and flown in collaboration with NASA. It is designed to 

support experiments in the fields of fluid physics and materials science. 

Special inserts allow researchers to study both ambient temperature critical point fluids and high temperature super-critical fluids. Another class 

of insert will study the dynamics and morphology of the fronts that form 

as a liquid material solidifies.
74

Physical Science Research

Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) [NASA]

consists of a series of external exchangeable test beds located on ESA’s 

Columbus-External Payload Facility (Columbus-EPF) for studying the 

durability and degradation of materials in the space environment. This has 

included materials such as optical components, sensors, electronics, communications devices, coatings and structural materials. To date, more than 

seven versions of the MISSE experiment 

have been attached to the outside of the 

ISS and evaluated for the effects of atomic 

oxygen, vacuum, solar radiation, micrometeorites, direct sunlight, and extremes of 

heat and cold. This experiment allows the 

development and testing of new materials to better withstand the rigors of space 

environments. Results are providing a better 

understanding of the durability of various 

materials when they are exposed to such an 

extreme environment. Many of the materials may have applications in the design and 

protection of future spacecraft and satellites.

Plasma Crystal 3 Plus (PK-3 Plus) [Roscosmos, 

ESA] consists provides a facility for studying the 

crystallization and melting of dusty plasma in 

microgravity. Located in the Russian Segment, it 

includes a tenzor unit, turbo pump and two TEAC 

video tape recorders which form the core of this 

telescience equipment. Video recordings of the 

plasma crystal formation processes and phenomena, 

along with parameters such as gas pressure and the 

size of dust particles are down 

linked to Earth for analysis.

Results from MISSE tests have led to changes in materials used in 

dozens of spacecraft built over the last several years.

Dusty plasma 

as observed in 

microgravity

PK-3 Plus facility

Expedition 31 

Cosmonaut G. 

Padalka 

working with 

the Plasma 

Crystal facility.
75

Physical Science Research

Both the Replaceable Cassette-Container and Vynoslivost 

Experiment Facility consist of two-flap structures and consist of a 

casings and spool holders that contain sample cassettes of materials of the outside surfaces of the ISS Russian segment modules. 

Replaceable Cassette-Container (SKK or CKK) [Roscosmos] is a 

materials test facility mounted on the outside of ISS to provide directly 

exposure to the harsh environment of space. CKK are detachable cassette containers that measure the level and composition of contamination 

as well as monitor the change in operating characteristics for samples of 

materials from the outside surfaces of the ISS Russian segment.  

Vynoslivost Experiment Facility 

(Endurance) [Roscosmos] is materials 

science facility designed to investigate 

the impact of the space environment 

with regards to material deformation, 

strength, and fatigue of present space 

technologies and structural materials. 

Long-term exposure of loaded and unloaded samples of structural materials 

is carried out on the external surface 

of MRM2 module. The data obtained 

will be used to more accurately assess 

the durability of ISS RS modules 

structural elements, and for providing 

recommendations for the selection of 

more efficient and reliable structural 

materials for use in future designs and 

structural elements. 
76

Earth and Space Science

Earth and Space 

Science Research

Circling the Earth every 90 minutes in a low-earth orbit, covering over 

90 percent of the planets habitable land mass, the ISS provides a unique 

vantage point for collecting Earth and space science data. From an average 

altitude of about 400 km, detailed data regarding the space environment, 

land features, environmental changes and land use taken from the ISS can 

be layered with other sources of data, such as orbiting satellites and aerial 

photogrammetry, to compile the most comprehensive information available.

Facilities in this section show some of the current and growing capabilities 

afforded by the ISS in the following fields of research: glaciers, agriculture, 

urban development, natural disaster monitoring, atmospheric observations 

and space radiation:

Internal Facilities:

• Earth Resources Sensing and Geophysics Instruments [Roscosmos]

• ISS SERVIR Environmental Research and Visualization System (ISERV) 

[NASA]

• Window Observational Research Facility (WORF) [NASA]

External Facilities:

• Cosmic Ray Detectors and Ionosphere Probes [Roscosmos]

• Seiner [Roscosmos]

• Solar Facility

External Earth and space science hardware platforms are located 

at various places inside and outside of the ISS. Locations inside include the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF) whereas 

outside includes the COL-EPF (Columbus External Payload Facility), 

JEM-EF (JEM-External Facility, ITS S3 (ISS Truss Site Starboard 3), 

and ITS P3 (ISS Truss Site Port 3).

NASA Video - Aurora Australis.
77Earth and Space Science

Vsplesk shown installed 

externally on the SM 

during Expedition 33

BTN-Neutron

Platan

Example of the fast 

neutrons counting 

rate results within the 

energy range of 400 

keV to 10 MeV using 

the BTN-Neutron 

scintillation detector.

Cosmic Ray Detectors and Ionosphere Probes [Roscosmos] are 

important for ongoing studies of cosmic rays and the low Earth Orbit 

environment. Several external investigations and instrument packages are 

available including Platan (cosmic ray detector), BTN-Neutron (neutron 

flux detector), and Vsplesk (gamma ray and high energy charged particle 

detector). Obstanovka is another suite of detectors used to measure several ionosphere parameters and plasma-wave characteristics.

Obstanovka 

plasma-wave 

detector 

antennae
78

Earth and Space Science

Earth Resources Sensing and Geophysics Instruments [Roscosmos]

are a suite of instruments used in the 

study of geophysics, natural resources, ecology and natural disaster 

monitoring. Fialka is an ultraviolet 

imager and spectrometer used to 

study radiation emitted by reactions 

between atomic oxygen in space and 

the propulsion system exhaust products from ISS, Progress and Soyuz 

thrusters. It is also used to study the 

spatial distribution and emission 

spectra of atmospheric phenomena 

such as airglow. Rusalka is a infrared 

(IR) spectrometer used to collect 

detailed information on spectral 

radiance in the near IR waveband 

used to measure greenhouse gas 

concentrations in the Earth atmosphere. Photospectrometric System 

(FSS) is used for monitoring natural 

disasters (Uragan), investigating bioproductive water areas in the worlds 

oceans (Seiner - see page 81), and 

ecological monitoring (Econ

uses a spectral range of 350-1050 

nm and resolution of better than 

3 nm). In all, this suit of instruments 

practically and efficiently increases 

the ability to perform scientific and 

Earth observation experiments from 

the ISS.

Fialka

Rusalka

FSS

Roscosmos Image 

showing Cosmonaut 

Fyodor Yurchikhin 

working with the FSS.
79Earth and Space Science

Window Observational 

Research Facility (WORF) 

[NASA] provides a unique 

International Space Station 

facility for conducting crew 

tended or automatic Earth 

observation and scientific 

research using the Destiny 

modules, large optical-quality 

window. WORF is a multipurpose facility that provides 

structural support hardware, 

avionics, thermal conditioning 

and optical quality protection 

in support of a wide variety of 

remote sensing instruments 

and scientific investigations. 

Destiny features an Earth observation window with the highest-quality 

optics ever flown on a human occupied spacecraft. The first remote 

sensing instrument to be used in WORF was ISSAC (ISS Agricultural 

Camera); a multi-spectral, visible and infrared, camera that imaged 

crops to aid in land use management practices for farmers, as well as 

collecting imagery in support of natural disaster response and recovery.
80 Earth and Space Science

ISS SERVIR Environmental Research and Visualization System 

(ISERV) [NASA] is an observatory mounted within the WORF rack 

onboard the International Space Station (ISS). This facility provides Earth 

observation data and is unique, both in terms of orbital characteristics and 

available human and infrastructure support that makes it a highly useful 

platform from which to acquire 

rapid and changing Earth observational data. Initial versions of this 

hardware provide the necessary 

experience in automated system 

tasking, data acquisition, and data 

transfer. Ultimately, this kind 

of observational system has the 

capability to support environmental decision-making, and to assess 

and monitor the impact of disasters 

and other significant events of the 

surface of our planet. 

Seiner (Seiner) [Roscosmos] uses components of the Photospectrometric System (FSS; see page 79) to allow multiple researchers the ability to 

observe and study ocean bio-productivity. Researchers are able to monitor 

fish-rich ocean regions and communicate resource data to fishing fleets.

Seiner contrast-color images of the formation of phytoplankton 

fields interacting between the Falkland current and Falkland 

Islands shelf water zones: A) image of South-West Atlantic made 

by the ISS crewmembers on January 10, 2010; B) decoded fields 

of phytoplankton.

A B
81 Earth and Space Science

Solar Facility [ESA] is a multi-user facility currently occupying the zenith 

external attachment site of the Columbus-EPF (See page 37). This triple 

spectrometer observatory has been measuring solar spectral irradiance 

since 2008. Knowledge of the solar energy irradiance entering the Earth’s 

atmosphere and its variations is of great importance for atmospheric modeling, atmospheric chemistry, and climatology. 
82

Technology 

Demonstration 

Research

A small, but growing portion of ISS Facilities directly relates to investigations that demonstrate and test new or evolving technologies for use in 

the space environment. Having hardware that multiple users can use to 

perform experiments saves researchers time and money since they do not 

need to develop, from scratch, the shared equipment.

External Facilities:

• Bar [Roscosmos] 

• Global Transmission Services (GTS) [ESA, Roscosmos] 

• Laser Communication System (SLS) [Roscosmos]

• RK-21-8 Microwave Radiometer [Roscosmos] 

• Space Communications and Navigation Testbed (SCAN Testbed) 

[NASA]

• Vessel Identification System (VIS) [ESA] 

Technology Demonstration Research
83

RK-21-8 Microwave Radiometer [Roscosmos] provides information 

regarding radio brightness temperatures of Earth’s land and ocean surfaces. 

Such data is used to investigate several surface and environmental conditions including monitoring soil humidity, sea water salinity levels, and 

assists in predicting the potential for forest fires.

Technology Demonstration Research

Laser Communication 

System (SLS) terminal

RK-21-8 

Microwave 

Radiometer 

Aft SM

Laser Communication System (SLS) 

[Roscosmos] provides a test bench 

for investigating laser beam propagation through the Earth’s atmosphere by 

initiating a communication link between 

the external SLS laser and ground laser 

terminals. Pointing and tracking functionality and reliability as well as variable 

operational modes are key capabilities of 

this hardware. An internal control unit 

provides crewmembers access in order 

to plan and conduct laser operations.
84

Technology Demonstration Research

Global Transmission Services (GTS) [ESA, Roscosmos] is a continuously operating facility within the Russian segment of the ISS, which tests 

the receiving conditions of time and data signals from dedicated receivers 

on the ground. Special coding of the time signal allows the receiver to 

determine the local time anywhere on the Earth. The main objective of 

this hardware is to verify the performance and accuracy of a time signal 

transmitted to the Earth’s surface. This assessment includes signal quality 

and data rates achieved on the ground, 

measurement of disturbing effects such 

as Doppler shifts, multi-path reflections, 

shadowing, and elevation impacts. The 

GTS technology is being developed for 

future applications by ICARUS (International Cooperation for Animal Research 

Using Space), 

which includes the goal 

of developing 

a technological solution 

for the global 

tracking of 

small objects 

(e.g., animals).

The Vessel Identification System 

(VIS) [ESA] is a multi-user radio 

receiver that operates in the VHF 

maritime band. The orbit of the 

ISS provides an ideal location for 

space-based signal reception, and 

the incorporation of this system 

will verify the capability of tracking global maritime traffic from 

space. VIS is capable of receiving 

a multitude of ship information 

including: identity, position, course, 

speed, other ship particulars, cargo 

and voyage information and then 

communicate the data between 

other vessels and shore sites.

VIS Antenna shown installed on 

the external surface of the 

Columbus module.

Above, GTS avionics 

unit installed behind 

SM panel #305.

Left, graphic of GTS 

antenna installed on 

nadir side of SM
Bar [Roscosmos] uses a unique set of instruments for conducting 

ultrasonic probing, measuring and mapping spacecraft temperatures and 

pyro-endoscopic analysis of potentially dangerous locations and conditions 

onboard the ISS as a result of material degradation or corrosion during operations in orbit. Zones of possible formation of condensation have been 

revealed, and potential corrosion damage has been evaluated.

In a related investigation, colonies of micromycets were found 

on the internal walls of a pressurized ISS compartment during 

the Expert experiment. Understanding and maintaining environmental integrity from structures to microbiology will ultimately 

allow humans to explore beyond low Earth orbit and become 

permanent inhabits of space.

Cosmonaut Romanenko 

configures Bar hardware 

for use within the ISS RS.

Ulocladium: a genus of 

water-needing fungi or mold.

Cladosporium: a common 

indoor/outdoor fungus.

Technology Demonstration Research

85
86

The Space Communications and Navigation Testbed (SCAN Testbed) 

[NASA] consists of a set of reconfigurable software defined radios (SDRs) 

which have software that can be modified on-orbit in order to allow users to test multiple radio frequency bands using the same hardware. By 

providing reconfigurable software to an existing radio platform, SCAN 

Testbed allows different radio vendors the ability to demonstrate unique 

radio configurations based on the common Space Telecommunications 

Radio System architecture standard. The 

goal of providing this 

facility is to encourage the development 

and advancement of 

SDR technologies for 

common, space based 

architectures, in hopes 

of reducing future developmental risks and 

costs. This hardware is 

located on ELC-4 and 

points Earthward (ISS 

nadir).

Technology Demonstration Research
87

ISS Control Centers and 

Launch Sites 

NASA - Mission Control 

Center (MCC), Houston, TX

SpaceX Launch Control 

Cape Canaveral, FL

Canadian Space Agency Mission

 Control Center (CSA-MCC), 

Longueuil, Quebec, Canada

NASA - Payload Operations and 

Integration Center (POIC), Huntsville, AL

ESA ATV - Control Center

Toulouse, France

CSA-Payloads Telescience Operations 

Center (PTOC), St. Hubert, Quebec, Canada

 KSC Guiana 

Space 

Center







Wallops Island

Control Center

Launch Site
88

ESA-European User Support 

Operations Centers:

CADMOS, Toulouse, France

MARS, Naples Italy

MUSC, Cologne, Germany

B-USOC, Brussels, Belgium

E-USOC, Madrid, Spain

N-USOC, Trondheim, Norway

DAMEC, Odense, Denmark

BIOTESC, Zurich, Switzerland

ERASMUS, Noordwijk, The Netherlands

HTV Control Center (HTVCC), 

Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

Japan Experiment Module Mission Control 

(JEMMC), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

Roscosmos - Mission Control Center 

(TsUP), Korolyov, Russia

Roscosmos - Transport Vehicle 

Control Room, Korolyov, Russia

ESA - Columbus Control Center 

(Col-CC), Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany





Baikonur

Tanegashima

Space Center


89

Acronyms

ABRS Advanced Biological Research System

ALTEA Anomalous Long Term Effects in Astronaut’s Central Nervous System

AQH Aquatic Habitat

ARED Advanced Resistive Exercise Device

BioLab Biological Experiment Laboratory

BPS Biomass Production System

BSTC Biotechnology Specimen Temperature Controller

CB Clean Bench

CBEF Cell Biology Experiment Facility

CCE Chamber for Combustion Experiment

CEVIS Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System

CGBA Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus

CIR Combustion Integrated Rack

CNES Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales

CKK/SKK Replaceable Cassette-Container

COL-EPF Columbus External Payload Facility

COLBERT Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistive Exercise Treadmill

DECLIC Device for the study of Critical Liquids and Crystallization

DLR German Aerospace Center 

EDR European Drawer Rack

ELC EXPRESS Logistics Carrier

EMCS European Modular Cultivation System 
EOSTEO Bone Culture System

EPM European Physiology Module

EXPRESS Expedite the Processing of Experiments to the Space Station

EuTEF European Technology Exposure Facility

EVARM Study of Radiation Doses Experienced by Astronauts in EVA

FIR Fluids Integrated Rack

FSL Fluid Science Laboratory

FPEF Fluid Physics Experiment Facility

GHF Gradient Heating Furnace

GLACIER General Laboratory Active Cryogenic ISS Equipment Refrigerator

GTS Global Transmission Services

HPA Hand Posture Analyzer

HRF Human Research Facility

ISERV ISS SERVIR Environmental Research and Visualization System 

ISPR International Standard Payload Rack

ITS P3 ISS Truss Site Port 3

ITS S3 ISS Truss Site Starboard 3

IV-TEPC Intra-vehicular Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter

JEM-EF Japanese Experiment Module-External Facility

J-SSOD JEM-Small Satellite Orbital Deployer

LMM Light Microscopy Module

LOCAD-PTS Lab-on-a-Chip Application Development-Portable Test System

MARES Muscle Atrophy Research Exercise System

MDS Mice Drawer System

MELFI Minus Eighty-Degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS

MERLIN Microgravity Experiment Research Locker/Incubator

MISSE Materials International Space Station Experiment

MSG Microgravity Science Glovebox

MSL Materials Science Laboratory

MSPR Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack 

MSRR Materials Science Research Rack

ODK Onboard Diagnostic Kit

PADLES PAssive Dosimeter for Lifescience Experiments in Space

PCRF Protein Crystallization Research Facility

PEMS Percutaneous Electrical Muscle Stimulator

PFS Pulmonary Function System

PK-3 Plus Plasma Crystal 3 Plus

PMDIS Perceptual Motor Deficits In Space

RH Rodent Habitat

SCAN Testbed Space Communication and Navigation Testbed

SCOF Solution Crystallization Observation Facility

SLAMMD Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device

SpaceDRUMS Space Dynamically Responding Ultrasonic Matrix System

SPHERES Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites 

URM-D Universal Workstation with Capabilities for Re-equipping

VIS Vessel Identification System

WORF Window Observational Research Facility

90
To Learn More.....

Space Station Science

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science/

Facilities

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/

facilities_category.html

ISS Interactive Reference Guide:

http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/ISSRG/index.htm

CSA- Canada

http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/sciences/default.asp

ESA- Europe

http://www.esa.int/esaHS/iss.html

JAXA- Japan

http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/

Roscosmos- Russia

http://knts.tsniimash.ru/en/site/Programm.aspx?id=1

91

www.nasa.gov

NP-2012-10-027-JSC