P. Todd, J. Vellinger, A. Sharpe, R. Ormsby, H. Platt, K. Barton and M. Deuser. A family of versatile research tools is available for life sciences research in space.
Individual instruments range from laboratory-tested concepts to flight proven technology.
The Avian Development Facility is designed to incubate avian eggs and process them robotically, rotating eggs and preserving embryos at specified stages of development. Its numerous robotic functions also make it capable of incubating and processing cell cultures, insect specimens, developing invertebrates and plant seedlings. In addition to specimen rotation a rotating carousel provides 0 to 1 g. The envelope provides full environmental control including humidity, temperature, CO 2 and oxygen in a closed environment. In the Avian Hatchling Habitat embryos hatch out of eggs in special holders transferred from the Avian Development Facility.