A special container about the size of a 55- gallon oil drum has been developed to carry such experiments and is called a Get Away Special Canister, or GAS Can. It offers scientists a relatively affordable way to send self-contained experiments on board the Shuttle. The SEM program uses a special version of the GAS Can equipped with 10 Student Experiment Modules, a battery to provide electrical power, and electronic data recording and control equipment. The electrical equipment is energized only while the Shuttle is in orbit. If your team's experiment is selected for flight, NASA will supply the Space Capsules or Mounting Plate.
Sturdy construction is necessary to withstand the acceleration and vibration of launch.
For More Information T echnical details can be found in Appendices B, C, D of this Guide. Any team that is making final plans to prepare a specific experiment will need to refer to the details found on the web site for the particular flight. The web sites also have links to related pages that can be very helpful. Project staff will add to the Frequently Asked Questions section of the NSIP web site.