Authored by Jessica Barnett
Over its extensive operational lifetime exceeding a quarter of a century, the International Space Station (ISS) has been a hub for scientific discovery, hosting in excess of 3,000 experiments. The preservation of these scientific endeavors through all stages of their space voyage, from launch to their return to Earth’s surface, is a complex coordination effort facilitated by NASA teams, including experts from the Marshall Space Flight Center located in Huntsville, Alabama.
One of NASA Marshall’s recent responsibilities entailed the careful handling of the disassembly process for zinc selenide crystals that had grown aboard the ISS. It’s part of a study to examine microgravity’s impact on crystal growth and morphology. The experiment was manifest in six distinct sample cartridge assemblies, all heated within the ISS to 1,200 degrees Celsius (or 2,192 degrees Fahrenheit) inside the Materials Science Laboratory contained within the Materials Science Research Rack.
John Luke Bili, who is at the helm of systems test engineering for these assemblies at Marshall’s facilities, kicks off the processes in collaboration with engineers, scientists, project teams, and the experiment’s primary investigator to craft an ampoule, a hermetically sealed glass vial, designed for sample storage.
“We’ll initiate with the ampoule a series of ground tests, akin to standard flight integration,” Bili explained. “We assemble it with our existing hardware, then focus on a variety of mitigation tasks in preparation for the ampoule’s sealing and the subsequent high-temperature processing.”
Their method involves subjecting the test sample to intense heat and pressure using a station-similar furnace, thereby enabling trials of the experiment’s bespoke software.
John Luke Bili
Lead Systems Test Engineer
The focus of the experiment, the zinc selenide-based crystal analysis, necessitated six such sample cartridge assemblies. After an intensive month of preparation spearheaded by Marshall’s team, these assemblies progressed to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for additional packing, subsequently proceeding to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida primed for launch.
The payloads were ferried to the ISS onboard NASA’s SpaceX 24th and Northrop Grumman 19th commercial resupply missions in December 2021 and August 2023, respectively. Each sample underwent about a week of processing within the lab’s furnace aboard the station. Ultimately, three of the six samples were returned to Earth and received at Marshall on February 9, 2024.
The meticulous unpacking and examination of the crystal samples was conducted by Marshall team members within the Space Systems Integration & Test Facility, recording meticulous details through photographs and notes during the disassembly operations. The seasoned team, with expertise ranging from 20 to 30 years, ensures the secured transit of samples to and from the ISS, thereby facilitating academic research in microgravity, space exposure, and potential future missions within low Earth orbit.
“Having this level of expertise readily available is invaluable when dealing with hardware destined for space,” Bili remarked. “We have highly skilled machinists capable of prompt support, individuals with proficient technical know-how regarding tolerances, as well as seasoned professionals experienced in the nuances of flight hardware integration and testing.”
The International Space Station stands as a testament to over two decades of continuous human presence in space, propelling scientific advancement and discovery that are unattainable on Earth. The station operates as a vital proving ground for insights into the hurdles posed by long-duration spaceflight and catalyzes commercial ventures in low Earth orbit.
Discover more about the space station here:
https://nasa.gov/international-space-station/
Joel Wallace
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256-544-0034
joel.w.wallace@nasa.gov
FAQ about ISS Research and NASA Marshall’s Role
- Q: What kinds of experiments are conducted on the ISS?
- A: The ISS hosts a variety of experiments across numerous fields including biology, human biology, physics, astronomy, and other sciences. These experiments leverage the unique microgravity environment to enhance our understanding of fundamental processes.
- Q: How are sensitive samples protected during space travel?
- A: Samples are carefully contained within specialized cartridges or ampoules and undergo thorough ground testing. NASA teams, including those at Marshall, work on mitigation efforts to ensure the integrity of these samples throughout their journey.
- Q: How long has the ISS been in operation?
- A: The ISS has been in continuous operation for over 25 years, housing humans and research projects throughout its lifespan.
Conclusion
The ardent efforts of the NASA Marshall team vividly illustrate the intricate choreography of care and precision that underpins the transportation and handling of scientific samples for space research. With humanity’s enduring odyssey amidst the stars aboard the ISS, the contributions of dedicated engineers and scientists are pivotal in unlocking the secrets of the cosmos and fostering the unceasing march of progress.