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PGBA4 / CGBA2 Payload on ISS.9A
BioServe Space TechnologiesA Life Sciences – NASA Commercial Space Center
Alex Hoehn Assoc. Director Engineering
BioServe Space Technologies, 429, UCB, Boulder, CO 80309-0429, Tel. (303) 492-1005, Fax (303) 492-8883
CGBA
PGBA
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PGBA-4 – STS-112 / ISS.9A
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PGBA-4 – STS-112 / ISS.9A
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PGBA-4 – STS-112 / ISS.9A
Payload Overview PGBA-4 / STS-112 – ISS.9A -> ISS.11A – Inc.5 :
• Science Summary.
• Reflight (4th) of PGBA, first ISS flight.
• Modifications since STS-94.» Split coolant system / dual pump.
» Modified nutrient delivery for timed germination.
Plant Access on Orbit:• Open Payload on Orbit
• Reverification of plant chamber seal.
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Science Overview
Investigate time course of genetic changes due to microgravity exposure:
30 Arabidopsis thaliana plants:
Biologically simple (mustard-type plant).
Fast growth rate – matures in 4-6 weeks.
Entire genome sequenced.
Two crops during Inc.5, automated, time- staggered germination, some germinated pre-launch:
1st crop sown pre-flight, multiple automated germinations, single harvest, fixed on-orbit.
2nd crop sown in-flight, automated germination, fixed on ground post-flight.
Mature plant, 4-6 weeks.
Plant as harvested from PGBA, 3 weeks.
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PGBA Payload Overview
PGBA-03: STS-94 in Proto-EXPRESS / Spacelab. PGBA-04: Mufflers for ISS.
STS-77: 10 day missionSTS-83: 4 day aborted MSL-1STS-94: 16 day MSL-1
No PGBA anomalies,but:- transfer issues / lesson learned
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Transfer Operations: PGBA to / from ISS
PGBA Transfer: Middeck to Spacelab, STS-94.
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Operations: Open PGBA Faceplate
• 4 locker latches open.• Faceplate rotated around bottom edge (hinged).
Plant Chamber lid still closed:Inspect for free water.
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Remove Plant Chamber Lid Screws
10 captive fasteners (1-2 turns).
Pull lid uniformly (parallel) from chamber.
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Harvesting Plant
Reach in, rotate each insert 2-3 turns ccw, then remove insert with plant.
Repeat for all 30 plants, fix and store in CGBA.
Insert new seed plug, rotate cw until tight.
Harvesting / Insertion of new seed plug (30x) into PGBA.
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ISS Operations – Harvesting
Remove fixative tube from CGBA, harvest plant, place plant in tube, attach plunger rod, inject fixative - slowly, store in CGBA.
Repeat for entire PGBA crop 30x.
Plunger rod – connect after plant insertion
Fixative Tube
End cap – remove to insert plant
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Operations – Sowing
Place new dry seed plugs into PGBA root tray, one at a time (30x).
Close chamber lid, hand-tighten 10 captive fasteners 2-3 times to ensure good seal.
Close PGBA faceplate, aligning pins and locking latches (4x).
Reconnect cables, power up PGBA.
Replace mufflers.
Perform PGBA Status Check.
Felt
Removable Plug
Plastic CoveredSteel Wire
Small Plastic Centrifuge
TubePlasticLine
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Re-Attach and Re-seal Plant Chamber Lid
Attach chamber lid and push down.
Tighten 10 captive fasteners (1-2 turns) going around perimeter until finger-tight.
Finger-tighten 1-2 more times to ensure proper seal.
(Optional battery-powered screw driver with Phillips head bit.)
Tighten screws 2-3 times around
1 2 3
4
5
2-3 times
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PGBA Plant Chamber
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Atmosphere Treatment System
CO2
O2
HydrophobicFilter
Return toCabin
Intake fromCabin
HydrophobicFilter
CO2
O2
Delta-PDelta-P
BaOHScrubber
ActivatedCarbonFilter
PGCReturn
IntakefromPGC
SealedPlantGrowthChamber
C2H4Scrubber
CO2
O2
Light
H2O
PressureTemperatureRelative Humidity
MixingCirculation
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Atmosphere Treatment System
CO2
O2
HydrophobicFilter
Return toCabin
Intake fromCabin
HydrophobicFilter
CO2
O2
Delta-PDelta-P
BaOHScrubber
ActivatedCarbonFilter
PGCReturn
IntakefromPGC
SealedPlantGrowthChamber
C2H4Scrubber
Atmosphere Treatment Cartridge:• Barium Hydroxide• Activated Charcoal
3 levels of containment:• Stainless steel frit• Glass mesh• Stainless steel screen
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Humidity Control / Condensate Recovery
Root PackRemovable
Lid
Root PackBottom
Soil Needle
RubberSepta
Base
Comb
Root PackRemovable
Lid
Root PackBottom
Soil Needle
RubberSepta
Base
Comb
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PGBA-4 Pictures
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PGBA-4 Pictures
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PGBA-4 Pictures
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PGBA-4 Pictures
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PGBA-4 Pictures
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PGBA-4 Pictures
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PGBA-4 Pictures
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PGBA-4 Pictures