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Biolab        Examples

The study of gravity effects on biological specimens is fundamental for a better understanding of human life and is one of the most important research areas in space missions: BIOLAB represents one of the most important experiments in biology.

Through BIOLAB it is possible to monitor the different behavior and the various increase of microorganisms in presence and absence of gravity.

Gravity on the orbital station, inside BIOLAB, is simulated by a rotational disk with test cells with rotational velocity equivalent to the land gravitational force that is 1g. Simulation of day and night is made through special lamps.

Experiments are lead in the left part of the BIOLAB, in a completely automatic way. The only operation carried out from the astronaut is the loading phase.
The right side is dedicated only to specimens storage and specific manual activities of the crew.

The main element of the experiment is a great INCUBATOR, a thermically controlled volume where experiments take place.
This group has been developed from FERRARI SPACE using typical Formula 1 composite materials.

Inside the incubator there are two centrifuge, each one containing six Experiment Containers (experimentation cells) that can independently simulate an artificial gravity force in a range from 0,001 to 2,0 g.

Both the centrifuges are perfectly balanced in order to avoid vibration problems to the orbital station during the experimentations.

Experiment containers are cells in which microorganisms are introduced with a useful inner volume of 60x60x100 mm.

On the upper part of the BIOLAB is placed an automatic rifle warehouse with tests-tube to be insert in the cells and the two analysis instruments: a MICROSCOPE and a SPECHTROPHOTOMETER.

The BIOGLOVEBOX is an emergency cabinet designed in order to allow uses of toxic materials (such as the fixing material used to complete biological experiments), and to protect delicate biological experiments from surrounding atmosphere contamination.
An ozone generator studied purposely for the Biolab assures sterilization of the BIOGLOVEBOX.