Using JPL Micro-Imagers for the Johnson Space Center International Space Station Cell Growth Experiment

Abstract

A development program is occurring to produce the International Space Station (ISS), Bio Tech Facility (BTF) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). This facility will allow numerous experiments related to micro-gravity cell development, growth and adaptation to be preformed on the International Space Station. JSC desired an upgrade to current capabilities that included micro-imagers. JPL has provided these micro-imagers for the JSC ISS cell growth experiment program The imagers are to be used to make heuristic decisions on the growth and health of growing cells and as a means of recording data on their development. This paper describes the imager produced, its intended application and the subsequent testing that has gone on to ensure functionality of such a system in the space radiation environment