Location
Radisson Resort at the Port, Convention Center, Martinique Room
Start Date
1-5-2001 2:00 PM
Description
The International Space Station will finally provide the opportunity of a permanent zerog laboratory facility where researchers could conceivably analyze the results of experiments in situ. There are numerous advantages to the rapid turn around of answers provided by this environment. A team of researchers and students in cooperation with the Florida Space Institute have imaged DNA and other biological specimens in an attempt to define the basic design parameters of a succesful AFM and STM unit for use in a zero-g environment such as ISS (Express Rack), Shuttle (Middeck Locker) and KC-135 (reduced gravity program). Broward Community College and Stephen F. Austin State University have utilized the experiences with student flights aboard the KC-135 as a starting point for future instrumentation and experiment design in the area of microscopy. We present images of DNA in contact mode as evidence of the feasibility of this work without vacuum systems. Vibrational isolation issues, including accoustical shielding have been addressed in preliminary designs. Student designs for the automation of microscopy operations demonstrate the success of Research Based Science Education. The design study team believes that AFM and STM microscopy will be a vital part of many space missions as we move toward the goal of further exploring Mars.
Paper Session I-C - Atomic Force Microscopy of DNA and Design Parameters for a Zero-G Operable Unit
Radisson Resort at the Port, Convention Center, Martinique Room
The International Space Station will finally provide the opportunity of a permanent zerog laboratory facility where researchers could conceivably analyze the results of experiments in situ. There are numerous advantages to the rapid turn around of answers provided by this environment. A team of researchers and students in cooperation with the Florida Space Institute have imaged DNA and other biological specimens in an attempt to define the basic design parameters of a succesful AFM and STM unit for use in a zero-g environment such as ISS (Express Rack), Shuttle (Middeck Locker) and KC-135 (reduced gravity program). Broward Community College and Stephen F. Austin State University have utilized the experiences with student flights aboard the KC-135 as a starting point for future instrumentation and experiment design in the area of microscopy. We present images of DNA in contact mode as evidence of the feasibility of this work without vacuum systems. Vibrational isolation issues, including accoustical shielding have been addressed in preliminary designs. Student designs for the automation of microscopy operations demonstrate the success of Research Based Science Education. The design study team believes that AFM and STM microscopy will be a vital part of many space missions as we move toward the goal of further exploring Mars.
