MISSE-X: An ISS external platform for space environmental studies in the Post-Shuttle era

Abstract

Abstract-MaterialsInternational Space Station Experiment-X (MISSE-X) is a proposed International Space Station (ISS) external platform for space environmental studies designed to advance the technology readiness of materials and devices critical for future space exploration. The MISSE-X platform will expand ISS utilization by providing experimenters with unprecedented low-cost space access and return on investment (ROI). As a follow-on to the highly successful MISSE series of ISS experiments, MISSE-X will provide advances over the original MISSE configurations including incorporation of plug-and-play experiments that will minimize return mass requirements in the post-Shuttle era, improved active sensing and monitoring of the ISS external environment for better characterization of environmental effects, and expansion of the MISSE-X user community through incorporation of new, customer-desired capabilities. MISSE-X will also foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in primary and secondary schools through student collaboration and participation.

Towards synthetic biological approaches to resource utilization on space missions

“…by three-dimensional printing [ 7 – 11 ]); — replacing cargoes of pre-packaged food (for instance, printing food [ 12 , 13 ]); — developing redundant life support systems for gas purification, water treatment, etc. [ 14 – 16 ]; — tackling diseases and increasing the shelf-life of therapeutics and pharmaceuticals [ 17 – 21 ]; — sensing and monitoring radiation levels and shield strength with light-weight apparatus [ 22 , 23 ]; and — recycling trash (e.g. as three-dimensional printing media [ 8 ] or to augment radiation shields after heat melt compaction [ 24 ]).…”

“…— sensing and monitoring radiation levels and shield strength with light-weight apparatus [ 22 , 23 ]; and…”

Electrodynamic Dust Shields on the International Space Station: Exposure to the space environment

“…MI SS E-X is a follow-on to the success ful MISSE se ri es of ISS experiments. MISSE-X will provide plug-and-play capabilities to facilitate experiment installation, removal , and return in the post-Shuttle era [6]. MISSE-X wi ll provide experiment exposure to the ram, wake, nadir or zenith direction.…”