Hardware Systems Available -
Microgravity Experiment Research Locker Incubator (MERLIN)

  • Present incubator in use for PCG & other temperature controlled payloads.
  • Advanced Single Middeck Locker Incubator / Freezer (Heat exchanger designed for both rear-air or water loop heat rejection)
  • Interfaces to Shuttle middeck, SPACEHAB, and ISS EXPRESS rack
  • Accommodate existing experiments designed for CRIM (some minor modifications may be required)
  • 30+ pound payload with 16.5" (X) by 10.188" (Y) by 6.69" (Z) experiment volume (CG at the center of the experiment volume)
  • Payload volume for both conduction or convection cooling modes
  • Provides thermal control from -20 oC to 48.5 oC
  • Fully programmable temperature control including ramps and recovery modes can be configured / executed via the display, EXPRESS RIC, and remotely from the ground (both commanding and file uplink)
  • Downlink EXPRESS Rack interface accommodated -
  • System temperature sensor readings (8)
  • Experiment temp. sensor readings (up to 12)
  • PID control temperature (derived)
  • A/D sensor readings (up to 10)
  • Digital I/O readings (8)
  • Last command status information
  • Error reporting/acknowledgement information
  • Data storage utilization status
  • Thermal control data

If you are interested in using this hardware, contact the Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering.

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