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 The DCPCG was developed by UAB to provide automated real time control of protein crystallization on the International Space Station. A Vapor system (DCPCG-V) and a Temperature system (DCPCG-T) implement two different methods of controlling supersaturation levels of the protein samples (Vapor System First flight: ISS-7A.1/STS-105). The DCPCG-V accommodates 38 protein samples with vapor diffusion rates/profiles regulated via a self-contained nitrogen management system. Humidity sensors measure the amount of moisture removed from each sample. The DCPCG-T accommodates 50 protein samples utilizing thermal electric devices for temperature control. Each system incorporates Laser Light Scattering as a diagnostic for changes in state of aggregation. A camera system captures video images for downlink to the ground. The DCPCG systems require minimal ISS crew interaction at activation and deactivation, then all operations are controlled/commanded from the ground. Iterative experiments can be modified based on near real time downlink telemetry.
 The HDPCG is the latest in a series of UAB developed experimental hardware (First flight: ISS-6A/STS-100). The system is designed to house 1008 individual vapor diffusion experiments in a single Middeck locker equivalent incubator. Four individual trays, each housing 252 experiments, can be removed and transferred to an awaiting camera system for observation while on ISS (VCMS). The individual experiments are grouped in sets of six (Growth Cell Assembly) and can be harvested one at a time. Experiment volumes are consistent with typical ground-based research experiments. To expand the HDPCG system capabilities, future plans for the hardware include a Liquid-to-Liquid and Batch version trays. Finally, the HDPCG system was designed to allow access to the experiment Growth Cell chambers on orbit with future ISS crystal harvesting, mounting, and X-Ray analysis hardware (XCF or other similar systems) in mind.
 The VCMS will be used on ISS to observe protein crystals as they grow. The video system is housed inside a Middeck locker equivalent incubator and the controlling electronics are housed inside an EXPRESS Rack Powered ISIS Drawer. The VCMS is developed in conjunction with the HDPCG system and uses a fixed focus lens to take digital images of the crystals grown inside the Growth Cell Assembly. The system will allow Co-Investigators the opportunity to view their PCG experiment's progress from their own laboratory without having to wait until the end of the mission. By monitoring the crystal growth progress Co-Investigators can also determine when the experiment should be deactivated to help preserve the life of the crystal. Finally, when the XCF or other similar facilities are operational, the VCMS will act as a screening mechanism to insure that only good crystal candidates are transferred to the facility for harvesting and analysis. Currently the VCMS is manifested to be launched on STS-114 (ULF-1) and will reside on ISS for nearly a year as the HDPCG systems fly to and from the ISS.
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Customer: NASA Space Products Development
Flights: Shuttle: 11 (9 SPD / 2 UG)
Status: Active
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Customer: NASA Code UG
Flights: Shuttle: 12 (6 UG / 6 SPD)
Status: Inactive
*Hardware was originally developed by TBE under contract to MSFC Code UG. Code UG provided system on loan to UAB/CBSE for utilization on the noted flights
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Customer: NASA Space Products Development
Flights: Shuttle: 2 (1 SPD / 1 UG)
Status: Inactive
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Customer: NASA Code UG
Flights: Shuttle: 1 (USML-1)
Status: Inactive
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Customer: NASA Space Products Development
Flights: Shuttle: 1 (USML-1)
Status: Inactive
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Customer: NASA Space Products Development
Flights: Shuttle: 1 (USML-2)
Status: Inactive
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Customer: NASA Space Products Development
Flights: COMET: 1* (SPD)
Status: Inactive
*Payload was destroyed along with COMET-1 rocket due to a launch vehicle failure
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Customer: NASA Code UG
Flights: Shuttle: 5 (UG)
Status: Inactive*
*System turned over to NASA and may still be available for users through Code UG
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Customer: NASA Space Products Development
Flights: Shuttle: 1 (SPD)
Status: Inactive
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Customer: NASA Space Products Development
Flights: Mir: 1 (SPD)
Status: Inactive
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Customer: NASA Space Products Development
Flights: Shuttle: 2 (SPD)
Status: Active
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Customer: NASA Space Products Development
Flights: Shuttle: 6 (5 SPD / 1 SPACEHAB)
Status: Active
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