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Isothermal Containment Module (ICM) v.1

ICM v.1 provides sample stowage and experiment processing in a thermally controlled environment, adjustable between ~15° and 37° C, for 8 auto-GAPs or other inserts. It operates on less than 60 W average (65 W peak) power at 28 VDC.  Thermoelectric modules are used to transfer heat to/from active water loops distributed around 5 sides to virtually eliminate thermal gradients.  An accelerometer-based system is used to detect launch, thus allowing the auto-GAPs to begin initiating experiments immediately upon entering orbit.  Additionally, automatic GAP termination can be programmed to occur at any time during the mission, including just prior to reentry based on pre-planned (or updated) end of mission time.  Combined, these two capabilities allow an early-as-possible experiment initiation and a late-as-possible termination; periods when crew availability for payload tasks is typically at a minimum. The ICM v.1 first flew aboard STS-77 and later flew aboard the Mir Space Station during the NASA 3 and NASA 6 increments. 

 

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