PromISS-4

Protein Crystal Growth Monitoring by Digital Holographic Microscope for the ISS

PromISS-4 is a Belgian experiment in the International Space Station (ISS) launched with the Progress 20P on 21th December 2005. Its main scientific objectives are

• to study proteins,
• to obtain in microgravity better crystals,
• to understand protein crystal growth processes.

The PromISS investigation includes a holographic microscope that allows the visualization of the protein crystal growth. Visualizing proteins can help the development of new drugs to fight diseases. Studying the processes by which these crystals grow in microgravity will help scientist better understand the role of the proteins in diseases.

PromISS-4 wheel with cells. Credits NASA

Responsible scientists are Ingrid Zegers (VUB) for the science and Frank Dubois (ULB) for the hardware. The B-USOC is the European responsible center for operations in coordination with NASA. This means that the Center is responsible for the science follow-on and any routine matter arising from operations. The European Space Agency ESA supports the mission. Within this framework the B-USOC is working together with its partner Space Application Services. The design of the new experimental cells has been developped by Verhaert Space.

The Telescience Support Center (TSC) forms the direct link between the ground communications network and the ISS. The operations of the Promiss-4 experiment in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) is continuous throughout 20 days. Astronaut Bill McArthur is the one to work on it.

At the end of the required period, the samples will be installed in the return container, which will be brought down back to Earth with the Soyuz 11S.

The PromISS investigation was performed for the first time in microgravity during the OdISSea mission with the Belgian astronaut Frank De Winne in October 2002. PromISS-2 was sent to the ISS during the Cervantes mission in October 2003. The same setup was also used during a thirty day investigation in February 2004 for PromISS-3. PromISS is a precursor experiment of the PCDF, flown in the COLUMBUS laboratory within EDR.

PromISS-3 during Installation. Credits NASA

More info : Mike Sleutel

Timeline:

Date	Event
14-15 Dec 2005	Crew on-board training
21 Dec 2005	Launch of Progress 20P
23 Dec 2005	Docking of Progress 20P
18 Jan 2006	MSG Activation
19 Jan 2006	Activation PromISS-4
8 Feb 2006	Stop experiment
8 Feb 2006	MSG, Power down
1 April 2006	PromISS-4 sample return with Soyuz 11S

 

More info:

PromISS-4: Scientific Background (.pdf, 437 KB)

PromISS on the NASA ISS research Website

PromISS - Protein microscope for the International Space Station on the website of the ULB - Microgravity Research Center