ESA - Human Spaceflight and Exploration - Protein experiment starts in Columbus laboratory

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Protein experiment starts in Columbus laboratory

27 March 2009

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Protein crystals similar to these are expected to grow inside the Protein Crystallisation Diagnostic Facility (PCDF). PCDF is mounted inside the Columbus laboratory's European Draw Rack (EDR).

Credits: Dr Klaas Decanniere, Vrije University of Brussels

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The four reactors inside the Protein Crystallisation Diagnostic Facility (PCDF) Processing Unit contain a protein solution that will be observed for crystal growth over the coming months. Without the convection and sedimentation effects induced by Earth's gravity, the Protein experiment will help to understand the fundamental processes that occur during crystallisation.

Credits: Astrium/ESA

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The Protein Crystallisation Diagnostic Facility (PCDF)

A multi-user facility for the investigation of the nucleation and crystallisation of biological macro-molecules

Credits: ESA/D. Ducros

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International Space Station is seen from Space Shuttle Discovery

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Backdropped by the blackness of space and Earth’s horizon, the International Space Station is seen from Space Shuttle Discovery on 25 March 2009 as the two spacecraft begin their relative separation after undocking. Earlier the STS-119 and Expedition 18 crews concluded 9 days, 20 hours and 10 minutes of joint work on the Shuttle and Station. Undocking of the two spacecraft occurred at 20:53 CET on 25 March 2009.

Credits: NASA (S119-E-008343)

Columbus