The European Physiology Modules (EPM)

EPM is an International Standard Payload Rack, equipped with Science Modules to investigate the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body. The experiment results will also contribute to an increased understanding of terrestrial problems such as the ageing process, osteoporosis, balance disorders, and muscle wastage.
 
Accommodation and Transport

The European Physiology Modules facility was launched inside the European Columbus laboratory. New Science Modules and other necessary items, will be transported within the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM). This is a pressurised cargo carrier that is carried inside the Space Shuttle cargo bay.

EPM equipment can also be brought up by other available transport means such as the European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), the Russian Progress and Soyuz vehicles or the Space Shuttle.

Samples are returned to Earth using the MPLM, the Shuttle's middeck lockers and the Soyuz spacecraft.  
 
Operational concept

To correctly evaluate the on-board data, it is essential that reference (or base-line) data are collected prior to flight and following the return of the crew (the experiment subjects) to Earth. For this reason, the EPM facility provides Baseline Data Collection Models that are functional copies of the on-board instruments.

The Baseline Data Collection Models are readily transportable to ensure availability of the equipment for the crew pre-launch and post-flight activities.
 
 
Utilisation scenario

The Facility Responsible Centre for the EPM facility has the overall responsibility to operate it according to the needs of individual Science Modules. The Principal Investigators can monitor the execution of their experiments from local User Home Bases.

Schedule

EPM was launched aboard the Space Shuttle accommodated within the Columbus laboratory (launched on 7 February 2008). Since then, the facility is accessible for the astronauts to perform human physiology experiments.
 
 
Last update: 23 July 2008