Experiment Accommodation

Volume

The experiment shall fit within the envelope of a standard single Shuttle Middeck Locker (shown in the diagram below with a maximum height of 22 inches), although minor deviations from this standard form factor will be considered.  (Click on “Mounting Plate” below.)

Mass

Maximum mass of 32 Kg including any locker or chassis.

Power

Continuous unregulated power of 18-36 VDC shall be available during installation for check-out, on the launch pad, throughout the flight, and during splashdown.  There is no power for up to 14 days from installation until day of launch, or for up to 7 days from landing to return.  (The experiment can have batteries for use during those periods.)  Optionally, power can be activated at a fixed time after launch and switched off prior to return.  Information on the power connector will be provided. 

Data

There will be no data interfaces with the experiment. 

Crew

There will be no crew, so the experiment must be automated.

Mechanical

The experiment shall mount on the plate depicted below.  All dimensions are in inches.  (Click on “Mounting Plate” below.)

Thermal

The experiment shall convectively cool to cabin air.  This may require a fan to ensure circulation, as there is no convection in microgravity.  Cabin air shall be 10-46^OC, 25-75% relative humidity, and pressure 13.9-14.9 psia.

Pre-flight

The experiment shall be delivered to SpaceX in Cape Canaveral, FL 16 calendar days before launch.  Integration into the spacecraft will occur two days later.  No late access is allowed.

Post-flight

The experiment shall be available from SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA 7 days after splashdown.