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The Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG) is a sealed work area in the ISS
that provides bioisolation and waste control. Crew members can perform
experimental procedures in cell, insect, aquatic, plant, and animal
developmental biology. Habitats attach to the LSG in a manner that
prevents any exchange of biological material between the cabin and
Glovebox.
Two crew members can use the LSG work space at the same
time by means of gloves that extend into the work area. The enclosed
volume of the Glovebox will be about one-half cubic meter (approximately
18 cubic feet), with a work volume depth of 61 cm and a work volume
height of 77 cm. The unit comes complete with a vacuum cleaner,
a video monitor, two video cameras, and internal illumination, including
two spotlights. Temperatures inside the LSG will be regulated to
18-27ºC (+/-1ºC).
As air circulates through the workspace, activated charcoal filters
will continuously clean it by absorbing chemicals that may be present.
In addition, a high-efficiency air filter will remove particles
and aerosols.
The LSG can be used with Laboratory Support Equipment - including
the Bar Code Reader, the Incubator, Cryosystem Vial Freezer (a -180ºC
freezer, accessed through the Habitat Access Door), and the Passive
Dosimeter (which can be located inside the work volume of the LSG
to measure biologically active space radiation during an experiment)
- as well as with experiment-generic equipment, tools, and sample
kits.
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