OASIS and ACE-H-1 experiments delivered to the ISS
Last week, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon capsule and successfully delivered cargo to the International Space Station on April 17. Onboard the Dragon were two flight experiments which involved USRA project scientists supporting the Advanced Research and Technology Support contract at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. USRA is the prime contractor for the team which is known as the "Advanced Research Associates."
The Observation & Analysis of Smectic Islands in Space will examine fluid dynamics and liquid crystal physics in the microgravity environment. OASIS will use the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) onboard the ISS. Padetha Tin, USRA-ARA, is the Project Scientist for OASIS.
Image: OASIS experimental results from ground-based tests.
The Advanced Colloids Experiment will examine specific behavior of colloids at the particle level. ACE-H-1 will use the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) instrument that is part of the Fluids & Combustion Facility (FCF) onboard the ISS. William (Bill) Meyer, USRA-ARA, is the Project Scientist for ACE-H-1.
Image: ACE-H-1 experimental results from ground-based tests.
About Advanced Research Associates
The USRA-led Advanced Research Associates team working at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio is focused primarily on space exploration technology particularly involving the study of fluids and combustion in the microgravity environment. USRA is the prime contractor for Glenn's Advanced Research and Technology Support contract. ARA conducts research side-by-side with NASA Glenn scientists and technologists to provide broader understanding and advancements in the fields of environment of space effects; materials and structures for aerospace applications; engine systems technologies for aerospace vehicles; in-space power and propulsion systems; instrumentation, sensors, and controls for aeronautics and space systems; and technologies for safe and efficient aircraft operation in atmospheric icing conditions.