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E-132 Experiment Hardware Testing in the Spacelab Module

Today is Friday, December 12th, and the last day of planned experiment testing in the O&C [operations and checkout] Building (at Kennedy Space Center) and prior to Christmas. After the first of the year [1998] the Spacelab Module will be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) where it will be installed into the Space Shuttle Columbia.

Two weeks of experiment hardware testing have gone well, but the team, including myself, will be glad to finish today's testing and get a full night's rest. Most of our test days have started at 0700 [7:00 a.m.] and have finished anywhere from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Maybe, I will finally get some Christmas shopping done this weekend prior to my return trip home next week. . .

Our primary objective today is to get access to the Spacelab and to find locations inside the Spacelab where rodents, which will be part of the E-132 experiment, can be subjected to light pulses of specified intensity during inflight operations. Light intensity and quality are important aspects of Dr. Fuller's E-132 experiment that is looking at the effects of spaceflight on circadian rhythms and homeostasis. [part of the Neuronal Plasticity Team.]

The time allowed to us in the Spacelab Module was limited by the KSC Level III/II team, who agreed to do this on a non-interference basis and only after much discussion and negotiation. . . Spacelab locations that were evaluated for this light pulse operation were generally away from the LBNP [Lower Body Negative Pressure] and VFEU [Vestibular Function Experiment Units] activities which were ongoing during our test opportunity.

The entire test was photo documented (by Stefan Rosner) using the digital camera and should allow the project and Dr. Fuller to select an appropriate location for the light pulse flight activity.

The equipment used for the light intensity measurements and spectral analysis was provided and operated by Neil Yorio of the Dynamac Corporation located at Hangar L. These folks are experts in the analysis of light as part of the Plant Space Biology and Advanced Life Support Projects.

The equipment provided by Neil included a Quantum Sensor for photon-to-lux measurement and a Spectroradiometer for spectral analysis. A data sheet was used to record photon/lux measurements, while data from the Spectroradiometer will be downloaded and provide to us in the near future.

The following Spacelab locations were evaluated and found to provide light intensity levels acceptable (275-325 lux) for the E-132 experiment as described in the test requirements.

Placement of the GPTU for the locations listed above included centering the GPTU under the Spacelab Light, to the extent possible, given that the Spacelab handrails prevented complete centering.

Spacelab locations that did not appear acceptable, and that were tested, included L8B and all overhead locker locations. Locker L8B is not desirable due to possible interference of GPTU sock and the adjacent LSLE refrigerator freezer fan operation. All overhead locker locations have light obstructions that would yield lux values slightly above 100 lux.

It is important to note that other Spacelab Locker locations may be acceptable beyond those listed above. If the described locations are found to be not suitable due to operational or other constraints, then addtional testing would need to occur in the spacelab at a later date (in the OPF). For planning purposes, if this test is repeated, two to four hours should be allotted with three personnel supporting the test and in the Spacelab Module.

One G handling constraints made it difficult to maintain the Animal Holding Box above the Rodent RAHF Cage. Note: this problem may not be isolated to 1G as much room in the GPTU sock allows for the Animal Holding Box to slide to the side of the RAHF Cage.

Measurements were taken with and without the RAHF cage underneath the Animal Holding Box with no appreciable difference in light readings between the two test configurations. Light measurements given above were performed with the Animal Holding Box configured within the GPTU and Quantum Sensor Probe configured at 90 degrees away from the GPTU door. The Animal Holding Box was maintained during measurements in close proximity to the GPTU door as would be the case in the Zero G configuration.

Well, as you might be thinking, a picture here will be worth a thousand words. I would estimate that the digital photos and spectral analysis will be available by week's end.

To perform this test I wanted to point out that I had great support from Stefan (as usual) who photo documented and also participated in the test and Neil Yorio who dropped everything he was doing to meet the very narrow window of opportunity that KSC Level III/II management team provided to us. Neil and I played on the same softball team a few years ago when I worked at KSC on the Life Sciences Support Contract. It sure helps to stay in touch with old friends and colleagues! Thanks again Neil!