A small and powerful lab device, similar in size to a cellphone, has recently made its way to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission. Known as a microplate reader, this off-the-shelf equipment will play a crucial role in conducting essential biological research in space, providing real-time access to valuable data.
This initiative is one of many under NASA’s Commercially Enabled Rapid Space Science (CERISS) program, which collaborates with industry partners to develop groundbreaking research capabilities and enhance the efficiency of space science endeavors. Spearheaded by NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division, this demonstration embodies the agency’s commitment to advancing scientific understanding through innovative technologies.
One significant advantage of utilizing a microplate reader in space research is its speed. By obtaining data immediately upon completion of testing, scientists can bypass the lengthy process of storing samples, sending them back to Earth, and analyzing them in terrestrial labs. This on-site analysis capability has the potential to minimize delays, complications, and expenses associated with sample return missions. Traditional microplate readers used on the ground are typically bulkier, sometimes exceeding the size of a microwave. However, NASA’s experiments will utilize a compact version of this device, allowing for efficient data collection and analysis in the unique environment of space.
Original Source: NASA Small Lab Device