PROMISS experiment is a part of the science research activities to be performed aboard the ISS RS by Frank de Winne, ESA astronaut of Belgian nationality in the frame of the ODISSEA Project. The European Space Agency and Belgian Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs (OSTC) are customers of the preparation and implementation of the scientific program.

USED SCIENCE HARDWARE:

• Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG)
  in the Destiny Laboratory

• PROMISS Experiment box

• PROMISS Wheel Kit
  Including a wheel with 6 reactors with samples of protein solutions
• PROMISS Kit 1
  Including camera clamp, microdrives and harnesses

PURPOSE:

Study of protein growth processes in microgravity conditions by using a counter-diffusion crystallisation technique.

OBJECTIVES:

• Measurement of the parameters of the growing protein crystals
  
• Measurement of the composition changes (depletion zone) of liquid around the growing protein crystals
  
• Use of a holographic microscope for optical investigation of crystal growth mechanisms in microgravity conditions
  
• Detailed analysis and a quantitative interpretation of the relationship between the quality of the obtained crystals and the environment in which they are produced by the method of digital holography.

EXPERIMENT RESULTS:

Grown protein crystals (6) located in PROMISS Wheel, as well as videotapes (7) and PCMCIA card (PROMISS Kit 2).