Experiment

JAXA PCG (Third Session) Completed

* All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)

The third session of the High Quality Protein Crystallization (JAXA PCG), which has been performed using the Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF) in Kibo, was successfully completed.

Experiment samples were launched to the ISS aboard the Russian Progress (39P) cargo spacecraft at 7:22 p.m. on September 10, 2010. The experiment was performed over the past two months after the samples were delivered to the ISS. The session was completed at 1:05 a.m. on November 26, 2010.

After the in-flight experiment, the samples were returned to the ground aboard the Soyuz TMA-19 (23S). and returned to Japan on November 29, 2010.

In the past, JAXA performed 11 protein crystal growth experiments aboard the ISS collaborating with Russian Federal Space Agency (2 experiments were performed in the Kibo's facility and 9 experiments were performed in the Russian ISS module).

During the experiment, 96 samples (48 different proteins) were grown in the PCRF Cell Units (using two cell cartridges.) Proteins to be used for creation of drugs for Malaria, Influenza, and or muscle dystrophy, proteins to be used for biofuel development, and proteins which dissolve nylon products, are also included in the samples. Russian, Malaysian research groups, as well as Japanese research groups, are participating in the experiment.

High Quality Protein Crystallization (JAXA PCG)

*All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)