Experiment

JAXA PCG (Fourth Session) completed

All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)

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

Experiment samples were launched to the ISS aboard the Russian Progress (43P) cargo spacecraft on June 21, 2011. After the samples were delivered to the ISS, the experiment was performed over three months since June 24, 2011, Friday. The session was completed at 0:30 a.m. on September 16, 2011. After the in-flight experiment, the samples were returned to the ground aboard the Soyuz TMA-21 (26S) at 0:59 p.m. on September 16, 2011.

In the past, JAXA has performed 12 protein crystal growth experiments aboard the ISS, collaborating with Russian Federal Space Agency (3 experiments were performed in the Kibo's facility and 9 experiments were performed in the Russian ISS module).　During the fourth experiment, a total of 96 samples (58 different proteins) were grown in the PCRF Cell Units (using two cell cartridges.)

Taking advantage of Kibo's microgravity environment, the experiment aims to dedicate the creation of new medicines and the solution to environmental energy issues. For example, proteins which will lead to the creation of new medicines for muscle dystrophy and infectious diseases such as Malaria and Influenza, proteins to be used for biofuel development, and proteins which dissolve nylon products, are included in the samples. In addition to Japanese protein samples, Russian and Malaysian protein samples were also aboard as international cooperation.

See for more details of this experiment:

*All times are Japan Standard Time (JST)