The centerpiece of research on the International Space Station, the U.S. Laboratory Destiny will support experiments and studies that may lead to cures for cancer and diabetes.
Destiny is the primary research laboratory for U.S. payloads. It will support experiments in microgravity research, human life science, fundamental biology and ecology, Earth observations, space science and commercial applications. By Flight 5A.1 (STS-102), the Destiny will support Earth photography and the Human Research Facility in which radiation measurements, psychological evaluations, and neural response experiments will be conducted. On Flight 6A, to expedite the processing of payloads to Space Station, racks containing microgravity and commercial payloads will be added to the Lab.
In 2002, shuttle flights will deliver the Minus Eighty Laboratory Freezer for ISS, Microgravity Science Glovebox and Window Observational Research Facility. Eventually, Destiny will house up to 13 payload racks with experiments in human life science, materials research, Earth observations and commercial applications. The results of these experiments will allow scientists to better understand our world and ourselves and prepare us for future missions, perhaps to the Moon and Mars.
Destiny will be joined by laboratory modules sponsored by the National Space Development Agency of Japan, European Space Agency and Rosaviakosmos.
|
