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Astronauts used this Thermal Enclosure System-Crystal Observation System (TES-COS) for protein crystal growth experiments on the Space Shuttle. The surrounding Thermal Enclosure System controlled the temperature for the experiment chambers inside. An internal video camera (COS) permitted observation of crystal growth in each of six chambers, so researchers could determine which conditions and solution concentrations were best for promoting the growth of a particular protein crystal. Better understanding of proteins is important for medical, drug, and agricultural research.

The technical team who developed this equipment gave it to the Museum in 2012 when they began using a newer, more capable version.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type EQUIPMENT-Scientific Devices Manufacturer University of Alabama at Birmingham, Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering
 Dimensions 3-D: 45.7 × 53.3 × 55.9cm (1 ft. 6 in. × 1 ft. 9 in. × 1 ft. 10 in.)
 Materials Aluminum Alloys
Non-Magnetic White Metals
Copper Alloy
Ferrous Alloy
Glass
Plastics
Adhesive
Velcro
Paper
Inks
 Inventory Number A20120272000 Credit Line Gift of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Center for Biological Sciences and Engineering Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.