LAB MODULES AND HABITATION RACKS

Space Station "Destiny Lab" Module & Racks - ISS experiment and lab modules mostly consist of replaceable “racks” that contain equipment, experiments, stowage, crew systems, and maintenance or operational systems. Contained within a partial module representation of the U.S. Laboratory, Japanese Experiment Module or European Space Agency Lab are several representative racks. These 6 particular module racks will have informational representations, demonstrations, or hands-on activities associated with them. Twelve other racks will be represented on the ceiling and floor of the module.

Rack 1 - An EXPRESS Rack mock-up contains several representative experiments including the Astroculture hydroponics plant growth chamber which is seen growing wheat. 

Rack 2 - The glovebox to be used on the ISS is seen in this rack. The glovebox is a donation from Marshall Space Flight Center.  Guests can place their hands in the gloves to manipulate a particle dispersion experiment that shows a simulation of particles moving on Earth and in space.

Rack 3 - A Biotechnology rack in which guests can look into a viewer to see crystals grown in space and on Earth.

Rack 4 - WORF the optical window on the ISS is mocked up on an overhead rack. WORF will be used for many different Earth observation activities and photography. Guests can “see” the Earth through the window as it passes beneath the ISS. (Technically this rack would be located in the floor, but design designated a forward location.)  An IMAX camera is mocked-up at the window.

Rack 5 - At an ISS computer station, guests can learn more about science aboard the ISS through the "Microgravity Explorer" software.. The computer is located at a Human Research Facility rack mock-up.

Rack 6 - A Combustion rack in which guests can look into a viewer to see flames generated in space and on Earth.

A Hydroponic unit with synthetic plants will be noticeable in the ceiling.  An Astroponics plant growing unit will travel with the exhibit to demonstrate hydroponic growing.

Our mannequin astronaut floating in the vertical "Destiny Lab" module over the Shuttle theater.

Medical Rack - It is important for crewmembers to keep fit and healthy on Earth as well as in space. A Medical Rack will have the equipment necessary to check all vital signs and maintain the health of the crewmembers. Guests can check their blood pressure with the industrial (automatic) blood pressure cuff, finger pulse unit, and use a strength gauge.

Treadmill - Guests can use a mock-up version of the treadmill to be used on ISS.

Recumbent Bicycle - Guests can exercise like crewmembers will on a  bicycle.

Coca-Cola in Space -  A Plexiglas cover encases a Coca-Cola beverage dispenser and Russian Coca-Cola cans that actually flew on the Space Shuttle and on the Mir space station.  Pictures of their actual use accompany the display.

Sleep Station - Guests can view a sleeping bag and look at some of the personal gear that crewmembers will take on board the ISS. An introduction to Crew Systems is made on the back of the Sleep Station rack.  Special supervised groups may get inside the sleeping bag.

Waste Management -The waste management facilities are shown with this ISS waste management representation. A description of hygiene in space and “how do you go to the bathroom in space?” is on the back of the rack.  Special supervised groups can actually go into the bathroom and look around.

Shower - Bathing is a whole different process in space. Guests will find out about the process in this climb-in shower with its unique vacuum. On the back of the rack is copy about the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS.)

Galley - Guests will see part of the station galley and some food menu items and utensils that will be used on ISS.

Notice: the ISS exhibit is subject to change at the discretion of Discovery Place, inc. Images are copyright protected and cannot be used without the written consent of MuseumWorx.