A Simple, Robust Lightweight Microscopy and Sample Processing System for Scientific and Commercial Research on ISS

A light-weight, user-friendly, algorithmically or remotely controlled microscope, not purchased from a microscope company, coupled to fluid sample processing and sample changing systems is proposed. It is an easy-access light microscope consisting of a novel illuminator-condenser with no moving parts, a sample-processing remotely controlled translating stage using hollow slides, a high-definition color video camera, including multiparameter image processing and analysis. This system will be especially useful when the U. S. Light Microscopy Module on ISS is out of service in 2017-2018. In phase I research Techshot will produce a functioning laboratory prototype of this system by meeting the following technical objectives (1) Determine the detailed requirements of identified ISS microscopy users and implement these requirements in a design, (2) Build a laboratory prototype of the microscopy system installed in an EXPRESS locker insert, and (3) Operate the laboratory prototype for at least three ISS user experimenters. The tested prototype will serve as the basis for Phase II research, in which a version designed for space flight will be built and tested.