Summary of Operational Capabilities

The Biological Research In Canisters-Light Emitting Diode (BRIC-LED) hardware is a specialized container which provides illumination and fixation for small specimen samples.

The canister is anodized-aluminum and will provide one level of containment to its contents. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) placed inside the canister deliver a specified light wavelength and intensity to each petri dish location within the canister. An interface box provides power to the canisters using an external power source. A complement set of hardware, the Petri Dish Fixation Unit (PDFU) is a specialized holder for a standard 60 mm petri dish which delivers fixative to the sample within the petri dish. The PDFU is inserted into the BRIC-LED.

Each BRIC-LED can house six (6) PDFUs.

The physical dimensions are 6.8 inches long x 3.5 inches wide x 3.75 inches high. Total weight is 4 lbs. Electrical requirements are 6 watts.

See line drawing of BRIC-LED.

Usage

The BRIC-LED has flown on the following payloads:

Mission	Payload (Experiment)
STS-107	BRIC-14
STS-87	CUE (SPM-A)
STS-87	CUE (SPM-B)

Specimens of Ceratodon (moss) have flown in the BRIC-LED.

Technical Details

The lid of each BRIC-LED is secured using ten screws, and includes a silicone gasket to provide a seal between the lid and the base. Six holes are present in the lid of the BRIC-LED for insertion of a PDFU ‘actuator’ attachment which allows fixation of the specimens. Each of the holes is sealed using a silicone septum.

The lid of each BRIC-LED also houses a circuit board which contains red surface mount LEDs (6 per BRIC) for specimen illumination; switches (6 per BRIC) for controlling on/off status of red LEDs; and green surface mount LEDs (6 per BRIC) for verification of the on/off status of the red LEDs. Each red LED is located on the bottom of the circuit board, with a corresponding green LED located on top of the lid. The green LEDs provide the crew with a method of verifying red LED illumination/operations. Each red LED provides a wavelength of 640-660 nm red light to the samples located inside the canister via a Pyrex light pipe. The switches are located on the top of the circuit board to switch the LEDs on or off at the appropriate time. An additional orange LED is located on top of the circuit board to indicate that power is being properly supplied to the canister’s circuitry.

A custom stowage tray is used to house the BRIC-LED canisters and power distribution box. The dimensions are identical to a standard single stowage tray. The tray is made of anodized aluminum and contains a power connector to allow Orbiter power connection to the locker before flight. An enclosed fan prevents samples from reaching extreme temperatures.