Portable Science Enclosure Features Unique Innovations

Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX

An illustration shows prototype enclosure for ISS-rack installation. (Image: NASA)

Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have designed a science enclosure system for science experiments conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS). It allows users the ability to safely manipulate objects of study within the transparent enclosure by utilizing protective boundary layer innovations whose designs may be transferable to other containment systems. The science enclosure system can support experiments that would require Biosafety Level (BSL) 2 containment.

The enclosure employs a ventilation system that provides laminar flow throughout its interior with low electrical draw. It has a compact, low-profile, rectangular design that allows it to be easily stowed and transported. It features glove ports that interface with novel fasteners to facilitate the simple attachment of glove and seal assemblies or pass-through ports.

In the development of this technology for the ISS, engineers had to pay careful attention to electrical draw efficiency, ease-of-use, mass reduction, production cost, and safety, as conducting scientific research under spacecraft stressors is an important requirement.

To create a controlled environment within the science enclosure, engineers designed a ventilation system incorporating an external fan/blower that pulls air across a HEPA filter and diffuses it in a manner that creates an even laminar flow within the enclosure before exiting through the exhaust filter. The glove seal forms an airtight and liquid impervious seal.

This novel design also allows the user flexibility to choose their own task-specific glove material, facilitates easy tool-free assembly and quick glove changes, and may be transferable to other types of enclosures. Another key feature is that a through-port can be quickly fitted to an empty glove port.

Due to the science enclosure system intended application aboard the ISS, its electrical draw does not exceed 24V, thereby making it feasible to power it from a battery for terrestrial field use or other applications where accessing power is a challenge. The combination of its performance, portability, BSL 2 capability, and inexpensive production costs could position the science enclosure system and accompanying innovations to be valuable in the fields of education, research, clean rooms, hospitals, and disaster relief efforts.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact NASA’s Licensing Concierge at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call at 202-358-7432 to initiate licensing discussions. For more information, visit here .