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Discovery To Bring "Plug and Play" Micro-Lab To ISS

astroengine writes "In an effort to standardize the way we do microgravity experiments, a Kentucky-based non-profit organization has developed the 'CubeLab' (a modular, miniature laboratory) that can be plugged into a rack of 15 other CubeLabs. The first set of micro-labs will be carried to the space station by the shuttle Discovery on Monday morning's launch. The CubeLab's small design allows it to be easily shipped to and from the space station, providing a faster pace of experimentation. Also, its 'plug and play' interface means installation is a breeze. Even better is the fact the CubeLabs are developed by Kentucky students, university researchers and enthusiasts. Now they've teamed up with the Houston-based NanoRacks LLC; could this be the future of space research collaboration?"

2 of 43 comments (clear)

  1. Interesting... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Looks like MS has done some amazing things with Internet Information Systems... it's a shame really. This stuff seems like it's work better on the International Space Station. Oh well!

  2. Re:Why the tortoise loses in real life by cyber-vandal · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Yes it's amazing how private enterprise, only 50 years after NASA first put someone in space has managed to build a spaceship that hasn't actually put anyone in space yet. Hooray for the free market!