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This paper shows the results obtained after the development of the thermal insulation concept described in [1] and used for freezers and coolers in manned spacecraft submitted to micro-gravity environment. The use of foam walls for space refrigerators have some disadvantages: mass, flammability and toxicity. The BIOLAB (European Biology Laboratory of board International Space Station, ISS) facility is equipped with two thermal conditioning units (TCU) whose housing consist of hollow carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) walls. This technology reduces the mass of each one by 20%, and the development cost, when compared with foam wall insulation (4Kg over a total of 20Kg). This paper describes the design of the hollow solution and presents the results of the analysis and test that were done. The test and analysis protocol used to validate the finite element model (FEM) and the simulation of the performances on orbit is presented as well.

This document describes a Thermal Conditioning Unit (TCU) concept that can be used to keep samples at any selected temperature between -20 °C and 50 °C in space environment. The adaptation to the two mission scenarios (Biorack in Spacelab IML-2 and MIR station) where the concept has been used is described, providing design solutions, performances and test results. Proposals for new future configurations are also presented. Safety and reliability aspects are assessed.

This work was to provide the European Space Agency (ESA) with technical and architectural guide-lines for the eventual building of a Closed Ecological System Test Bed. This work had three successive targets. The first target has been the definition of the general objectives and the specific requirements for a closed ecological system test bed. It shall have the appropriate flexibility which will enable the users to perform separately and/or in parallel, multiple tasks. Indeed, some biological life support units may also be investigated as specific support to the currently on-going European manned space projects. In addition, some concepts for the test bed have been defined taking into account the rather contractory needs for a sealed structure and for structural and functional flexibility. One of them has been the subject of a preliminary architectural definition which is presented with some detail.