Expedite the Processing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Racks Results

Results

EXPRESS
Rack 5, which was delivered to Station during mission 7A.1, underwent
system checks on April 4, 2002. It will not receive its first payloads
until Increment 7, but can now be used as an emergency backup rack for
EXPRESS Rack 4. EXPRESS Rack 5 will remain powered down until it is needed.

An
accidental computer shutdown on Monday, February 4, temporarily interrupted
the Station’s attitude control, which keeps the solar arrays that generate
the Station’s power pointed toward the sun. To avoid a drain on the power
systems, payloads and many other noncritical systems were shut down. The
crew and Mission Control team responded quickly, and within 6 hours, power
was restored to EXPRESS Rack 4, which houses payloads that are the most
power sensitive. Nominal Station operations were restored within 24 hours.

EXPRESS
Rack 2 was shut down on September 13, 2001, so it could receive new software
to correct a reboot problem with the rack’s computer. The rack was powered-up
again a few days later, and the new software appears to have solved the
problem. Since then, the active racks (racks 1, 2, and 4) have received
updated software to prevent any other reboot problems.

The
EXPRESS Program is a proven way to streamline the process of getting payloads
to space.  Suitcase Simulators allow payload developers to design
and test payload function at their home institutions.  Uniform interfaces
ensure that payloads developed anywhere in the world will be ready for
integration into the racks when they are delivered to NASA, without need
for time- and money-consuming refitting.

Applications

By housing
and supporting experiments, EXPRESS racks play a large role in the development
of the ISS as a laboratory capable of impacting life on Earth.  Experiments
housed in EXPRESS Racks may lead to enhanced medical care, more powerful
electronics, or new building materials.  EXPRESS racks also provide
important space for experiments that will help scientists conduct research
that will ensure crew health and safety, as well as mission success, onboard
the ISS and on future, long-duration mission. By reducing the time, complexity,
and expense traditionally associated with on-orbit research, EXPRESS racks
will also allow universities and industry greater access to inexpensive,
efficient space research facilities.

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