JAXA High Quality Protein Crystallization Experiment in space environment

Paper number

IAC-09.A2.2.12

Author

Mr. Satoshi Sano, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Hiroaki Tanaka, National Defense Academy, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Masaru Sato, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Koji Inaka, Maruwa Food Industries, Inc., Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Shinichi Shinozaki, Japan Space Forum, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Sachiko Takahashi, Confocal Science, Japan

Coauthor

Ms. Erika Hirota, Japan Space Forum, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Bin Yan, Confocal Science, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Tai Nakamura, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Tomoyuki Kobayashi, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Tetsuo Tanaka, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Takahiro Fujii, MDA Corporation, Japan

Year

2009

Abstract

Protein crystallization experiment in space environment has been performed for more than 20 years. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has conducted protein crystallization experiment in International Space Station (ISS) since 2003. In this project, totally over 300 protein samples were launched by　Russian space transportation system and JAXA developed the technology to obtain the high quality crystals in space. JAXA also established user-friendly support service system for users to apply to the space experiment easily. 
Japanese experiment module “Kibo” (JEM) was assembled ISS in 2008 and now being used. JAXA will start new protein crystallization experiment “High Quality Protein Crystal Growth Experiment (JAXA PCG)” in JEM  from July, 2009. Six space experiment will be conducted in every six months. The protein samples will be transported by Russian Progress Spacecraft to the ISS in cooperation with Federal Space Agency (Russia) and will be placed in the Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF) in JEM for 2-4 months. 
The experimental opportunities will be provided for commercial users who want to get the results exclusively, for Japanese national project targeting the biological protein molecules to clarify diseases and life phenomenon, for JAXA strategic mission to get results through the space experiment and for technical development to crystallize membrane protein and protein-ligand complex. Our goal is to contribute to yielding results which meet the social requirements.

Abstract document

IAC-09.A2.2.12.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-09.A2.2.12.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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