Kubik

Managed By: ESA (European Space Agency)

Implementation Partner: ESA (European Space Agency)

Hardware Details

Specifications:

Two versions: Amber (centrifuge insert) and Topaz (no centrifuge)
External dimension: 366 mm X 366 mm X 366 mm
Internal dimension: 260 mm X 260 mm X 138 mm
Amber holds 16 standard Type 1 containers (static) and 8 standard Type 1 containers on the Centrifuge
Topaz holds up to 40 standard Type 1 containers, all static
Temperature settings: +6 °C to +38 °C (in increments of 1 °C)
Gravity settings: 0.2 g to 2 g (in increments of 0.1 g)
No atmospheric control
No power connectors
No data, commanding, or video interfaces
Flown on Soyuz and ISS in the Russian Module
The insert design allows for an easy reconfiguration on orbit. Inserts include the following:

Centrifuge Insert (CI):

Settable acceleration between 0.2g to 2g in 0.1g increments
Accommodates either 16 standard size containers in static positions or 8 standard size containers and 4 extended containers
Accommodates 8 standard size or 8 extended containers
Three activation buses link the containers by a set of eight (one bus on the centrifuge; two separate buses on the static rack)
Activation bus is a 17-wire parallel bus that links the 8 ECs in a same groups, and provide power (5 V, ±12 V) to the ECs

Passive Insert (PI)

Provides a mechanical interface for standard and extended containers
Accommodates a total of 32 standard or 16 extended containers
Does not provide electrical power to ECs.
Kubik Interface Plate (KIP)
Consists of a plate that attaches to the mechanical and electrical connections in the interior of the Kubik incubator
Experiment-specific equipment then attaches to the KIP
Permits experiments that require more volume or complexity than can be provided in the standard / extended experiment cassettes in Kubik.
When the KIP is used in association with the Centrifuge eBox, it is able to provide power to the experiment (same voltage as Centrifuge Insert).

Rack Insert (RI):

Passive structure that accommodates standard sample vials, permitting controlled temperature of reagents or samples.