Fluid Science Laboratory (FSL)

The FSL is a multi-user facility for conducting fluid physics research in microgravity conditions. It can be operated in fully- or in semi-automatic mode and can be controlled on-board by the ISS astronauts, or from the ground in the so-called telescience mode.

The FSL is integrated in an International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR). Its design is modular, based on the use of drawer elements. This facilitates the removal and transport of FSL components, whether it's to upgrade them, or to repair defective parts.

The main FSL components are:

Facility Core Elemement (FCE) comprising:

• Optical Diagnostics Module (ODM)
• Central Experiment Module (CEM), housing the
• Experiment Container (EC)
• Front Mounted Cameras (FMC's)
• Microgravity Vibration Isolation Subsystem (MVIS)

Master Control and Laptop unit (MCU and LTU)

Video Management Unit (VMU)

Support subsystems/ equipment

• Power Control unit (PCU)
• Thermal Enviromental Control Subsystem (TECS), including Avionics Air Assembly (AAA) with Smoke Detector and Secondary Water Loop Assembly (SWLA)
• Flight Support Equipment (FSE) (e.g Optical Reference Targets)
• Stowage Container
• Work Bench
• Fire Detection and Supression panel (FDSP)
• Rack Maintenance Switch (RMSA)

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