The Protein Crystallization Facility (PCF) for EURECA

Research on the structure of molecules by X-ray diffraction analysis requires large single crystals. However, the dynamic behavior of proteins caused by their high molecular weight prevents the growth of large single crystals if this process is disturbed by thermal convection. For example, protein single crystals grown under terrestrial (1 g) conditions are limited to dimensions in the order of 0.1 mm, whereas the size of crystals, grown under (quasi) space conditions has been 5 times larger (pilot experiment CRYOSTAT, Spacelab). Under EURECA conditions (e.g. no microgravity disturbances), the result in regularity of crystal growth and size is expected to be much better. In this paper an overview is given of the protein crystallization facility which includes Experiment-, Service- and Secondary Cooling Module, and its interfaces to the EURECA Carrier. At the end, there will be presented a short mission profile concerning cooling-, power- and data exchange requirements.