Scanning probe microscopy for Bio & Nanotechnology onboard the ISS

Area of Science:

• Space science and engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Materials science

Background:

• Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) offers high-resolution surface analysis and nanoengineering capabilities.
• Existing SPM technology can be applied to diverse materials, including biological and organic substances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the technical feasibility of implementing Scanning Probe Microscopy for Bio & Nanotechnology onboard the ISS (SONOS).
• To demonstrate the operational capability of an SPM instrument in the unique space environment of the ISS.

Main Methods:

• Development and testing of a breadboard model for an ISS-based SPM instrument.
• Leveraging the design of a pocket-sized SPM developed at the Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU).

Main Results:

• The study focuses on the technical feasibility and potential applications of SPM in space.
• A breadboard model is being manufactured and tested to validate the concept.

Conclusions:

• The SONOS project aims to prove that SPM technology is viable for use on the ISS.
• Successful implementation could open new avenues for in-situ research in space.