HUNTSVILLE, AL - October 21, 2016 - The recent October 17th launch of NASA flight OA-5 included space flight hardware developed and integrated in Huntsville, AL by Teledyne Brown Engineering. The hardware, called the Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampules, or SUBSA, was one of the first materials science experiments on the ISS in 2002 and was operated inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox which is also operated and maintained by Teledyne Brown Engineering. The company has since refurbished the SUBSA hardware for NASA which was delivered to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas one month ahead of schedule in September.
“This effort is a prime example of the work we are doing to support commercialization in space and on the ISS platform,” states Jan Hess, President of Teledyne Brown Engineering. “The approach taken on this delivery order has allowed us to improve upon the efficiencies of the ISS payload integration process. This experiment could enable a multitude of technological advances that otherwise would not be possible here on Earth.”
SUBSA is a microgravity furnace that can process science ampoules at precision controlled temperatures up to 850°C. The hardware supports HD video observations into its transparent gradient zone when using quartz ampoules. It is designed for gradient freeze processing of solidification experiments, and it can also process vapor deposition experiments. The Microgravity Science Glovebox’s sealed work environment is ideal for the SUBSA furnace that will be used to process semiconductor crystals. Astronauts can change out samples and manipulate the experiment using gloves that reach inside the sealed box. Semiconductor crystals are used in numerous products and are found in many electronic devices such as computer chips, sensors for medical imaging equipment and radiation detection. This effort will help materials scientists improve upon existing semiconductor crystals and further reduce the size of high-tech devices.
About Teledyne Brown Engineering
Teledyne Brown Engineering is an industry leader in full-spectrum engineering and advanced manufacturing solutions for harsh environments in the space, defense, energy, and marine industries. For over six decades the company has successfully delivered innovative systems, integration, operations and technology development worldwide. For more information about Teledyne Brown Engineering visit: www.tbe.com
About Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) is a leading provider of sophisticated instrumentation, digital imaging products and software, aerospace and defense electronics and engineered systems. Teledyne Technologies has multiple operations in the United States and worldwide. More information about Teledyne Technologies can be found at www.teledyne.com
