Multi-purpose variable-gravity platform the MVP is designed primarily for life and microgravity sciences research on the international space station (ISS). IT accommodates multiple experiment…

Redwire Space Technologies, Inc., a Greenville, Indiana-based space research contractor, was awarded a $3.97 million firm fixed-price delivery order by NASA's Johnson Space Center under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase III Action. The contract, awarded July 27, 2015, with completion targeted for December 31, 2025, supports the development and operation of the Multi-Purpose Variable-Gravity Platform (MVP), an experimental facility designed for life and microgravity sciences research aboard the International Space Station. The MVP accommodates multiple experiment modules with dual containment levels and standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces that can be accessed on-orbit or controlled remotely. The facility features two independently controlled centrifuges and environmental controls including heating, cooling, humidity regulation, carbon dioxide and ethylene scrubbing, and video observation capabilities.

The MVP facility will be transported to the ISS via commercial launch vehicles such as SpaceX Dragon and soft-stowed in foam-lined cargo transfer bags for launch. Once operational from an express rack location on the station, the platform will support diverse research applications including cell culture, Drosophila studies, aquatics, plants, algae, invertebrate organisms, and protein crystal growth. Experiment-specific specimen containers will be transported to orbit for each investigation and returned to Earth upon completion, while the MVP facility remains permanently on the ISS. Redwire will provide integrated services including sample loading and unloading support for investigators pre- and post-flight. This contract award reflects NASA's commitment to enabling advanced microgravity research capabilities through commercial partnerships with established space technology innovators.

Multi-purpose variable-gravity platform the MVP is designed primarily for life and microgravity sciences research on the international space station (ISS). IT accommodates multiple experiment modules which provides 2-levels of containment with standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces which may be accessed on orbit or controlled remotely or via a pre-programmed timeline. The potential uses of the MVP are numerous such as cell culture, drosophila, aquatics, plants, algae, invertebrate organisms and protein crystal growth. The MVP offers two independently controlled centrifuges as well as heating, cooling, humidity control, CO2 scrub, ethylene scrub and video observation. The MVP facility will be transported to ISS in a common launch carrier, such as the spacex dragon vehicle. The facility will be soft stowed in foam lined cargo transfer bag for launch. The MVP facility will be operated from an express rack location. For experiment operations, the unique specimen containers will be transported to ISS for each specific research investigation. After the scientific objectives are complete, the unique specimen containers will then be transported back to earth while the MVP facility remains on orbit. Modules will be transported back per standard return vehicle processes. Techshot shall provide a service for the investigator for experiment samples loading and unloading pre/post flight.