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Sciences

Get Away Special (GAS) Containers

Get Away Special Cans are self-contained payloads which offer scientists an affordable means of placing experiments in orbit because they require very little astronaut intervention.

Installed in the cargo bay, the canisters are accommodated on a space-available basis. The experiments run on power and software built into the experimental apparatus. Each experiment must be equipped with its own electrical power (usually batteries), heating, and data handling facilities. Some experiments developed by the Microgravity Sciences Program, such as MIRROR and ACTORS, flew in GAS containers.

During the International Space Station assembly sequence, flight opportunities for GAS can experiments will be substantially reduced. NASA’s revised GAS policy concerning the use of the space shuttle became effective September 17, 2001. The new policy relates that space shuttle flights will be, in majority, reserved for the ISS assembly. For example, no GAS flight opportunities are available in 2002. GAS experiments approved by NASA before the inception of the new policy will take priority, although even these experiments can expect to face delays associated with ISS assembly.

Space agencies are now looking for other microgravity flight opportunities. As is the case for the SCCO experiments, developed by the European Space Agency in collaboration with the CSA. A flight opportunity was obtained onboard a Russian Foton rocket in October 2002.

 

GAS Cans for ACTORS experiments (click to enlarge).