MSFC-PLAN-3155

Abstract

Purpose/Scope <br>The purpose of this plan is to specify the Observable Protein Crystal Growth Apparatus (OPCGA) Project's approach to implementing the MSFC Quality System as defined in MPD 1280.1, "Marshall Management Manual" and associated implementing documentation. This plan addresses the quality approach for OPCGA activities at MSFC as documented within the Contract Statement of Work (SoW), NAS8-00017 and MSFC-PLAN-2969, "OPCGA Project Plan". Applicable MSFC procedures and work instructions are referenced in MPD 1280.1 and are not repeated herein. Requirements invoked by MPD 1280.1 reference documents will be complied with. <br>This project is officially titled "Observable Protein Crystal Growth Apparatus". This investigation is being developed for the NASA Microgravity Research Program Office by the UCI. The purposes of the OPCGA are to (a) conduct liquid-liquid diffusion biological crystallization in space, b.) determine what differences exist that discriminates the process in microgravity from that on earth, and c.) optimize the liquid-liquid diffusion method of biological crystallization for crystals grown in microgravity. The primary objective of the OPCGA flight investigation is to observe the formation of stable depletion zones around growing macromolecular crystals in microgravity.