OREANDA-NEWS. March 18, 2009. Joint Russian-Japanese experiment on protein crystal growth in microgravity has been discussed in TsNIIMash and Shubnikov Crystallography Institute of RAS.

The experiment is to be carried out on-board the International Space Station in 2009-2012, with 2-4 months for each session. The equipment to be delivered by Russian Progress cargo vehicle, will be accomodated in the Japanese Kibo module.

Similar experiments were conducted by Russian and Japanese scientists in the ISS in the past. The objective of JAXA PCG experiment is to obtain high-quality protein crystals in microgravity, as well as to get more precise 3D-structure of a protein molecula. Further on, the results of the experiment can be applied in the industry and in pharmaceutics.