Apparatus and method for conducting experiments and performing processes in a microgravity environment

An apparatus for the containment of experiments in microgravity environments comprising

• (a) a hollow canister of a length and diameter to accommodate a microgravity-environment assembly wherein microgravity experiments or other chemical reactions or processes can take place in a microgravity environment, said canister having a bottom end and a top end and having at least one endcap at either the bottom or top of said canister for enclosing said microgravity-environment assembly, said endcap having a first o-ring capable of sealing against the canister wall when inserted into said canister to provide a first level of containment of the contents of said canister;
• (b) at least one assembly for performing said experiments in a microgravity environment disposed in said canister between said bottom end and said top end;
• and
• (c) a second o-ring disposed in at least one end of said canister containing an endcap, said second o-ring capable of sealing against said endcap by compression so as to provide a second level of containment of the contents of said canister.

An apparatus for the containment of a microgravity-environment assembly in which a microgravity experiment or other chemical or physical reaction or process can be carried out in a microgravity environment comprising:

• (a) an elongate hollow cylinder capable of housing at least one microgravity-environment assembly, said cylinder having a bottom end and a top end;
• (b) at least one endcap disposed at either the bottom or top of said cylinder to provide a sealable and removable closure for the interior of said cylinder, said endcap having an o-ring for sealing against the cylinder wall to establish a first level of containment for the interior of said cylinder, and said endcap capable of activating at least one microgravity-environment assembly housed in the interior of said cylinder;
• (c) at least one actuator plate in direct or indirect contact with said endcap and disposed adjacent to said microgravity-environment assembly such that said actuator plate is capable of actuating said assembly when said endcap is removed from said cylinder.
• (d) at least one microgravity-environment assembly in which microgravity experiments or other chemical or physical reactions or processes can be carried out in a microgravity environment, said assembly disposed between said bottom end and said top end of said cylinder;
• and
• (e) an additional o-ring disposed in at least one end of said cylinder which contains said endcap, said additional o-ring being capable of providing an additional seal against the endcap by compression so as to provide a second layer of containment for the interior of the cylinder.