The GLACIER is a cryogenic freezer/ refrigerator system that provides a generic interface to accommodate multiple biological sample types and volumes that require thermal control between ‑160^oC and +4^oC while on the International Space Station (ISS). Originally designed for transport onboard the Space Shuttle, the GLACIER will now be transported to/from the ISS installed in SpaceX's Dragon capsule. With the limited resources provided within the Dragon, GLACIER is capable of providing thermal control between -95^oC and + 4^oC. GLACIER may alternatively fly unpowered and soft-stowed inside Orbital's Cygnus vehicle or JAXA's HTV. There are 6 GLACIERS available for flight use, with 2 more GLACIERS currently under construction. The two new GLACIERS are expected to be available for flight in December 2012.

When not in transit to/from the ISS, GLACIER will operate within the EXPRESS Rack onboard the ISS. When installed in the EXPRESS Rack, GLACIER communicated with the Rack Interface Controller (RIC) to receive operational commands from and provide telemetry to the ground systems. The resources provided by the EXPRESS Rack also allow for operation across GLACIER's full thermal control range.

GLACIER can accomodate up to 36 lbs. of sample mass in two different configurations. The first configuration consists of four sample trays for smaller sample sizes. The second configuration consists of two larger trays which are designed to store experimental samples too large to fit in trays in the first configuration.
 
For more information, visit GLACIER Fact Sheet or contact GLACIER Project Manager, Rob Rouleau
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