The Glovebox Technology Centre (GTC) is a supporting centre in Europe for the promotion of and active support to scientists and industry for the gloveboxes aboard the International Space Station.

Via the GTC information and support to the researchers and users of all gloveboxes can be easily provided, simplifying the preparation of experiments and subsequent execution on the station.

• 
  Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG)

  Status: On-orbit since June 6, 2002

   
• 
  Biological Glovebox (BGB)

  Status: On-orbit since April 3, 2008

   
• 
  Portable Glovebox (PGB)

  Status: On-orbit since June 24, 2006.

   

Basic Principles of Glovebox Technology

The principle of a laboratory Glovebox system, designed for use in space, is to provide a double containment for safety, meaning: the closed structure is the first level of containment, the second level of containment is the negative pressure. The Work Volume operates at an under pressure of 1.3 to 7 mbar nominal, relative to cabin air pressure while assuring that all polluted air coming from an experiment passes through filters even in the case of a leak in the Work Volume. Filter Banks, each with their own fan, take care of this task. The Glovebox systems have several operating modes: Normal Mode, Manual mode, Open Mode, Sealed Mode and Donning Mode.