NLR Develops Innovative Cooling System for Antimatter Experiment in ISS

AMSTERDAM, May 23, 2011 -

Four days after the Endeavour launch the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer
(AMS-02) has been successfully installed on the International Space Station
(ISS).

The 6700 kg Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) is a state-of-the-art
particle physics detector designed to operate as an external module on the
International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to
study the universe and its origin by searching for antimatter and dark matter

The Nationals Aerospace Laboratory (NLR) developed an important cooling
system for this instrument.

www.nlr.nl

The AMS-02 contains sensors that measure cosmic radiation and detect dark
matter or antimatter. The sensors should function well for at least ten years
and are maintained at a fixed temperature. To ensure equitable temperature
conditions, a highly advanced cooling system was developed based on two-stage
CO2 cooling. Nikhef initially developed the concept, with NLR further
developing and building the system.

The AMS-2 was on board the space shuttle Endeavour, which on 16 May was
launched for the last time for a flight to the ISS. AMS-02 was developed by a
team of some 500 scientists hailing from 56 scientific institutes in 16
countries.

Photo: The AMS02 in the shuttle is docked to ISS.

www.nikhef.nl/generalstorage/tt-news/nieuws/nieuws-item/article/
27-04-2011-nikhef-koelsysteem-de-ruimte-in/1

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www.ams02.org/

www.spaceflight101.com/launch-central.html

For more information: Please contact with Ingrid Leeuwangh, +31(0)6-1328-9669, Ingrid.Leeuwangh at nlr.nl .