Animal Enclosure Module

The Animal Enclosure Module (AEM) is a self-contained habitat to investigate the influence of microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. on rodent physiology and anatomy. Research conducted using AEM is analogous to the human research program, which aims to extend human presence safely beyond low Earth orbit(Abbreviation: LEO) The orbit around the Earth that extends up to an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) from Earth’s surface. The International Space Station’s orbit is in LEO, at an altitude of approximately 250 miles.. The AEM hardware is maintained at the Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California by NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The AEM provides its occupants with a living space, food, water, ventilation, and lighting. It contains an internal waste management system that isolates the rodents form their waste and ensures the waste and food crumbs do not escape into the open middeck, where the crew lives.

The AEM-T can support up to 20 adult mice or 5 adult rats for up to 10 days. It is comprised of a stainless-steel cage, fans, a filter system, lamps, food bars, and a water box. The dimensions of AEM are 24.5 cm x 43.69 cm x 51.05 cm, and it weighs approximately 27.2 kg (including food, water, and rodents). The AEM requires a minimum power of 35.5 W. It can be divided into two separate animal holding areas using a removable plate.

The AEM-X is similar in design but can only hold 10 adult mice and is slightly heavier to accommodate telemetry collection for environmental data. AEM-X also has a camera monitoring system and a larger water box (for 30-day duration) with plumping for refills.