Advanced Technologies and Technical Solutions in the Design of the ESA Freezer for ISS

The Space Station utilization will require new types of refrigeration facilities to adequately protect the scientific materials over the long on-orbit time in between the logistic missions. Storage temperature lower than the -20°C, sufficient for the STS type missions duration, is needed. Among the standard Laboratory Support Equipment which will outfit the Station, a -80°C freezer will be implemented. This freezer is now under development in the ESA industry and from 1999 onwards will be part of the Station infrastructure.