The light microscopy module: an autonomous, multifunction, space-borne microscope

Summary form only given. A microscope has been developed for use on the International Space Station (ISS) to perform materials research in a microgravity environment. Constraints on astronaut crew time allotted to various experiments on the ISS forces the microscope to operate autonomously. Currently, the microscope offers the following imaging techniques: brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, and differential interference contrast. In addition, spectrophotometry interferometry, confocal microscopy, and laser tweezers capabilities are being added to the microscope. KC-135 reduced gravity flight tests have been performed on a few critical subsystems.