View of MISSE on the Airlock taken during Expedition Three

iss003e5863 (9/22/2001) --- A view of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) on the Quest / Airlock taken during Expedition 3. MISSE-1 and 2 are a test bed for materials and coatings attached to the outside of the ISS is being evaluated for the effects of atomic oxygen, direct sunlight, and extremes of heat and cold. This experiment allows the development and testing of new materials to better withstand the rigors of space environments. Results will provide a better understanding of the durability of various materials when they are exposed to the space environment. Many of the materials may have applications in the design of future spacecraft.