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The ability to aseptically remove samples and products, and the capability for addition of materials to sterile or otherwise microbially susceptible systems have always been compromised by the lack of a reliable means of sterilizing the mating fixtures. Cultures of mammalian cells are particularly vulnerable to microbial contamination due to the complexity of nutrient media and the lengthy periods required for cell growth. The Microwave Sterilizable Access Port has been developed to overcome this limitation. The system consists of three primary components: a microwave power source, a combined sterilization chamber/in-line valve port assembly, and a specimen transfer interface. Microwave energy is transmitted via coaxial cable to a small pressurized chamber that serves as a sterile transition between the surrounding environment and the system during transfer of materials.

Long duration space flights will require an on-board clothes laundering facility to reduce the logistic requirement of resupplying clean clothing. The concept investigated and discussed in this paper addresses two major problems associated with all microgravity clothes laundering facilities to date: high energy consumption and two-phase air/water waste streams. Foam and air bubbles decrease the efficiency of pumps, storage vessels, and water reclamation systems. This problem was overcome by eliminating all air additions during the wash/rinse cycles. Energy consumption is minimized by use of microwave energy for drying.