Space Shuttle G-200 Biological Experiment This Project was submitted to Parallax by Matt Droter We conducted an experiment using the Parallax BASIC Stamp® 2 controller to test the effect of micro gravity on the growth of slime mould (Dictyostelium discoideum). This experiment was flown in a NASA - Get Away Special canister (G-200) on board the Space Shuttle Endeavor, STS-77. The experiments are placed in individual "cans" and placed on a bridge.  The purpose of this experiment was three fold. First we would like to establish the ability to conduct active biological research in a GAS can. Second to ascertain whether micro-gravity would have an effect on the proliferation and morpho genesis of D. discoideum. Lastly, present research has documented slight changes in the height of the fruiting body due to gravity in simulated micro-gravity. We would like to compare the results their research with true micro-gravity. A mission specialist turned on the main power in space. Then the payload controller (BASIC Stamp 2 module) was used to run the experiment. The payload controller also collected and store data from the experiment. The main circuit board contained the controller, GAS can temperature, and +5 volt power supply. In flight measurements consisted of temperature, time of growth, and battery voltage. Temperature was measured with a thermistor embedded into the growth chamber wall. The controller clock was used to measure the time the experiment was running. De-Integration at NASA Results of the experiment showed that it functioned as expected, but that the power ran out about 18 hours into the experiment. This was not long enough for mature fruiting bodies to develop. Although growth was not achieved the rest of the experiment was a success. This is an in flight photo of STS-77's GAS Bridge.