RIBES is a payload concept that allows the execution of experiments in the areas of life science and physical science on board free flyer capsules and space stations. Its characteristics are flexibility, modularity and multidisciplinarity.
A RIBES precursor payload, made of a single BIOKON accommodating the two different experiments FOAM2 and DIASPACE2, has been flown on the Russian BION-M1 capsule in April 2013.
FOAM2 is an experiment on shape memory epoxy foams to evaluate the feasibility of their use for building multi-functional composite structures. The experiment simulates the actuation of simple devices in micro-gravity conditions, where three different configurations (loaded and unloaded compression, bending) are chosen during the memory step of the foams so as to produce their recovery on board.
DIASPACE2 is an experiment using polycrystalline diamond films as dosimeters for space applications. The capability of diamond films to detect low doses has been demonstrated down to the mGys range.
RIBES is equipped with a battery pack to provide the necessary heating for shape recovery, data acquisition of sensors and image acquisition of the foam recovery phases.