Abstract

The microgravity environment of a spacecraft in low Earth orbit has proved to be a useful tool for materials research because it allows processes to be carried out under better controlled and greatly simplified transport conditions. A brief historical overview is given describing how this discipline evolved from a plan for using space for manufacturing unique materials of great commercial value into one of utilizing it as a laboratory for studying the role of transport in various processes. Several case studies are presented in the areas of protein crystal growth, small-molecule crystal growth from solution, Bridgman growth, vapor growth, electrodeposition, and tests of fundamental theories. A number of these experiments have produced surprising and unexpected results, whereas others have suggested improved processing techniques for use on Earth.