You can design and perform experiments in microgravity... and I do mean you, whether you're a student, research scientist, or an armchair scientist who has a great idea for a research project. The International Space Station is now able to support full-time scientific research. Who does this research? Pretty much anyone who can design a significant experiment. If you're interested, I can explain the steps and options for submitting a research proposal. For now, here's a look at a couple of the 'lab benches' that are now available on the Space Station.
Materials Science Research Rack (MSRR-1)
The Materials Science Research Rack is a self-contained lab for examining metals, alloys, glasses, ceramics, and crystals. MSRR-1 includes a lab bench as well as a low gradient furnace, making it possible to liquefy and resolidify materials in a microgravity environment. Pressure conditions also can be controlled. A wide variety of sensors allow scientists to probe the electrical resistance of a sample, track the liquid-solid interphase using ultrasound pulses, use a magnetic field to initiate laminar flow of certain samples, and measure many other experimental parameters.
Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR)
The Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR, shown in the photo) is a lab bench that allows researchers to study fluids. Examples of research areas would be bubbles, phases changes, interfaces, gels, and colloids. The FIR offers a large experimental volume, plus the option to view an experiment through a light microscope. The facility offers sample change-out and glovebox capability, so samples can be manipulated in space.
Astronauts can access experiments in both the MSRR-1 and FIR, but the best experiments for these facilities will be automated, requiring minimal monitoring and intervention by the Space Station crew.
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