CONSORT-3 RESULTS

Twelve experiments designed to obtain samples and data for a variety o f microgravity materials processing investigations were carried on Con sort 3, a sounding rocket flight. The overall purpose of the night was to provide an opportunity to investigate the effects of microgravity on processes with potential for new technology development and commerc ial applications. The range of experimentation included investigations of immiscible polymer demixing rates, electrodeposition and electroco deposition, elastomer-modified epoxy resins, foam formation, a number of biomaterial mixing processes, and polymer thin-film formation. Spec ific objectives and results are summarized for each experiment. The ex periments were contained in a payload module which was launched and re covered within 4 h at the White Sands Missile Range in May, 1990. The microgravity portion of the flight lasted approximately 7 min. Apogee occurred 283 s after liftoff at an altitude of 189 statute miles. The integrated payload module configuration and mission sequence of events are briefly described. Evaluation of night samples and recorded night data is discussed for individual experiments. Consort 3 provided a la rge number of investigators with empirical information on processing m aterials in microgravity and on the effects of microgravity on the pro cesses performed.