Materials science research in microgravity - Current status and an experimental case study

The paper presents purpose and advantages of carrying out experiments in mi crogravity environment. Current areas of research in materials science bein g investigated in shuttle flights and those selected and pursued for ground -based research with possible flight experiments are discussed. Details of two experiments conducted on missions STS-78 and STS-87 are presented. The criterion of selection of these experiments, related ground based research and final flight definition and development issues are addressed. Finally, the paper briefly touches on the broader advantages of microgravity experim ents related to general science awareness programmes at all levels.