Preparation and remote control of microgravity experiments

Upon completion in the year 2005, the International Space Station (ISS) wil l become the largest microgravity platform ever constructed and placed in o rbit. The ISS will broaden the current research capabilities in the field o f microgravity experimentation, including crystal growth, and material scie nce in general. In planning for the utilization of the ISS, emphasis has be en placed on the possibility of controlling experiments in a remote manner (telescience) via an efficiently, pre-determined ground infrastructure, imp lementing a decentralised approach. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science S.A.