lerc

Determine the arcing and current collection behavior of different types, sizes and shapes of solar cells, solar modules and spacecraft materials. The Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment (SAMPIE) investigated the plasma interactions of high voltage space power systems with the space plasma in low Earth orbit (LEO).

The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) is a materials science solidification experiment that researchers will use to investigate a particular type of solidification called dendritic growth. Dendritic solidification is one of the most common forms of solidifying metals and alloys. When materials crystallize or solidify under certain condition, they freeze unstably, resulting in tiny, tree-like crystalline forms called dendrites. Scientist are particularly interested in dendrite size, shape, and how the branches of the dendrites interact with each other. These characteristics largely determine the properties of the material. Payload on STS-87.

Tank Pressure Control Experiment/Reduced Fill Level (TPCE/RFL)

STs-77 payload. University of Cincinatti.

The Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition (CDOT) experiment will test fundamental theories that model atomic interactions. CDOT is part of the Second United States Microgravity Laboratory (USML-2) that will fly aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. STS-95

The Microgravity Smoldering Combustion (MSC) experiment is part of a study of the smolder characteristics of porous combustible materials in a microgravity environment. Smoldering is a non-flaming form of combustion that takes place in the interior of porous combustible Flown on STS-69 and STS-77 as a GAS (Get Away Special) payload

The Thermal Energy Storage (TES) experiments are designed to provide data for understanding the long-duration microgravity behavior of thermal energy storage fluoride salts that undergo repeated melting and freezing. Such data have never been obtained before and have direct applicaiton to using on-orbit solar dynamic power systems. Flown as a part of OAST-2 on STS-62 and STS-72

Shuttle mission STS-75 will be flying a number of microgravity experiments developed by the NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) Space Experiments Division (SED) on February 22, 1996. The mission will be the third United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-3) to conduct microgravity research to improve our understanding of materials science and condensed matter physics. In addition, NASA LeRC developed three combustion experiments for the Middeck Glovebox Facility (MGBX).