Flight hardware and tele-operations supporting the Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment aboard the Space Shuttle
The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment, which is expected to fly on the Space Shuttle to study dendritic solidification of molten metals such as iron and aluminum, is examined. Succinonitrile and pivalic acid are substitued for metals to permit visualiztion of dendritic growth. The technical features of the apparatus are described, including temperature control, the photographic system, and slow scan television. The teleoperations techniques for the experiment are discussed in detail.