Space processing on Skylab and ASTP

Abstract

The Skylab and Apollo Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) missions provided the opportunity the influence of micro-gravity on the processing of various materials. The results of physical and engineering experiments in metallurgy, fluids handling and crystal growth on two space missions are discussed. The majority of the experiments concern the solidification of alloys, semiconductors, and composite materials or basic liquid-liquid and solid-liquid interactions necessary to understand complex processing. Potential advantages of space processing to several materials disciplines are identified.