TBE-Developed Materials Science Research Rack (MSRR) Performs Flawlessly

The first American research sample processed in the International Space Station’s (ISS) Materials Science Research Rack (MSRR) Materials Science Laboratory (MSL) was opened for study at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) on March 16.  Dr. Harald Lenski and Dr. Petra Neuhaus of ESA-EADS/Astrium performed the task, assisted by Jeff Clancy, TBE/SDOS MSRR systems engineer.

The MSL is a furnace facility housed in the MSRR and was developed by ESA-EADS/Astrium, while the MSRR was developed at MSFC and manufactured, integrated, and tested by Teledyne Brown as part of the SDOS contract.  The MSRR was added to the International Space Station at the end of 2009.

The sample cartridge, which was returned to Earth by space shuttle Endeavor’s crew during the STS-130 mission in February, contained an aluminum silicon alloy that was melted and resolidified on orbit.  The experiment processing was controlled by commands from the ground and monitored by scientists from the University of Arizona and Cleveland State University and MSFC and TBE personnel at the MSFC Payload Operations Center.

The scientists will compare the sample with an earth-based recreation of the experiment by Cleveland State.  Another sample will be processed and returned later this year to the same team of investigators.

Research conducted in the environment of microgravity enables scientists to understand the relationships among the processing, structure, and properties of a variety of materials.  The goal of studying materials processing in space is to develop a better understanding of the chemical and physical mechanisms involved.  Scientists look at these relationships to understand how to improve processing techniques, control defects, and produce better materials here on earth.

Six samples, five European, have already been processed and returned to earth.  Another seven samples will be processed and returned to earth later this year.  The initial results from the scientists’ evaluation of the first two samples that were returned to Europe in December 2009 indicated that the microgravity processing provided new insight into the structure of the materials.

TBE/SDOS personnel will continue to support these activities through the duration of the SDOS contract under the direction of Dr Mark Whorton, TBE SDOS Director, and Dr Carmine Bailey, TBE Operations Program Manager for the MSRR effort.