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An Initial Review of Microgravity Research in Support of Human Exploration and Development of Space (1997) / Chapter Skim
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2 The Current Microgravity Research Programand HEDS Goals
Pages 9-15

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From page 9...
... Fluid Physics The greater part of the current MRD program deals with heat and mass transport processes in reduced gravity or microgravity that are associated with density, temperature, and concentration gradients in gaseous, liquid, and particulate matter, especially when changes of phase take place. Studies of nucleation and boiling in reduced gravity are under way, as are studies of the dynamic behaviors of droplets, bubbles, and foams and of suspensions of particulate materials as they are transported in fluid media.
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From page 10...
... In general terms, issues involving the physics of fluids in low gravity underlie a great many of the scientific and engineering technology problems of space travel, and these are more fully discussed in subsequent sections of this chapter and in Chapter 3. Therefore, elements of the broad current fluid physics program of MRD will doubtless find expression within interdisciplinary studies undertaken by NASA to support the design of general and specific systems needed for future HEDS missions.
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From page 11...
... Combustion MRD currently supports a rigorous flight- and ground-based effort in combustion science in line with the fundamental science objectives of HEDS Goal 1 through work exploring effects of gravity on flammability limits, smoldering, flame spread, and material flammability, all of which are substantially affected by a reduction in gravity. Related fundamental work includes investigations of the dynamics of flame balls, structures of diffusion flames, and characteristics of droplet and particle combustion (which, at reduced gravity, give rise to a closer approach to spherical flames, new flame instabilities, and modified soot formation processes)
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From page 12...
... The results of electrophoretic experiments carried out in microgravity demonstrated that buoyancy-driven phenomena are diminished, but new electrohydrodynamic effects have been uncovered that limit the benefits gained by the effects of microgravity on the system.8 Biological separations will also be important for nutrient production and waste recycling in space, which may provide the basis of future critical mission technologies. Low-temperature Microgravity Physics The MRD program in low-temperature microgravity physics has sponsored several flight-approved projects, covering both condensed matter physics (Confined Helium Experiment, Critical Fluid Light Scattering, and Critical Dynamics in Microgravity)
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From page 13...
... These projects in microgravity physics represent unique scientific opportunities for NASA to advance our deepest understanding of how matter and energy interact with gravity. The Importance of Fundamental Research Taken together, the individual discipline-specific science programs within MRD represent an integrated approach to microgravity research that has already contributed important knowledge of processes occurring in space and on extraterrestrial bodies and will continue to do so in the future.
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From page 14...
... In order to understand the technology needs of HEDS, and the part to be played by microgravity research in addressing those needs, NASA will need to specify target missions for study. Two possible target missions that are often cited are a return to the Moon for an extended period of human habitation and a crewed mission to Mars.10 Such target missions help create a focus on the specifics of the appropriate technical challenges that should drive additional scientific research and technological development.
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From page 15...
... 1997. Skeletal muscle satellite cells cultured in simulated microgravity.
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Key Terms

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  • mrd program
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  • protein crystal

  • crystal growth
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  • reduced gravity
  • gravity levels
  • microgravity physics

  • mrd science
  • microgravity environment
  • simulated microgravity
  • mrd currently
  • fluid physics

  • fundamental science
  • flow physics
  • terrestrial gravity
  • fluid mechanics
  • mammalian cell

  • physics program
  • science programs
  • mission technologies
  • scientific opportunities
  • cell culturing

  • cells cultured
  • core disciplines
  • currently supports
  • remaining heds
  • mrd fluid


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