About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Materials Research in Reduced Gravity
|
| Presentation Title |
The European Space Agency’s Materials Science in Space Programme: An Update |
| Author(s) |
Wilhelmus H. Sillekens |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Wilhelmus H. Sillekens |
| Abstract Scope |
This presentation introduces the exploration-science programme of the European Space Agency; particular emphasis will be on how reduced-gravity platforms (including parabolic flight, sounding rockets and the International Space Station) are utilised to advance materials science. Different research strands include those on the Materials Science Laboratory (MSL), the Electro-Magnetic Levitator (EML), the Transparent Alloys (TA) insert, and the X-Ray Facility (XRF) and address a variety of scientific questions on solidification physics (thermophysical properties, structural evolutions). Following up on reports in earlier editions of this symposium, an update will be given on the status of the programme. The basics of the abovementioned facilities will be introduced and the state of affairs for the successive sample batches that are investigated and campaigns that are conducted will be given. Achievements to date and the next anticipated activities are discussed as well. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Characterization, Phase Transformations, Solidification |