Physics and Biology Possibilities
on GSC Space Facilities
One of the most significant forces affecting fluids (liquids, gases and mixtures) on Earth is gravity. In orbiting spacecraft, where gravity's effects are reduced many times, scientist can observe aspects of fluid behavior that are difficult or impossible to "see" in normal gravity.
A deeper understanding of fluid behavior has broad applicability. Fluid flows play important roles in the production processes of our most important industries. For example, the performance of a powerplant depends on the flow characteristics of vapor-liquid mixtures, and oil recovery from partially depleted reservoirs depends on how liquids flow through porous rocks.
Low-gravity research has already played a central role in stimulating new understanding of the way in which heat and materials are transported in semiconductor crystal growth, metals processing, separation of biological molecules, and protein crystal growth.
Research called "microgravity physics" uses the unique properties of space to test physics theories at levels of accuracy that are impossible on Earth. This fundamental research will advance our understanding of theories relevant to everything from high-temperature superconductivity to wheather prediction. This research has the potential for redefining our most basic assumptions about the universe.
In 1992, an orbital research experiment produced observations that tested renormalization group theory with a degree of precision five times greater than any experiment conducted on Earth. Renormalization group theory is a Nobel prize-winning physics theory with broad applicability to particle physics and high-temperature superconductivity.
The low-gravity conditions of spaceflight provide biologists with a unique research opportunity to answer fundamental questions about the basic functions of living organisms. Gravitational biologists study gravity's influence on the development, growth, and internal machinery of life, including individual cells as well as complete plants and animals. Expanding fundamental biological knowledge will provide broad long-term benefits in medicine, agriculture, and industry.
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