The flight of the Fluids Experiment Apparatus (FEA) on STS-32 in December 1989 is the second and last flight of the FEA under a joint Endeavor Agreement (JEA) between NASA and the Rockwell International Corporation. The investigation identified by Rockwell for this flight is the Microgravity Disturbances Experiment (MDE), which will investigate Orbiter and crew-induced gravity disturbances on the stability of molten zones used in float-zone crystal growth. This experiment, proposed by Dr. Donald A. Thomas and Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, both of the Johnson Space Center, utilizes the quid pro quo opportunity provided in the JEA. This experiment is directly related to the objective of the JEA to conduct microgravity research in the field of float-zone crystal growth and purification. These activities are to be performed in the FEA developed by Rockwell's Space Transportation Systems Division. The Indium Corporation of America in Utica, New York, is providing the indium sample materials to be processed. A privately developed accelerometer package will support the mission. One of the investigators, Dr. Dunbar, is flying as a Mission Specialist on STS-32, and will be involved in the operation of the payload. The enclosed Mission Operation Report provides a brief description of this activity.
Fluids Experiment Apparatus (FEA) Microgravity Disturbances Experiment (MDE) Flight on STS-32
1989
16 pages
Report
No indication
English
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