SOLAR FURNACE SATELLITE FOR LARGE DIAMETER CRYSTAL-GROWTH IN SPACE

Crystal growth research over the last 15 years indicates that much of the inability of crystal growers to reach the theoretical limits of perfection in their crystals is due to gravity induced convection. Investigators worldwide are preparing experiments to test the influence of low gravity found in space on the growth of many crystalline materials. However, power limitations prevent existing space crystal growth furnaces from being able to process samples any larger than about 2 cm, and in addition, the background microgravity levels found on the Space Shuttle are not low enough to significantly benefit samples much larger than 2 cm. This paper describes a novel concept of a free-flying platform utilizing well-established solar furnace technology to enable materials processing in space experiments on large-diameter crystals. The conceptual design of this Solar Furnace Satellite is described along with its operational scenario and the anticipated g levels.