Materials Testing Lab on the D2 Mission

The materials testing laboratory is one of nine facilities of the European Spacelab. It is used to conduct experiments under the conditions of space, thus helping to increase our knowledge about physical laws, material properties, and material processing techniques on earth.

The astronauts carry out experiments which can only be done under conditions of zero gravity or outside the earth's atmosphere. The mini-laboratory includes experiments to investigate liquids and crystal growth. It is hoped to be able to produce new semiconductor crystals in space.

Every minute of a space flight is precious. The crew of seven work round the clock in two shifts, to a detailed schedule.