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The Space Transportation System (STS) now in the operational phase offers routine access to a unique laboratory environment that can be used to study microgravity science and applications phenomena in ways not possible on Earth. An overview of activities and results for some of the current space experiments and future research opportunities involving microgravity is presented. Topics include some of the observed reactions of the low gravity provided by the Space Shuttle on several materials undergoing processing. Primary emphasis is placed on the use of the microgravity environment to investigate a variety of processes with-out the complicating effects of containers, buoyancy-driven convection, sedimentation, and hydrostatic pressure. Experimentation in microgravity has given insight into the growth of crystals, uncovered some subtle interfacial mechanisms that produce phase separation in multiphase systems, and demonstrated dramatic improvements in free-flow electrophoresis and in growth of latex microspheres by seeded polymerization. Anticipated future research activities include measurements of critical phase transition phenomena with increased precision, and tests of various theories of nucleation, growth, and Ostwald ripening. Ground-based test facilities and planned space research facilities are briefly explained.
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