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FMPT

The flight of Spacelab J in September, 1992, included 24 materials science experiments as part of the FMPT (First Materials Processing Test) program. Specific equipment tested during Spacelab J by astronaut Mamoru Mohri and his American colleagues included the Acoustic Levitation Furnace (ALF), the Continuous Heating Furnace (CHF), the Crystal Growth Experiment Facility (CGF), the Gradient Heating Furnace (GHF), the Image Furnace (IMP), the Large Isothermal Furnace (LIF), the Liquid Drop Experiment Facility (LDF), the Gas Evaporation Experiment Facility (GEF), the Organic Crystal Growth Experiment (OCF), the Bubble Behavior Experiment Unit (BBU), the Free Flow Electrophoresis Unit (FFEU), and the Marangoni Convection Experiment Unit (MCU). The LIF was reflown on IML-2 in July, 1994, to study the effects of microgravity on the microstructure and strength of ordered Titanium-Muminum intermetallic alloys (References 778-780). Japan may sponsor additional expertments on a STS SpaceLab mission in 1996 (Reference 781).

778. C. Covault, "First Japanese Shuttle Astronaut Set for 1991 Spacelab J Flight", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 27 August 1990, p. 72-75.

779. J. R. Asker, "U.S., Japan Ready Spacelab Flight", Aviation Week and Space Technology, 7 September 1992, p.39.

780. "Outline of IML-2 Experiment Themes Experiment Using Large Isothermal Furnace (LIF)", NASDA Report, No. 24, Spring 1994, pp. 14-15.

781. "Mitsubishi To Reserve Room Aboard SpaceLab", Space News, 28 June - 11 July 1993, p. 2.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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