Silica and aluminate solutions, separated by a nonstick liner, will be used as the starting con-figuration. Each ampoule has a mixer and one compartment for each solution. The images at left, produced during the USML-1 flight in 1992, were taken on the same scale and illustrate the degree to which crystal growth is enhanced by a microgravity environment. The Glovebox facility is available for use by current principal investigators who have been previously selected through NASA Research Announcements or Advanced Technology Develop-ment Program solicitations. GBX experiments are small-scale technology demonstrations and investigations.
Investigators submit proposals, related to their own funded research, for use of the facility.
Proposals are prescreened by NASA centers and budgets are assigned. The ensuing review process involves NASA centers, headquarters scientists and external peer reviewers who select investigations based on scientific and technical merit and programmatic feasibility.