iss035e007095 (3/22/2013) --- A close-up view of an alloy cartridge to be installed in the Gradient Heating Furnace (GHF) of the Kobairo rack for the Alloy Semiconductor experiment. Image was taken in the Kibo Japanese Experiment Pressurized Module (JPM) aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Alloy Semiconductor investigation aims to develop a clear understanding of how semiconductor materials grow and crystallize in microgravity. The materials studied are also known to be useful as devices which convert heat into electricity (thermoelectrics).
Photographer Tom Marshburn
Date March 22, 2013