iss047e004376 (3/11/2016) --- A view during the installation and configuration of the Observation and Analysis of Smectic Islands in Space (OASIS) hardware into the Microgravity, in the U.S. Laboratory. OASIS studies the unique behavior of liquid crystals in microgravity, including their overall motion and the merging of crystal layers known as smectic islands. Liquid crystals are used for display screens in televisions and clocks and they also occur in soaps and in cell membranes. The experiment allows detailed studies of the behavior of these structures and how microgravity affects their unique ability to act like both a liquid and a solid crystal.
Photographer Tim Kopra
Date March 8, 2016