September 2000

Commercial Materials Research in Space

Over the last decade an a half, NASA sponsorship in materials science research has resulted in an improved understanding of some fundamental aspects of materials behavior that have already begun to impact the way certain materials are made. However this research has all been "precompetitive", providing a better understanding for all, not "competitive" work that would give one company an advantage against its competition. This talk will pose the question: Is there any interest in competitive materials research in space? With the coming of the International Space Station, the business conditions will soon be right for commercial research in space. The scientific groundwork has been laid, and potential applications have emerged. The so-called "microgravity" environment has brought important insights into the way materials solidify, in both monotectic and eutectic melts. Containerless melting can enhance the mixing of materials with different melting temperatures and the measurement of thermophysical properties. Microgravity studies have qualified ways to neutralize various gravity effects on earth. If commercial materials engineers are ready to bring the space age into their professional activity, space will soon be ready to do business with them.

Doris Hamill

Doris Hamill is the manager of research business development at SPACEHAB, Inc., near the Johnson Space Center. She has a bachelor of science degree in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a master of science in engineering biophysics from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She began her career as an Air Force research and development officer, working in radio-frequency radiation bioeffects, optical materials and optics fabrication, and image processing. As a Defense Department civilian, she worked in the elite Defense Advanced Projects Agency on space based imaging technology and signal processing. Before coming to SPACEHAB, she was a project manager for a liquid air life support system with Oceaneering Space Systems. Her current work identifying opportunities for commercial research in space includes: the effects of space on people, plants, animals, and microbes; biotechnology; engineering research in space; chemical processes, material research, and thermophysical properties measurement; and remote sensing from the space platform.