Microgravity science
As well as looking down from space (Earth observation science) and looking outwards (space science and exploration), there is a different type of research that can be carried out in space. This is loosely called ‘microgravity’ science and just means science that exploits the weightless environment that can be obtained continuously on-board spacecraft such as the International Space Station and also temporarily on sounding rockets that don’t go into orbit, but can provide a few seconds or a few minutes of weightlessness.
The microgravity environment makes possible a range of basic and applied science. This can include medical and biological research – such as why humans lose calcium from their bones when in space, and how to counteract this - and the behaviour of materials when melted in the absence of weight – which might allow purer alloys to be created for use in jet engines. At present, the UK Space Agency is not funding an active programme of microgravity science, but is working with UK researchers, the European Space Agency and the UK Research Councils to assess whether microgravity science should be added to the UK’s space programme.
