Experiments performed at reduced gravity help us to understand the role of gravity on fundamental physical and chemical processes. Since the beginning of the space shuttle program, NASA's Glenn Research Center has used the unique reduced gravity environment of the orbiting space shuttle to perform experiments in combustion science, materials science and fluids physics and dynamics.

Image right: Researchers in the Telescience Support Center receive digital images of the Colloidal Disorder-Order Transition Experiment in 1998. Credit: NASA

The space shuttle has carried hundreds of NASA Glenn experiments and scientific instruments into low-earth orbit. Some were performed on the space shuttle itself, while others were transported to Mir and the International Space Station.

These studies have not only led to advancements in aeronautics and space exploration, but also improved life on Earth. The results of NASA Glenn experiments conducted in space have been used to improve fire safety, emissions reduction, energy efficiency, healthcare, electronics and more.

For information about NASA Glenn (formerly NASA Lewis) experiments that have flown on the shuttle since we began publishing online news releases in 1993, see the press releases listed below:

2008 - Upcoming Space Shuttle Mission Carries NASA Glenn Experiments and Hardware
2007 - Glenn Experiments to Fly on Next Shuttle Mission
2005 - NASA Glenn Contributes to STS-114
2003 - Local Experiments Put to the Test on Next Shuttle Mission
2001 - Upcoming Shuttle Mission to Carry Local Experiments
1998 - NASA Lewis Experiments on STS-91 Shuttle Mission
1997 - NASA Lewis and Parma High School Look Forward to August 7 Launch
1997 - Lewis Researchers Launch 11 Experiments on Next Shuttle Mission
1996 - Upcoming Shuttle Mission to Carry Four Lewis Experiments
1996 - Lewis Experiments are Prime Customer of STS-75 Shuttle Mission