This Indium Antimonide crystal sample was produced in a materials processing experiment aboard Skylab, a U.S. space station occupied by astronauts in 1973-1974. A scientist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology developed experiment M562 to investigate the influence of weightlessness on the production of doped semiconductor crystals. The experiment was conducted in Skylab's Multipurpose Electric Furnace System. Analysis after the mission showed that the crystal formed in space had more uniform structural and electrical properties than crystals formed on Earth. This crystal sample was presented to President Gerald R. Ford and then transferred to the Museum.
Display Status
This object is on display in Space Science at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Experiment Specimen
Manufacturer
Unknown
Dimensions
3-D: 12.7 x 12.7 x 15.2cm (5 x 5 x 6 in.)
Materials
Crystal: Indium Antimonide
Case: Plastic and metal
Inventory Number
A19760043000
Credit Line
Transferred from National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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