Experiments carried out on the space shuttle in the early 1980s indicate that unique types of chemical reactions occur in outer space, and that actual products may result that are not achievable under the terrestrial environment. Several factors are believed to account for this, primarily zero gravity, though absence of oxygen and enhanced magnetic effects may also play a part. Several encouraging results have already been obtained, though until further experiments and operating data have been investigated, the conclusions must be considered tentative. Among projects that have been carried out or are contemplated are the following: (1) Uniform polymer microspheres that are over twice as large as possible on earth have been made due to zero gravity. (2) More effective electrophoresis reactions for making biological materials have been discovered, probably also because of zero gravity. (3) Possibilities exist for (a) making unique alloys in space that are not possible on earth, for example lead-copper, lead-zinc, and aluminum-indium; (b) purer crystals for microelectronics; (c) better glass for fiber optics; (d) new drugs and pharmaceuticals. Future experiments will involve human cells, enzymes, and hormones.
