Development of Dendrite Growth Observation Equipment on a Sounding Rocket

Abstract

The crystal growth observation system (COS) is a payload for the third Japanese TR-IA sounding rocket launched on September 17, 1993. Equipment with the color Schlieren optical system was developed for in situ observation of freely growing dendrites of succinonitrile from the tip of a capillary tube. Provisions for precisely temperature control of the ex­perimental cell and a Hi-8 8 mm VTR with higher spatial resolution were the two technical issues. They functioned well under microgravity conditions.