2010 Volume 27 Issue 4 Pages 183-
EML is an electromagnetic levitator for containerless processing of conductive samples between 5 and 8mm in diameter up to 2100°C in an ultraclean environment. Based on many years of experience with various missions of the TEMPUS facility, comprising Spacelab, sounding rocket and parabolic flights the EML model for the International Space Station (ISS) is currently being developed by ASTRIUM Space Transportation under ESA and DLR contracts. The characteristics of EML are a separate control of RF heating and positioning power, extensive optical diagnostic devices in the visible and near infrared regime, combined with sample stimulation ability. These tools offer unique experiment capabilities in research fields comprising study of phase formation, nucleation phenomena, and thermophysical properties. Extensive commanding and reprogramming capabilities allow telescience experiments as well as quasi-automatic processing.
