Development of The Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) for the International Space Station (ISS)

Abstract

Development of the electrostatic levitation furnace (ELF) for the International Space Station has been conducted by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for around 20 years. Its design and target research area has been changed by many reasons; by progress of ground based research and laser technology, by restriction of ISS, and by financial reason. This paper briefly describes the history of ELF development and current design concept.