Experiments leading to the production of new glasses in space.

Report on an experimental program aimed at verifying proposed concepts of glassmaking in space from substances that to date have been observed only in a crystalline condition. A summary is presented on the results of experiments conducted by laser melting of ceramic rods of chosen composition and allowing the droplets ejected from the spinning rod to cool by free falling. This technique should permit an early evaluation of which compositions are most suitable for subsequent more expensive space experiments.