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SUBSA (Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules) 

SUBSA is a high-temperature furnace on the International Space Station (ISS) that melts materials at a controlled rate, holds at maximum temperature to stabilize, and then solidifies at a precise cooling rate via a gradient freeze technique in a microgravity environment. A transparent zone in SUBSA enables high-definition imagery to observe the solid-liquid interface formation and adjust thermal parameters in real time. Thermocouple sensor channels are available for measuring sample thermal profiles at a user-defined frequency rate, along with optional overlay of science data on a video feed. With a maximum temperature of 850° C, SUBSA’s precision heating and cooling control supports up to 8 process segments, including various combinations of dwell, heat-up, or cool-down periods with resolution and stability of 0.1° C on the setpoints and 0.1° C/hr on the ramp rates. SUBSA command and control is performed from a ground-based, secure Mission Operations Center. 

�鶹��ý – SUBSA Implementation Partner 

�鶹��ý was selected by NASA to operate and maintain both the SUBSA hardware on the ISS and its ground analog system and operations facilities. �鶹��ý supports NASA and other government agency-awarded investigators through a prime contract and is authorized to work directly with potential commercial and academic users. �鶹��ý provides comprehensive support and services to our customers to define and implement use requirements. Our team conducts required safety analyses and verifications, supports experiment pre-flight testing and validation, and coordinates all logistics for delivery and operation on the ISS. �鶹��ý is partnered with Redwire Space Technologies to provide development and integration of material crucibles (Science Ampoule Assemblies) and real-time furnace operations and data collection on both the ISS and ground analog facilities. 

Advantages of Microgravity for Application Development and In-Space Manufacturing 

SUBSA capitalizes on two significant physical aspects of microgravity: 

• Reduced buoyancy-driven convection – a more stable and undisturbed solidification environment, promoting a more homogeneous microstructure. 

• Reduced sedimentation – a more uniform distribution of constituents, potentially enhancing strength and other properties.  

Using SUBSA in microgravity provides many benefits, including: 

• Finer and more uniform grain structure – can enhance the mechanical properties of the material. 

• Reduced segregation – a more homogeneous material with improved properties. 

• Reduced porosity by eliminating gas bubbles – a denser and stronger material.  

• Improved modeling – validate and improve computer simulation models used to predict terrestrial solidification behavior. 

• Advanced manufacturing techniques – development of new and improved metal processing and manufacturing techniques. 

Terrestrial Applications 

• Improved metal and alloy manufacturing 
• Enhanced semiconductor and metal / metal-alloy crystal growth 
• Production of amorphous metals 
• Metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) 

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