Researchers explore materials degradation in space
On March 22, an astronaut from the Space Shuttle Endeavor carried two small, passive experiment containers filled with various materials outside the shuttle and mounted them to the International Space Station for the sixth Materials International Space Station Experiment. The containers expose the new materials to space. After approximately one year, the samples will be retrieved and evaluated based on their reaction to atomic oxygen erosion, direct sunlight, radiation and extremes of heat and cold. (NASA photo)