Crystal growth in space

Magterials science in space , including the crystal growth of organic and inorganic materials, is an interesting discipline that dates back to the growth of the first single crystals in space during the Apollo and Soyuz missions. Progress made since then is reviewed and the current goals of today's crystal growth experiments in space are considered. Crystals growth in spae may not be larger or more beautiful than those grown under terrestial conditions, but such experiments can provide answers to basic scientific questions.