Space research began as an exploratory endeavor, representing a natural evolution of science in which new opportunities were exploited and new capabilities were developed. The exploratory disciplines that originated with these early efforts, such as space physics, Earth remote sensing, planetary science and astronomy, have evolved and matured. They remain, in one way or another, fields that one might collectively describe as the science of space. On the other hand, several new disciplines that pertain to the pursuit of science in space are still in the early, developmental phase. These “microgravity sciences” involve investigations into basic physical, chemical and biological processes in very low gravity. Although research in these fields once possessed a certain Edisonian character—“let's try it and see what happens”—one now can see strong signs of sharpening scientific focus, maturing experimental capability and the promise of important scientific impact.

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