Electromagnetic levitator in Columbus

Electromagnetic levitator in ESA's Columbus laboratory that is part of the International Space Station.

The Electromagnetic Levitator finished a batch of scientific runs February 2021 that are investigating metal alloys as they solidify while suspended in argon gas. The miniature furnace allows researchers to observe the patterns and crystals that form in a metallic matrix. This data will deepen our understanding of metallurgy and improve the industrial process of creating metal alloys on Earth.