PLANET LABS & METALS • RESEARCH SOLUTIONS

Microgravity Research

Zero Gravity. Infinite Possibilities.

Zero-gravity metal research leads to novel discoveries about titanium-aluminide crystallization, hyper-pure alloys, and how industrial processes perform without gravitational sedimentation—translating into revolutionary advances for aerospace, medical implants, and defense on Earth.

Planet Labs & Metals operates orbital foundry platforms in low-Earth orbit. In the absence of gravity, liquid metals freeze into immaculate crystalline structures without thermal convection flaws. We invite research institutions, commercial defense contractors, and global space agencies to harness the full opportunities of orbital metallurgy.

Zero-Gravity Titanium Alloys

Synthesizing hyper-pure titanium-aluminide structures free from gravitational settling.

High-Purity Plasma Refining

Vacuum plasma arc furnaces producing defect-free metallic crystals in orbit.

Physical & Material Sciences

Containerless levitation processing and semiconductor alloy crystallization.

Orbital Data & Remote Sensing

Hyperspectral earth observation and automated orbital data infrastructure.

THE MICROGRAVITY METALLURGY EFFECT

For metallurgists, materials engineers, and industrial innovators, the persistent microgravity environment in space provides a unique opportunity to synthesize defect-free metal matrices with atomic-level precision.

Absence of buoyancy and sedimentationso dense metal atoms don't settle during cooling, producing perfectly uniform crystal lattices throughout the alloy.

Containerless levitation processingprevents molten metal contact with crucible walls, completely eliminating container impurities and stress points.

Loss of gravity-driven thermal convectionallows quiet liquid-metal solidification without turbulent mixing or thermal micro-flaws.

Diffusion-dominated crystal growthenables pure molecular diffusion to govern alloy formation, yielding ultra-high strength-to-weight ratios.

Loss of "directionality"provides symmetric 3D crystallization without gravitational strain or structural sagging during cooling.

No hydrostatic pressure gradientensures uniform pressure distribution across liquid metals regardless of melt depth or chamber volume.

Capillary forces & surface tension controlallows precise micro-mold filling and nanostructure casting unattainable under 1G Earth gravity.

Uniform surface wetting & coatingdelivers defect-free protective metal coatings across complex aerospace components.

“Ninety-five percent of our zero-gravity metal synthesis is engineered to revolutionize structural materials on Earth. Space is our ultimate metallurgy laboratory.”

Planet Labs & Metals Research Directorate

Chief Metallurgy & Material Science Advisory Board

View the Metallurgy Research

METALLURGY DATABASE

PUBLICATION DATABASE

Academic & Industry Alliance

Through our Metallurgy Alliance, Planet Labs & Metals leverages its proven capabilities working with university labs and industrial partners around the world to fly commercial payloads to orbit.

Planet Labs Mission Research

Planet Labs Mission 1

PL-1

25+ zero-g titanium alloy crystallization and metallurgy experiments.

Planet Labs Mission 2

PL-2

Pioneering microgravity plasma furnace operations and stem cell research.

Planet Labs Mission 3

PL-3

European research consortium testing advanced crystal growth.

Planet Labs Mission 4

PL-4

Expanding international scientific partnerships with global research nations.

Start Your Breakthrough

Space presents material opportunities that are currently unimaginable in gravity's bounds. How might microgravity metal synthesis help you forge a breakthrough in your research?

Planet Labs & Metals provides flexible and lower-cost access to the revolutionary potential of orbital metallurgy than ever before.