Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32459: Indium Iodide in Orbit: Perfecting Crystal Growth with SUBSA

Crystal growth is a delicate process—and gravity can make it even trickier. That’s why scientists have turned to space to see how materials like Indium Iodide (InI) behave in zero gravity. The Detached Melt and Vapor Growth of InI experiment, part of the SUBSA (Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules) facility on the ISS, offers a closer look at how this compound forms in microgravity.

Led by Dr. Aleksander Ostrogorsky of Illinois Institute of Technology and developed by Techshot, Inc., this research focused on vapor and melt growth processes, both essential techniques for producing high-purity crystals. On Earth, natural convection can disturb the uniformity of growing crystals. In space, these disturbances are minimized, allowing for more controlled solidification.

Indium Iodide is useful in optical applications, including infrared detectors and scintillators. The SUBSA setup enabled precise thermal control and real-time observation of crystal formation. Conducted during Expeditions 63 and 64, the experiment provided valuable insights into the physics of crystallization, potentially leading to better materials for use on Earth and in future space missions.

By understanding how vapor and melt grow in the absence of gravity, we get closer to mastering crystal engineering—opening up possibilities for more efficient electronics, sensors, and energy systems.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.