Russian Cosmonauts Grow Semiconductor Crystals in Orbit

A long-running experiment aboard the International Space Station aims to improve semiconductor quality by harnessing the unique advantages of microgravity.

Russian cosmonauts are conducting an experiment called 'Mirage' aboard the International Space Station, focused on growing semiconductor crystals in microgravity. According to Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexey Zubritsky, who spoke to TASS, the process uses a special compound in a test package that is melted and later returned to Earth for analysis.

Experts note that in zero gravity, the melted compound mixes more evenly than it does on Earth, resulting in crystals with a more uniform structure.

The Mirage experiment began in 2009 and is expected to conclude by 2027. Researchers hope it will lead to significant improvements in semiconductor production—critical for the modern electronics industry.