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Media Advisory: 00-128
For Release: April 10, 2000
Attention: Early Morning Producer
Thursday, April 13
6-10 a.m. EDT
10 Minute Windows--With B-Roll
Scientists look to crystals grown in space to help reduce dependency on petroleum and leap frog to fuel of the future
- The potential: More gasoline out of a barrel of oil or transition to a cleaner, cheaper, abundant fuel -- hydrogen -- to power vehicles, heat buildings or generate electricity.
- Zeolite crystals could reduce the cost and pollution associated with petroleum production.
- Zeolites are used in catalytic converters, kitty litter, water filters and laundry detergents.
- Their big pores absorb chemicals like a sponge -- without changing their crystal structure.
- Zeolites have been grown on three Space Shuttle missions, and more research is needed.
- Scientists may get much bigger crystals in the microgravity of space and increase their understanding of zeolite structure, possibly expanding their use on Earth.
- NASA’s Space Product Development Program encourages industry to use microgravity to create new products or improve existing ones.
- Interview a former astronaut who grew zeolites in space and who leads this research.
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Who:
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Dr. Al Sacco Jr.
Director, Center for Advanced Microgravity
Materials Processing,
Northeastern University, Boston, Mass.
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Satellite Windows:
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10 minutes
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Satellite Coordinates:
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GE-2, Transponder 9C,
85 degrees west longitude,
Frequency: 3880 MHz, audio: 6.8 MHz.
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Satellite Interview Information:
Lindsey Rawl, Producer
(256) 544-2228
Beeper (256) 544-1183 PIN 0025
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Story Information:
Steve Roy, Media Relations
(256) 544-0034
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Visit the Marshall News Center for news media at:
/centers/msfc/NEWSROOM/
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