The Materials Science Research Rack is a new laboratory on board the International Space Station. The facility will allow researchers to study materials including metals, alloys, semiconductors, ceramics, and glasses to see how the materials form, and learn how to control their properties. The results from experiments conducted in the facility could lead to the development of materials with improved properties on Earth. Advanced melting processes such as casting and welding may benefit.

Website: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/science 

Is this facility a good idea or could the money have been better spent on other R&D projects?