Research under Microgravity Conditions - its Past and its Future

In this paper a bibliometric analysis of research under microgravity conditions' is presented, which was carried out to support the process of preparing the new R&D funding programme of the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research on space research. The aim of the bibliometric analysis was to provide background knowledge about the German microgravity research activities in the international arena, and in particular its contribution to the development of its so-called 'mother disciplines'.