Heterotic String Models in Curved Spacetime

We explore the possibility of string theories in only four spacetime dimensions without any additional compactified dimensions. We show that, provided the theory is defined in curved spacetime that has a cosmological interpration, it is possible to construct consistent heterotic string theories based on a few non-compact current algebra cosets. We classify these models. The gauge groups that emerge fall within a remarkably narrow range and include the desirable low energy flavor symmetry of $SU(3)\times SU(2)\times U(1)$. The quark and lepton states, which come in color triplets and $SU(2)$ doublets, are expected to emerge in several families.