Topic outline

  • Physical Science

    Physical Science


    1. Burning and Suppression of Solids [Photo credits: nasa.gov]

    Burning Solids

      1. This investigation examines the burning and extinguishing characteristics of a variety of fuel samples in microgravity. It will guide strategies for extinguishing accidental fires, and contribute to combustion computational models for fire detection and suppression systems.

      2. A flame is ignited using each fuel, and then extinguished by focusing compressed gas at a variety of locations. On Earth, we know that the best way to put out a fire is to focus on the base of the flame, which is both the stabilization point and where fresh air first enters the flame.  By spraying gas at a variety of locations, the experiment will demonstrate how to most effectively extinguish fire in a microgravity environment.

      3. Fire is one of the primary concerns aboard the ISS, and it is critical that researchers continue to develop better safety precautions. In addition, the combustion models will strengthen our understanding of flames burning under normal gravity.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/735.html

    1. Capillary Effects of Drinking in the Microgravity Environment

      1. Currently, crew members must use special sealed bags in order to consume liquids. The investigators have developed a specially designed Space Cup to use fluid dynamics to mimic a gravitational force.

      2. Rather than relying on gravity, the cup uses surface tension, wetting, and cup geometry to contain liquids. High-resolution videos will be taken and analyzed to determine how the fluid moves.

      3. This analysis of fluid flow will not only make it easier for astronauts to drink, but will also help design new reliable fluid control systems that do not have moving parts or electric power requirements.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/2029.html

    2. Viscous Liquid Foam - Bulk Metallic Glass

      1. Metal foam consists of a solid metal, as well as a large volume fraction of gas-filled pores that gives the material a high strength to weight ratio. These materials can lead to more durable spacecrafts that will require less propellant to travel long distances.

      2. Samples of the metallic glass will be heated for different times, and the location of the pores in the foam will be analyzed back on Earth.  Since the effects of buoyancy are minimized in space, more uniform foam structures with unique properties can be produced.

      3. This material is extremely tough and light at the same time, thereby reducing costs while increasing the protection they provide to explorers. Metal foam is also used ubiquitously on Earth, from medical supplies to industrial processing, sports equipment and military vehicles.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/259.html


    Technology Development and Demonstration


    1. Skinsuit

      1. Bone and muscle waste away in microgravity because they have less work to do. The Skinsuit is a suit specifically designed to counteract microgravity by squeezing the body with a similar force that is felt on Earth.

      2. The suit’s main goal is to prevent lower back pain and spine elongation. Astronauts will also evaluate the suit in terms of comfortability, hygiene, and range of motion to prepare for long duration missions.

      3. The suit has potential for use on Earth by helping the elderly and many people with lower-back problems. It could also improve support garments that are currently used for people with disabilities, such as cerebral palsy.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/2081.html

    2. Urine Processor Assembly Hardware Improvements

      1. Since water is a precious resource aboard the ISS, astronauts need to recycle their own urine. This process is mainly done through vacuum distillation. However, the current systems aboard the ISS have experienced failures due to hardware complexity and weak materials.

      2. New improvements include more advanced machinery to prevent tension after long-term usage. It also simplifies assembly, and has a much lower chance of leakage while in orbit.

      3. The primary goal of this investigation is to increase reliability of regenerative water systems, which will benefit both current and future space explorations. In addition, this technology will result in the development of more reliable lightweight, portable waste processing equipment used on Earth. These systems are important for emergency use, and in areas with poor sanitation or unsafe drinking water.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/1796.html

    3. Universal Battery Charger [Photo credits: 123rf.com]

    battery

      1. This technology will provide a system to charge different types of batteries aboard the ISS.

      2. Already demonstrated to work on Earth, the technology is currently being tested to see if it will function in microgravity. Each type of battery has a unique adapter; written on the adapter are instructions on how to adjust the charger to safely and effectively replenish the battery.

      3. A universal charger that can accommodate any device reduces cargo delivery and storage requirements, which frees up space for experiments and other equipment. The system also reduces payload developers’ burdens to make and test battery chargers for specific uses.

      4. Find more information here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/2030.html