Foundations
Revealing the novel behaviors of fluids, fire, and materials in space
Impact & Benefits
Phenomena familiar to us on Earth can behave very differently in space. NASA’s space-based research focuses on understanding how flames, liquids, and materials respond to extreme conditions, such as radiation, varying gravities, and corrosive environments.
Quick Facts
Improved fire safety measures protect crew members during space missions.
Advanced thermal management systems ensure efficient temperature control in spacecraft and habitats.
Innovations in recycling and upcycling enable sustainable living on other worlds.
Space-based manufacturing and processing lead to groundbreaking advancements in production capabilities.
More efficient engineering designs and technologies developed in space exploration benefit a wide range of industries on Earth.
Why we study fundamental science.
Space conditions create unique challenges, including fire safety risks, altered fluid behavior, and changes in material formation, such as crystals and metal alloys. Soft materials like foams and gels can be affected by gravity and thermal stresses, while particles like dusty plasma and regolith impact astronaut health and equipment, with potential uses in space crops.
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Investigations
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01
ELF
Used to handle material in a containerless processing technique to reduce imperfections in high-temperature manufacturing of materials including oxides, semiconductors, insulators, and alloys which are only possible in the microgravity environment of space. Could lead to the development of containerless processing technology, benefiting manufacturers and scientists designing new materials. Partnership with JAXA.
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02
EML
Designed to study properties of high-temperature materials and used to develop accurate models of casting, welding, and metal additive manufacturing. Research could lead to more efficient and reliable production of metallic parts for space exploration and commercial applications. Partnership with ESA.
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03
FBCE (Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment)
Enables researchers to study two-phase flow boiling and condensation. Research could support improvements to important systems on spacecraft, including thermal control systems in space vehicles and planetary habitats, heat pumps for humidity control of crew cabins and habitats, and storage and transfer of cryogenic liquid propellants.
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04
SoFIE (Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction)
Designed for use within the existing Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) that enables researchers to study the ignition and flammability of solid spacecraft materials in a microgravity environment. Results could improve our understanding of early fire growth behavior and help determine optimal fire suppression techniques, improving crew safety in future space facilities and providing applications for life on Earth fire safety as well.
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05
ZBOT
Used to study cryogenic fuel vaporization so that researchers can develop innovative fuel tank pressure control designs. Research is critical to ensure reliable storage of propellant needed to travel to deep-space destinations. Data from studies have been used by commercial space companies to improve propulsion systems.
