Fire and Water: Astonishing Discoveries from the International Space Station

In October, the Antares rocket tragically exploded just moments after launching from Virginia’s Wallops Flight Facility. Among its cargo were several student-designed experiments intended for the International Space Station (ISS) along with materials for ongoing research. While those specific projects were lost, the ISS continues to host a variety of experiments that capitalize on its unique microgravity environment, revealing insights into everyday phenomena like fire, water, plant growth, and even human emotions. Here’s a look at some of the most captivating research currently taking place in space:

Spherical Flames

Typically, when you light a match, the flame dances vertically due to the rising hot air. However, in microgravity, flames take on a spherical shape. In an experiment known as the Flame Extinguishment Experiment, or FLEX-2, different liquid fuels are ignited in a controlled environment. Astronaut Kim Rivers described the flickering spheres as “fire jellyfish,” floating almost playfully in their chamber. By studying these spherical flames, scientists aim to understand soot formation and burning rates, which could lead to the development of more efficient fuels for our use on Earth.

Mice Vaccination in Space

Spaceflight can have significant impacts on the human body, including a suppression of the immune system. To investigate this, researchers are giving a group of mice aboard the ISS a tetanus vaccine to stimulate their immune responses. Some of these mice will receive an immune-boosting serum to see if it can counteract the immunosuppressive effects of being in space. Tracking the immune responses of these space mice could help pave the way for improved vaccines and medications.

Igniting Water

In a groundbreaking experiment, scientists are working with a form of water that doesn’t extinguish flames; instead, it ignites them. Known as “supercritical water,” this substance is created by compressing water to extreme pressures and heating it to over 703°F. Above this temperature, water transforms into a state that is neither solid, liquid, nor gas—referred to by NASA as “a liquid-like gas.” When supercritical water interacts with organic materials, it results in flameless combustion, producing only pure water and carbon dioxide. The U.S. Navy has already begun utilizing supercritical water to treat waste on ships—this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

Space Veggies

While crew members on the ISS receive food shipments from Earth, future long-term missions to asteroids or Mars will necessitate growing food in space. However, the essential elements for plant growth—water, sunlight, soil—are not readily available in the cosmos. In a unique experiment, pea shoots are germinated on Earth and sent to the ISS in specialized containers that allow for growth in microgravity. By experimenting with different combinations of red and blue LED lights, researchers can determine which conditions promote the fastest growth. The findings from these pea shoots are not just vital for space travel but can also inform agricultural practices on Earth, particularly in low-resource environments.

Diary of an Astronaut

Perhaps the most intriguing experiment aboard the ISS is the analysis of astronaut diaries, which aim to uncover the emotional and psychological effects of prolonged isolation and confinement in space. Being an astronaut might sound like a dream come true, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Since 2003, ISS crew members have documented their experiences three times a week, sending these entries back to Earth for analysis. Although the content remains confidential, it provides rich insights into life aboard the station. For updates on space life, you might want to check out their Twitter feeds.

In summary, the ISS is a hub for groundbreaking research that offers fascinating insights into both scientific principles and human resilience. From the peculiar behavior of flames to the challenges of growing food in space, the ongoing experiments provide valuable knowledge that could impact life on Earth and beyond. For those interested in the journey to parenthood, exploring resources like IVF Babble can be incredibly helpful. Also, consider boosting fertility supplements as part of your journey, and for more on home insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination.