Fun with surface tension in space! Surface tension describes a property of liquids in which molecules of one substance are more attracted to each other than molecules of another substance, causing them to “stick together”. Using microgravity to display the unique properties of liquids in space can reveal fundamental knowledge that can change our lives back on Earth. Microgravity experiments with fluids can give scientists new ways to study disease, understand catastrophic mudflows on Earth, and find ways to improve consumer products. They can also offer an opportunity for some fun for Space Station astronauts.
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NASA ID
Fluids_on_the_Space_Station
Date Created
March 30, 2023
Center
JSC
Media Type
video
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Captions
Subtitles
Microgravity
Jan 31, 2000
Sample Cartridge Assembly (SCA) Project Group Photograph
Jan 30, 2020
Advanced Combustion via Microgravity Experiments, ACME chamber insert
Jun 22, 2016
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, Center Director Roy Bridges (left), Program Manager of the International Space Station (ISS) Randy Brinkley (second from left) and STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell (right) applaud the unveiling of the name "Destiny" for the U.S. Laboratory module. The lab, which is behnd them on a workstand, is scheduled to be launched on STS-98 on Space Shuttle Endeavour in early 2000. It will become the centerpiece of scientific research on the ISS. The Shuttle will spend six days docked to the Station while the laboratory is attached and three spacewalks are conducted to compete its assembly. The laboratory will be launched with five equipment racks aboard, which will provide essential functions for Station systems, including high data-rate communications, and maintain the Station's orientation using control gyroscopes launched earlier. Additional equipment and research racks will be installed in the laboratory on subsequent Shuttle flights.
Dec 1, 1998