Station Science Top News: Oct. 26, 2023

by ISS Program Science Office | 2023-10-30

ESA (European Space Agency) researchers examined bubble growth and coarsening rates in foams in microgravity and found coarsening rates closely agreed with theoretical predictions. Increased understanding of foam behavior could help improve their stabilization and enhancement in applications such as detergents, wastewater treatment, and oil recovery.

ESA’s FSL-Soft Matter Dynamics (FOAM) examines the behavior of foams (dispersions of gas within a solid or liquid matrix). Gravity-induced drainage, coarsening from the transfer of gas between bubbles, and bubble coalescence all can destabilize foams. Drainage is absent in microgravity, making it possible to study coarsening and coalescence more closely. Foams have potential applications for future space missions, including for fighting fires, purifying water, and producing lightweight but strong materials. Applications on Earth include in detergents, food products, and medicines and for oil recovery and firefighting.

A blue-gloved hand holds a black cartridge containing four clear vials of liquid. — A view of the FSL Soft Matter Dynamics - FOAM sample cell in the Columbus module aboard the International Space Station (ISS). **Credit: NASA/Christopher Cassidy**

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Researchers found that ECOSTRESS (ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station) temperature estimates matched measurements from thermal sensors in three sandflats on the northwestern Iberian Peninsula from 2019 to 2021. This finding confirms the accuracy of ECOSTRESS surface estimates and supports the instrument’s use to examine thermal stress in coastal ecosystems and organisms.

ECOSTRESS takes thermal infrared measurements of Earth’s surface at varying times throughout the day. These data could help answer questions related to changes in water availability, how vegetation water stress may impact the global carbon cycle, and how to reduce agricultural vulnerability by monitoring water use and improving drought estimation.

Modules of the International Space Station are shown with one of Earth's oceans in the background. — Photographic documentation of ECOSTRESS installation onto the Japanese Experiment Module - Exposed Facility (JEM-EF). **Credit: NASA**

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Preliminary data from tests of a radiation-sensing technology show that the instrument is working as expected. This research helps improve understanding of the space radiation environment and contributes to developing technology to protect crew members and equipment from potentially harmful radiation on future missions.

RadMap Telescope demonstrates technologies for radiation sensing and monitoring on spacecraft. Results are expected to provide detailed knowledge about the radiation spectrum, its temporal and spatial variations, and the shielding effectiveness of different materials, supporting the design of safer spacecraft, habitats, surface vehicles, and spacesuits. The technology has potential applications on Earth in settings that require precise characterization of charged-particle radiation, such as in the medical field.

A black cube-shaped instrument is attached to the International Space Station's wall. — View of the RadMap Telescope relocation during Expedition 69. **Credit: NASA/Sultan Alneyadi**