NASA is preparing to test a safe fire in space. The purpose of the experiment at the International Space Station is to identify the characteristics of space fire. The U.S. space agency’s fireworks’ is recognizing the importance of using fire safely in space as human missions to the moon and Mars prepare for launch.
Fire burns differently in different environments. Gravity and the presence of air affect the flames. In some cases the fire will spread rapidly while in others it will be extinguished quickly. There are indications that human colonies on the Moon and Mars will be made of non-combustible materials. Astronomers believe that such measures would be more practical than controlling fire.
NASA is conducting a space fire test called Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction (SoFIE). Materials for this will arrive at the Northrop Grumman space station as part of the 17th cargo mission. The test will take place inside a chamber that can safely ignite fire inside the International Space Station.
‘Information on how fireballs propagate and how different objects burn under different conditions will be crucial in future space missions. Gravity on Earth has a decisive influence on the characteristics of fire. Paul Ferkul, a scientist who was part of the Sophie experiment, says that fire can have catastrophic consequences if it exhibits unpredictable behavior under gravity.
As part of the Sophie experiment, many features of fire will be observed in space. Attempts will be made to find out the potential for flare-ups, gases and odors following the fire. NASA has decided to conduct five space fire experiments by November 2025 as part of the Sophie experiment. Although the experiment is being conducted in space, NASA hopes that more information on the characteristics of the fire will be able to provide information on how to use the fire more safely on Earth.
English Summary: Future space houses will be 100% fire-resistant, thanks to NASA experiments
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