How do we conduct our research with zero gravity? We asked NASA experts: Episode 62

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How do we conduct our research with zero gravity?

In fact, when astronauts perform experiments on the International Space Station, such as on an environment on an organism, this environment is actually called microgravity. That is, things feel weightless, but we are still affected by the gravity of the Earth.

Now, the microgravity we are trying to study there can really make the experiment really difficult, for many different reasons.

First, things float. Therefore, losing something in the International Space Station is a very practical possibility. For example,

A set of tomatoes was harvested in 2022 and placed it in a bag, which floated in the bag, and we couldn't find it for eight months.

Therefore, to prevent this from happening, we use many different methods, such as using closed experimental spaces such as gadget boxes and gadget bags. We use a lot of Velcro to glue things to.

Another problem is the bubbles in the liquid. So on Earth, bubbles float in space, they don't float, they interfere with optical measurements or stop microfluids. Therefore, space experimental equipment generally includes means for stopping or blocking or capturing air bubbles.

The third problem is convection. Therefore, on Earth, gravity drives a gas mixing process called convection, which helps circulate the air. But without this we are worried about some experimental organisms and whether they want to get the fresh air they need. So we might do things like adding fans to their habitat, or if we can't, we put their habitat where there might already be fans or corridors on the ISS, and we think they'll be many astronauts walking around and circulating in the air.

Another problem is that many of the laboratory instruments we use on Earth are not designed for microgravity designs. So to make sure gravity doesn’t affect how it works, we might experiment on the ground, where we turn them sideways or reverse them, or spin them in a barbecue shop to make sure they continue to work.

So you can tell us that for every experiment we have conducted on the International Space Station, the entire team of scientists has spent years developing experimental designs. So, I think the answer to how we do microgravity research is a lot of practice and preparation.

(End Video Transcript)

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