Insights from Tiangong Space Station’s Candle Experiment

[Uncrowned Guard]

In an intriguing exploration of the properties of fire in microgravity, astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station have conducted an experiment involving open flames, sharing their findings in a live lecture broadcasted on September 21. This experiment aimed to enlighten students on the various phenomena occurring in microgravity, showcasing how flames in such an environment differ significantly from what we observe on Earth. The experience, however, also sheds light on the differing safety protocols between the Tiangong and the International Space Station (ISS) regarding experiments with flammable materials.

Behavior of Flames in Microgravity:

• Astronauts Gui Haichao and Zhu Yangzhu demonstrated that, in the absence of strong convection currents in microgravity, flames tend to be nearly spherical, contrasting the teardrop shapes we see on Earth. This difference arises because, in microgravity, hot air doesn’t rise and cold air doesn’t descend as it does under Earth’s gravity, leading flames to diffuse in all directions.

Significance of the Experiment:

• The experiment provides valuable insights into the behavior of physical processes in microgravity environments. By understanding how fire behaves in space, scientists can develop more effective safety measures and emergency response protocols for manned space missions.

Differing Safety Protocols:

• Stringent Safety on the ISS: The ISS enforces stringent safety protocols due to the inherent risks of using open flames and flammable materials in space, informed in part by a significant fire on the Russian space station Mir in 1997. Combustion in microgravity is typically studied using specially designed combustion integrated racks to keep fire isolated and contained.
• Approach on Tiangong Space Station: Unlike the ISS, the Tiangong space station permitted an experiment involving open flames, albeit under controlled conditions. This approach, while offering direct insights into combustion in microgravity, also invites discussions on risk management and safety considerations in space research. Tiangong also has its Combustion Experiment Rack (CER) for serious research in this area.

[ZandraJoi]

I would have thought they had done a test long ago in case of fires that broke out among the electrical equipment. This was cool to watch & see the differences.

[Uncrowned Guard]

6 hours ago, ZandraJoi said:

I would have thought they had done a test long ago in case of fires that broke out among the electrical equipment. This was cool to watch & see the differences.

Ever since the Mir space station had a fire on board, lighting a fire in an oxygen-rich enclosed area has always been deemed far too dangerous.  The International Space Station and the Chinese Space Station where this occurred are both equipped with special devices designed to use open flames in a safe manner for research, so this incident has actually been deemed fairly reckless and almost considered a reckless stunt that many agencies who are pointing at the Chinese space agency for not being willing to learn for other agencies.  Granted, everything ended well, and you can certainly make a debate that the flame was worth the risk to inspire millions of students in schools across the world and such.  

[ZandraJoi]

On 10/14/2023 at 5:17 PM, Uncrowned Guard said:

Ever since the Mir space station had a fire on board, lighting a fire in an oxygen-rich enclosed area has always been deemed far too dangerous.  The International Space Station and the Chinese Space Station where this occurred are both equipped with special devices designed to use open flames in a safe manner for research, so this incident has actually been deemed fairly reckless and almost considered a reckless stunt that many agencies who are pointing at the Chinese space agency for not being willing to learn for other agencies.  Granted, everything ended well, and you can certainly make a debate that the flame was worth the risk to inspire millions of students in schools across the world and such.  

Well, if it was reckless, only the Chinese Space Station would be affected. It wouldn't be like something else that would have a domino effect. Unless other vehicles were docked nearby or the explosion was like a nuclear blast radiating for miles.

[Kyng]

Ah yes, I remember learning in Physics class that candles produced circular flames in space, but t's cool to see it in action!

Thanks for sharing 🙂 .