Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30059: Keeping It Clean: How Aerosol Monitors Protect Air Quality on the ISS

Air quality is vital—on Earth and especially in the closed environment of the International Space Station. The Aerosol Monitors experiment, developed by a team including NASA Glenn Research Center and several private partners, aimed to do exactly that: ensure the air astronauts breathe remains clean and safe.

Conducted during Expedition 73, this study introduced advanced air-monitoring devices capable of detecting tiny particles suspended in the ISS atmosphere. These particles, or aerosols, can come from a variety of sources—equipment operation, human activity, or even chemical off-gassing.

Led by Principal Investigator Claire Fortenberry, the experiment’s focus was on precision and reliability. Traditional air quality sensors are often bulky or not suited for microgravity. The Aerosol Monitors deployed here were compact, lightweight, and required minimal power, making them perfect for use aboard a space station.

These monitors worked by shining lasers through the air and detecting how light scattered off airborne particles. By measuring this scattering, scientists could determine particle size and concentration with remarkable accuracy. The collected data helped them understand where aerosols originated and how they moved through the station.

Why does this matter? Prolonged exposure to aerosols can affect respiratory health, especially in the sealed, recirculated environment of space. Moreover, some particles could interfere with sensitive equipment, potentially jeopardizing experiments or operations.

The experiment was also a proving ground for Earth applications. Technology from Aerosol Monitors is being adapted for use in schools, hospitals, and other indoor environments where air quality is a concern.

Through innovation and collaboration, this experiment marked a step forward in creating healthier, more livable space habitats.

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