Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30820: How Boiling and Condensation Behave in Space: A Closer Look at Heat Transfer on the ISS

Imagine trying to boil water in space. On Earth, bubbles rise due to gravity, but in microgravity aboard the International Space Station (ISS), heat transfer behaves very differently. The Flow Boiling and Condensation Experiment (FBCE) investigates these phenomena to revolutionize cooling systems in spacecraft and beyond.

Led by Dr. Issam Mudawar from Purdue University and developed by NASA Glenn Research Center and ZIN Technologies, this experiment spans multiple expeditions, from 65 to 74. Its primary focus is to understand how fluids boil and condense in microgravity. Why is this important? Efficient heat transfer systems are critical for managing the thermal environment in spacecraft, which directly affects astronaut safety and the performance of onboard electronics.

Boiling and condensation are processes we rely on daily—boiling water for cooking or condensation in air conditioners. On Earth, gravity drives the movement of vapor bubbles during boiling and the flow of condensed liquid. In microgravity, these dynamics are altered, potentially leading to less efficient heat removal and overheating.

To study this, FBCE uses a flow boiling and condensation rig inside the Fluid Integration Rack (FIR) on the ISS. The system pumps a coolant fluid through heated tubes and observes how it behaves—when it starts to boil, how bubbles form, and how the vapor condenses back into liquid. Advanced sensors and high-speed cameras record data, offering insights never possible on Earth.

Results from this experiment are already reshaping our understanding of phase change heat transfer. The findings have implications not only for future spacecraft but also for improving cooling systems in electronics, power plants, and even medical devices on Earth.

The ability to accurately predict and control boiling and condensation in space will be a game-changer. FBCE proves once again how the ISS serves as a unique laboratory for groundbreaking science with practical applications.

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