Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30839: Flame Design: Shaping the Future of Combustion in Space

The Flame Design experiment, led by Dr. Richard Axelbaum and supported by NASA Glenn Research Center, is an ambitious investigation into the nature of fire in microgravity. Conducted during Expeditions 59/60 and 66, the research aimed to develop advanced combustion techniques that produce fewer pollutants.

On Earth, gravity plays a dominant role in shaping how flames behave — hot gases rise, creating the familiar teardrop shape. In microgravity, however, flames become spherical and are governed purely by chemical kinetics and diffusion. This provides a cleaner view of combustion processes, allowing researchers to test new models and strategies for cleaner burning.

Flame Design explored how to manipulate flame structure and emissions by altering oxygen concentrations and fuel compositions. The ultimate goal? To design flames that are not only efficient but environmentally friendly. This has direct applications for engines, power plants, and even spacecraft life support systems.

Moreover, understanding fire behavior in space is critical for safety. Fires behave unpredictably in low gravity, and knowing how to control or extinguish them is vital for astronaut safety. Flame Design contributes to both fundamental science and practical engineering.

Through this research, students gain a window into advanced combustion chemistry and the crucial role of experimental physics aboard the ISS. It's a perfect blend of science, engineering, and safety that shows how even a flame can illuminate the path to sustainable space exploration.

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