Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30845: How Flames Behave in Space: The Fascinating Insights from FEE-2 JAXA

Imagine lighting a match on Earth. You see a bright flame, fueled by oxygen and behaving in a way we all expect. But in space, where gravity is nearly nonexistent, that same flame dances differently—and understanding its behavior can save lives. Welcome to the Flame Extinguishment Experiment -2 (FEE-2), a collaboration between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) that seeks to rewrite what we know about fire in space.

FEE-2, designed by NASA’s Glenn Research Center and ZIN Technologies, was flown during ISS Expeditions 43/44 and 45/46. The goal was simple but crucial: to understand how different fire suppressant strategies work in microgravity. Why is this important? Because on the International Space Station (ISS), a fire emergency would be far more complicated than on Earth. There’s no quick escape, and extinguishing flames isn’t as straightforward when gravity isn't pulling hot gases upward.

The experiment focused on microgravity combustion—a field that studies how flames behave without the buoyant forces caused by gravity. FEE-2 utilized spherical fuel droplets suspended in a chamber, then ignited them under controlled conditions. Various extinguishing agents, such as water mist and gaseous chemicals, were applied. The effects were recorded through high-definition cameras and analyzed to determine flame suppression efficacy.

Interestingly, in space, flames tend to form spherical shapes due to the absence of convection currents. This means that extinguishers which work by smothering the fire may not be as effective. The results from FEE-2 help engineers develop more efficient fire suppression systems tailored for spacecraft and future habitats on the Moon or Mars.

But FEE-2 wasn’t just about putting out fires. It also revealed deeper physics about how fire spreads, how it consumes fuel, and how it behaves in low-oxygen environments. These insights have dual benefits: safer spacecraft and improved fire safety on Earth, particularly in enclosed environments like submarines or high-rise buildings.

FEE-2’s success marks a significant milestone in space safety. As we prepare for longer missions and possible settlements beyond Earth, understanding fire is as crucial as understanding how to breathe. With Hiroshi Nomura and his team leading the way, we are now better equipped to handle one of humanity’s oldest and most dangerous elements—fire—even among the stars.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.