Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30881: Mastering Microgravity: How Fuel Tanks Behave in Space

On Earth, we take fluid behavior for granted. Gravity ensures fuel stays at the bottom of a tank, ready to be pumped. But in space, without gravity, fuel floats, sloshes, and behaves unpredictably. This poses a major challenge for spacecraft that rely on precise fuel usage. That's where the 'Residual Momentum and Tank Dynamics in Microgravity Environment' experiment steps in.

Led by Orbit Fab’s Daniel Faber, this research was critical in understanding how fluids move inside tanks in a microgravity environment. The goal: to ensure safe, reliable fuel management in orbit.

During ISS Expeditions 57 through 60, researchers observed how momentum and residual motion affected the distribution and movement of liquid fuel in spacecraft tanks. Without gravity to anchor the fluid, even small spacecraft movements can cause fuel to drift or slosh violently, which may affect stability and control.

The team used specially designed tanks equipped with sensors and cameras to capture real-time data on fluid behavior. Key parameters studied included surface tension, capillary action, and how tank geometry influences liquid containment. The results guided improvements in tank design for future spacecraft.

Why does this matter? As we look toward building a permanent presence in orbit—and even refueling satellites in space—we need to master fuel transfer and storage. Companies like Orbit Fab aim to build “gas stations in space,” enabling satellites to refuel without returning to Earth. This experiment provides the foundational science to make that possible.

It’s another example of how technology development on the ISS paves the way for sustainable and scalable space infrastructure.

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