Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31057: Floating Metals and Future Factories: Investigating Steel Processing in Space

Imagine studying molten metal suspended in mid-air, untouched by any container, and heated to thousands of degrees. That’s exactly what the experiment titled 'Interfacial phenomena and thermophysical properties of high-temperature liquids-Fundamental research of steel processing using electrostatic levitation' achieved on the International Space Station.

Led by Dr. Masahito Watanabe of Gakushuin University and developed by JAXA, this research spanned multiple ISS expeditions—43/44 through 65—and explored how high-temperature liquids like molten steel behave in microgravity.

On Earth, gravity affects how metals melt, flow, and solidify. Containers used in steel processing often introduce contamination and interfere with pure observations. But in space, electrostatic levitation allows researchers to suspend droplets of molten metal, heating them with lasers while observing their behavior without physical contact.

This technique reveals vital information about viscosity, surface tension, and thermal properties. These insights are essential for refining steel processing techniques, leading to better-quality materials for construction, automotive, and aerospace industries.

The experiment also helps refine models that predict how metals behave during manufacturing. This is crucial not only for improving Earth-based production but also for developing manufacturing techniques for future space habitats, where in-situ resource utilization will be key.

This research underscores the value of the ISS as a laboratory for studying phenomena that are difficult or impossible to investigate on Earth. The findings don’t just stay in space—they come back to improve the infrastructure of everyday life.

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.