Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31329: Exploring How Fluids Mix Without Gravity: A Journey into Miscible Fluids in Space

The 'Miscible Fluids in Microgravity' experiment, spearheaded by John Pojman from Louisiana State University, investigates how fluids that dissolve into one another behave without gravity. On Earth, gravity drives convection currents, helping different liquids mix. In space, these forces disappear, creating a unique laboratory to explore how fluids mix purely through diffusion. Conducted across multiple ISS expeditions, the experiment offers valuable insights into how chemicals blend in microgravity. This knowledge is crucial for industries such as pharmaceuticals, where precise mixing is essential, and for environmental science, where understanding pollutant dispersal in water can benefit from new diffusion models. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center developed the tools to perform these studies in the microgravity lab. Observations show that without gravity, fluid mixing becomes much slower and is governed entirely by molecular interactions. These findings help improve models of fluid behavior in low-gravity environments and can be used in the design of life support and fuel systems for long-duration missions.

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.