Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31686: Unlocking Aroma in Orbit: Terpene Extraction in Space

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in plants, responsible for the scents of pine, citrus, lavender, and more. The NanoRacks-Terpene Extraction in Microgravity experiment tested how these compounds behave and can be extracted in space.

Led by Dr. Bill Lumsden of Ardbeg, the experiment aimed to understand how microgravity affects the separation and behavior of volatile compounds. It also examined how fluid mixing, temperature, and pressure changes in space influence the purity and efficiency of terpene extraction.

The significance of this research spans both science and industry. From pharmaceuticals to flavor engineering, terpenes are valuable compounds. Learning how to process them in microgravity can help develop new space-based manufacturing techniques and improve our understanding of molecular chemistry in non-Earth environments.

The experiment used plant samples placed in specialized fluid systems that mimicked terrestrial extraction methods but adjusted for space conditions. Monitoring involved both real-time sensors and post-return chemical analysis.

Beyond the technical insights, the experiment captured public imagination, highlighting how even the fragrances of Earth can be studied in orbit.

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.