Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31705: Dancing Liquids in Space: Exploring Ferrofluid and Electromagnetic Forces on the ISS

Ferrofluids—liquids that become strongly magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field—are already fascinating on Earth. But how do they behave in space, where gravity no longer guides their flow? The Valley Christian High School team sought to answer this through their ISS experiment aboard Expeditions 29/30 and 33/34.

This student-designed project investigated how ferrofluids respond to electromagnetic fields in microgravity. Using custom-built containers and embedded magnetic coils, the experiment observed the movement, shape, and stability of the ferrofluid.

On Earth, ferrofluids align in spiked patterns along magnetic field lines due to the interplay of gravity and magnetic forces. In space, these fluids behave more erratically, displaying novel geometries and dynamics. By examining these changes, students gained insights into fluid mechanics, materials science, and electromagnetism.

The implications go far beyond curiosity. Ferrofluids are used in spacecraft cooling systems, targeted drug delivery, and sealing mechanisms. Understanding their behavior in space can enhance the design of future aerospace applications.

Thanks to this initiative, students didn’t just learn science—they did science. They programmed data loggers, interpreted sensor output, and collaborated with real engineers and scientists.

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