Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31706: Electroplating in Orbit: How Microgravity Changes Metal Coatings

Can you electroplate metals without gravity? The Valley Christian High School team explored this question in their ISS experiment during Expeditions 29/30 and 33/34. Electroplating—using electric current to deposit a metal layer onto a surface—is a key industrial process. But no one knew exactly how microgravity would affect the formation, adhesion, and quality of plated metals.

This experiment tested different electrolytic solutions and metal combinations within a secure onboard module. Students studied deposition rates, coating smoothness, and crystal structure after the samples returned to Earth.

Microgravity changed everything. Without gravity-induced convection currents, ions moved primarily by diffusion, altering the way metal particles settled. This could lead to smoother or less uniform coatings—both valuable insights for future space-based manufacturing.

This hands-on research helped students understand electrochemistry, fluid dynamics, and materials science in a real-world space context. The findings are especially relevant as industries look to 3D print and repair hardware in orbit.

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