Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31710: Soapy Science in Space: Studying Fluid Mixing with Detergents Aboard the ISS
- Agnirva.com
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
What happens when you mix fluids with soap in space? Without gravity to help settle and separate substances, mixing becomes a whole new science. Valley Christian High School students launched an innovative project during ISS Expeditions 47/48 to explore exactly this.
Their experiment involved a series of syringes and chambers that allowed astronauts to mix liquids with varying detergent concentrations. The goal? To observe how microgravity affects the ability of surfactants—compounds found in soaps—to help fluids combine.
In normal gravity, detergents reduce surface tension, making it easier for oil and water to mix. But in space, surface tension behaves differently. Fluids tend to form spheres and resist mixing. The students hypothesized that detergent efficiency might change in these conditions.
During the experiment, astronauts pushed fluids into mixing chambers and then captured the interactions on video. Students later analyzed these visuals, looking at how quickly and thoroughly the fluids blended.
Results showed that while detergents still function in space, their behavior changes. In some cases, they were less effective at mixing, and in others, they formed stable emulsions that lasted far longer than on Earth.
This experiment not only taught students about chemistry and fluid dynamics—it also had practical implications. Mixing fluids in space affects everything from preparing medications to managing waste. Knowing how to optimize these processes is critical for long-term missions.
By creatively applying basic science to a space environment, these students showed how classroom concepts can inform the future of space travel.
Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program
Comments