Astronauts on the ISS have been involved in an experiment that involves heating and shaking complex fluids – liquids that contain fine solid particles or other liquid droplets – in space’s microgravity environment to create new materials. This cannot be achieved on Earth, as the planet’s gravity tends to separate complex fluids into their individual components, according to their weight. This results in a concentrated layer of particles on the bottom or on the top of the container, which would then prevent the production of these materials with the desired properties.
This method, using precise vibrations to allow contact-less control of dispersed particles, will lead in the future to improved or completely new, types of metal alloys, non-metallic conductors, plastics, and “macromolecular” substances that can be used to produce drugs and medicines.
Science Minister George Freeman said:
“This experiment paves the way for exciting scientific discoveries that could transform methods of manufacturing, demonstrating just how valuable a resource space can be for growth and industry in the UK and around the world.
“The organisations behind the experiment, QinetiQ and University of Strathclyde, provide two examples of the diversity of expertise across the UK space sector, which is already worth £16.5 billion to our economy. I look forward to seeing the next steps for this innovative work.”
Professor Marcello Lappa, Theory Originator and Project Leader at the University of Strathclyde, said:
“With these experiments we will investigate how, by shaking a fluid-solid-particle mixture in microgravity, we can create materials with structures that we cannot make on Earth.”
“It will lead to new advanced techniques and nanotechnologies for the production of advanced materials and alloys with properties that can only be obtained in space.”
“Particle Vibration shows how investing in space exploration, and the research in space that it enables, can benefit us here on Earth.
“In-space manufacturing harnesses the benefits of the space environment to create materials that are of much higher quality that those we can create on Earth, and that can be used to improve production of all sorts of materials crucial to our health and growth.
“The third in a series of experiments on the ISS that have been built with UK Space Agency funds, Particle Vibration showcases two UK organisations that are breaking new ground in space science and technology.”
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Strathclyde said:
“At Strathclyde we are proud of our track record in space innovation and this is a great example of the cutting edge research happening across the University.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said:
“This is hugely exciting research, with the potential to deliver transformational changes to the daily lives of people all around the world.”
“It’s fantastic that this is being led by a team based in Scotland, with UK Government support, and another excellent example of the way in which Scotland is playing a key role in the UK’s thriving space sector industries: from building and launching satellites, to developing truly innovative technologies.”
These experiments were executed on board the International Space Station from the beginning of February 2023 to the end of April 2023. This website provides some informative details about the technical and scientific aspects of this project, the related stages of preparation, implementation and execution as well as its main outcomes/results.