Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has announced that astronaut Mr. Sultan AlNeyadi has participated in the Fluidics experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The experiment, in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and French space agency CNES, seeks to unravel the intricacies of liquid motion within spacecraft tanks and the wave turbulence on liquid surfaces.
The investigation delves deep into’sloshing’—the movement of liquids within closed confines. By understanding this behavior, the industry can aspire to design more effective satellite fuel-systems, which could significantly reduce costs and extend satellite life.
Furthermore, a segment of the study focused on surface turbulence in fluids. Without the impact of gravity, researchers could analyze surface forces’ behavior, simplifying the phenomenon’s understanding.
Here are the key contributions of the FLUIDICS study conducted by astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi aboard the International Space Station.#TheLongestArabSpaceMission pic.twitter.com/RhnShKPsU7
— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) August 18, 2023
“Understanding fluid dynamics, especially in the challenging space environment, has vast implications. We grapple with the complexities of fluid behavior, from the simple act of extracting the last drop from a pouch to the crucial process of delivering fuel to spacecraft engines under extreme conditions,” Mr. AlNeyadi said.
The implications of the Fluidics experiment also extend beyond space exploration. By enhancing their understanding of liquid behavior, its paving the way for a more profound knowledge of Earth’s vast oceans and the planet’s intricate climate system. The Fluidics experiment is a continuation of a series of studies that was also undertaken by astronaut Mr. Hazzaa AlMansoori in 2019.