{
    "id": 31394,
    "url": "https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/31394/",
    "page_type": "Hyperwall Visual",
    "title": "NASA Studies Fire in Microgravity",
    "description": "Images from studies of fire's behavior in microgravity aboard the ISS.",
    "release_date": "2026-05-06T12:00:00-04:00",
    "update_date": "2026-05-06T16:13:02.697460-04:00",
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            "description": "While setting a fire in space sounds like a bad idea, scientists have been safely creating controlled flames in space for decades. These experiments, many of which are sponsored by NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) Division, are improving our understanding of combustion and the safety of future deep space explorers. \r\n\r\nWhat causes flames to behave differently in space? When you remove Earth’s gravitational pull, flames behave much differently. The typical shape of a candle flame is caused by less dense warm air rising to be replaced by cooler ambient air from below. In microgravity, however, that circulation effect does not happen, creating a spherical flame!  \r\n\r\nWhy study flames in space? Gravity is a strong force that can cloud scientific studies on Earth. Studying combustion in microgravity provides a unique opportunity for scientists to better understand the fundamental aspects of combustion without that clouding effect of gravity. \r\n\r\nAdditionally, researchers study fire in space to better protect astronauts. Astronauts must know what to expect in case of a fire emergency. Unlike on Earth, Astronauts cannot leave the spacecraft and dial 911. The spacecraft environment must be made as safe as possible by using materials that do not burn whenever possible. Some materials may even be more flammable in partial-gravity environments, making this research crucial. \r\n\r\nHow to study fire in microgravity? Researchers have designed International Space Station facilities to study combustion while keeping crew safe during the tests. The primary facility used to study flames aboard station is the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR). CIR safely contains small-scale flame studies and requires little crew interaction. \r\n\r\nThe BPS-sponsored Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction (SoFIE) experiment is designed to slot into the CIR and enables studies of ignition and the flammability of solid spacecraft materials. \r\n\r\nLarger scale flame studies have been conducted aboard Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft after they depart station. This Saffire series of experiments allowed for scaled-up studies of fire spread.",
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            "description": "Part of the Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction investigation (SoFIE), this image shows a thin fabric sheet burning in a quiescent chamber in microgravity. The burning sample generates its own flow as fuel is vaporized, drawing fresh oxygen into the flame. The flame brightens periodically as oxygen is drawn in: first strengthening the flame, followed by flame dimming as the fuel is consumed locally and must re-accumulate. Images are 0.2 s apart.",
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            "description": "This image shows a sequence of snapshots taken about 3 seconds apart during the Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction (SoFIE) Growth and Extinction Limits (GEL) experiment aboard the space station.",
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            "description": "This image is from the Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction (SoFIE) Growth and Extinction Limits (GEL) experiment aboard the space station.",
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            "description": "This image is from the Solid Fuel Ignition and Extinction (SoFIE) experiment aboard the space station.",
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            "description": "For more information, visit [Combusion Science](https://www.nasa.gov/glenn/glenn-expertise-space-exploration/physical-sciences-program/combustion-science/#residence-time-driven-flame-spread-rtdfs).",
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    "studio": "hw",
    "funding_sources": [],
    "credits": [
        {
            "role": "Technical support",
            "people": [
                {
                    "name": "Amy Moran",
                    "employer": "Global Science and Technology, Inc."
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
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    "nasa_science_categories": [
        "Earth"
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    "keywords": [
        "Biological & Physical Sciences",
        "Fire Characteristics",
        "ISS",
        "Microgravity"
    ],
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}