Microgravity experiments: what is its importance in spatial exploration

THE gravity exerts influence on almost all physical, chemical and biological phenomena that occur on our planet. This force, which pulls objects toward the center of the earth, is what makes our feet firm to the ground as we walk, and determine the functioning of our body and all the other things we know on the earth’s surface.

In spatial orbit, however, gravity no longer affects us in the same way And it is possible to find out how the human body and other objects behave in the absence of weight.

the term “Microgravity” It is used to refer to these environments, where weight absence is almost achieved – since small residual forces, such as the drag or solar pressure, continue to act. The best way to reach microgravity is in space.

These conditions other than those we experienced on planet Earth allow scientists in orbit to lead experiments that would not be possible here, leading to important results in various areas of knowledge.

What are the effects of microgravity?

The main effects of an environment with microgravity are those observed in fluids (liquids or gases), which now behave differently without the gravity “pulling” them down.

According to Jaxa, the Japanese space agency, the main factors of difference in microgravity are:

  • Absence of floatability and sedimentation : On Earth, heavier substances sink, while lighter substances buoy (such as water and oil, for example). In space, substances with different densities disperses evenly.
  • Absence of convection: On earth, liquids and gases that are heated become less dense, causing them to rise and create a convection chain. In space, this does not occur.
  • Absence of hydrostatic pressure: On Earth, the hydrostatic pressure exerted by liquids increases the higher the depth (since the weight of the liquid itself now exerts pressure). In space, there is no pressure variation.
  • Fluctuation without containers: To manipulate a liquid on the earth, it takes a container that contains it. In space, however, liquids can float in the air and be studied without the need for a container.

What is the importance of microgravity studies?

On Earth, gravity acts as a force that can distort the physical processes being studied by scientists. In orbit, it is possible to observe and control the phenomena and processes that would normally be masked by the effects of gravity.

Weight absence can help scientists better understand the growth of tissues, cells and proteins of the human body, enabling advances in understanding how to control this process and improve medicine on earth.

In addition, it is also possible to perform industrial production processes without the effect of gravity, which often influences the processes of fusion and solidification of materials, for example. Studying these steps under microgravity can help better understand how materials behave and thus improve the quality of end products.

How are scientific studies done in microgravity?

The International Space Station (ISS) is currently the largest scientific laboratory in orbit. And the fact that it remains in the long -term terrestrial orbit allows various experiments and long -term studies to be conducted under microgravity conditions.

Because it is a habitable place, ISS also makes it possible to study the impacts of microgravity on the human body of astronauts – such as the effects of space that causes change in the circulation of our blood, a fluid that is no longer affected by gravity.

The main experiments conducted in microgravity are related to material science and engineering, fluid physics, combustion science and effects of space on the human body.

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This content was originally published in microgravity experiments: what is its importance in spatial exploration on the CNN Brazil website.

Source: CNN Brasil

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