Small experiments are brainstormed within the constraints of a 5 x 5 x 10 cm (approximately) container and NASA’s safety requirements. The main objective of the experiments is to explore how something works in a microgravity environment. Experiments range anywhere from biology to physics. These experiments are placed in containers called Microlabs, and four of these Microlabs go into one Nanorack, which is then sent up to the International Space Station where the mechanical, electrical, and software components of the experiment work together to record data for 30 days.

 

THE PROJECT

 

The experiment this year is to purify an aqueous solution of phosphate and water, simulating a component of urine. Urine contains phosphates that fluoresce under exposure to UV light; the experiment takes advantage of that fact. Within the microlab, a solution of phosphate and water will be vaporized using a nebulizer. The phosphate molecules will be filtered out, and the water molecules will be in gaseous state and free to move through the membrane. This membrane is a waterproof/breathable fabric similar to GoreTex in that it allows water vapor to diffuse through it. A series of pumps will create a pressure differential within the system which will move the water vapor throughout the system. The pumps will be controlled by software to change the pressure values. The vapor will eventually end up in a condensation chamber, when a pump will add pressure to the chamber to condense the gas due to the ideal gas law. A UV light will then be shone into the chamber to detect the presence (or lack) of phosphates. The hypothesis was that if water containing a water-soluble phosphate is vaporized and filtered through a breathable fabric, the impurities will be separated and the water in the condensation chamber should not fluoresce under exposure to UV light.

 

• See the project posted on the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research website 

• See what the ISS Program is all about on the Valley Christian High School website