Studying Physics in Microgravity – NASA
In this October 20, 2025 photo, tiny ball bearings surround a larger central bearing during the Fluid Particles experiment, conducted inside the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) aboard the International Space Station’s Destiny laboratory module. A bulk container installed in the MSG, filled with viscous fluid and embedded particles, is subjected to oscillation frequencies to observe how particles group together and form larger structures in microgravity. Lessons from this research could advance fire suppression, lunar dust mitigation, and plant growth in space. On Earth, the results could inform our understanding of pollen dispersal, algae blooms, plastic pollution and the transport of sea salt during storms.
In addition to discovering potential benefits on Earth, research conducted aboard the space station helps inform long-duration missions like Artemis and future human expeditions to Mars.
Image credit: NASA/Zena Cardman
