Chinese Astronauts Conduct Eye-Raising Experiment with Open Flames in Space
Chinese astronauts, Gui Haichao and Zhu Yangzhu, recently conducted a groundbreaking experiment involving open flames in space. The experiment, livestreamed as part of China’s “Tiangong classroom” series on the space station, aimed to demonstrate how flames burn in microgravity.
During the livestreamed lecture, which captivated students and space enthusiasts alike, Gui Haichao and Zhu Yangzhu lit a candle to observe how flames behave in microgravity conditions. The results were surprising as the flames appeared nearly spherical, in stark contrast to the teardrop-shaped flames observed on Earth.
The candle experiment, while fascinating, would have likely raised eyebrows among participants aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to the strict regulations governing flammable materials and open flames. Strict fire safety measures on the ISS were implemented after a significant fire incident on the Russian space station Mir in 1997.
The study of combustion in microgravity has long been a subject of interest for scientists. Previous experiments have typically utilized specially-designed racks to isolate and contain fire. The Tiangong space station also boasts its Combustion Experiment Rack (CER), allowing for dedicated research in this area.
Through their demonstration, the Chinese astronauts have shed light on the unique phenomena of combustion in microgravity. The spherical shape of the flames challenges traditional understanding and provides valuable insights for future space missions.
The “Tiangong classroom” series has become increasingly popular, offering a platform for astronauts to educate and engage with students. The interactive session not only showcased the candle experiment but also highlighted a range of microgravity phenomena, captivating the audience with the wonders of space.
Gui Haichao and Zhu Yangzhu’s experiment marks another important milestone in China’s space exploration journey. As the nation continues to make advancements in the field, the insights gained from these experiments will undoubtedly contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of microgravity combustion, bringing us one step closer to unlocking the mysteries of space.
