Water at Zero Gravity
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network in Technology
Experiment Will Look at How Elements Interact in Zero Gravity, How They Separate and How they Might Change Over Time, Important for Long-duration Space Flight Success
Gadsden State students have been working for two years toward a launch later this month that will carry an experiment they developed into space.
NASA has scheduled an Orbital 3 rocket launch for Oct. 27 to carry cargo to the International Space Station. On board will be an experiment that will look at how water can change in a weightless environment.
"Our students have gotten the opportunity that many dream about," said Tim Green, dean of technical education and workforce development at GSCC.
In the fall of 2012, Gadsden State was chosen to develop an experiment in association with Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Over the past two years, students have worked on the experiment and taken part in demonstrations on-board aircraft simulating near-weightless conditions.
The experiment will gather information that can be used in long-range space exploration flights. Drinkable water carried into space, like water on earth, has certain chemical and organic compounds. The experiment will look at how those elements interact in zero gravity, how they separate and how they might change over time. In long-distance or long-duration space flights, knowing how the composition of a vital need like drinking water can affect a mission's success.
Students had to work on the experiment to make it fully automated for its trip into space. Electronic engineering technology instructor Audrey Webb, working with student team leader Corey Edwards, spent time with Dr. Murray Darrach, from the JPL, to get the experiment ready for flight.
Once in space at the station, an astronaut will activate it, while an automated camera will take pictures inside every five minutes for the following 30 days. Upon completion, the experiment will be sent back to Gadsden for examination.
"I can't begin to put into words who excited we are to have this opportunity and what value this brings to our current and future students," Webb said. Both Webb and Edwards are planning to attend the launch.
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