Astronauts conduct a plethora of incredible experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They utilize a specially designed X-ray telescope to investigate distant deceased stars, gather cosmic particles, and cultivate crystals that can aid in the development of new medications. However, they also explore experiments that are so straightforward you could replicate them using items available in your kitchen—the major distinction is that their experiments take place in a microgravity environment.
Microgravity is what makes life on the ISS so distinct. This term is often mistakenly called “zero gravity,” but that’s not entirely accurate. Gravity is still at work and influences the space station; it’s actually what keeps the ISS in orbit around Earth! However, because of the station’s orbit, it gives the illusion that astronauts are floating without the effects of gravity, causing them to experience weightlessness. To manage liquids, they have to use specially designed cups to prevent their contents from floating away.
The microgravity environment aboard the ISS has a significant effect on nearly every process imaginable: from human physiology and liquid dynamics to plant growth and cooking methods. Thus, the ISS serves as a perfect venue for examining the principles of physics and the capabilities of biological organisms in a setting beyond our planet.
Some experiments involve bringing familiar Earth materials to space to explore how we can adapt to life in orbit. For instance, much like cultivating plants in your garden, NASA astronauts grow vegetables in a planter the size of a suitcase to ensure a supply of fresh produce while in space. The primary difference? While your garden benefits from sunlight, the plants on the ISS require specialized LEDs to get the right spectrum of light needed to survive and flourish. Astronauts even enjoyed a salad made from space-grown lettuce—and any home gardener can agree, there’s nothing quite like savoring the results of your hard work!
On the ISS, astronauts such as Don Pettit (who recently returned to space) often carry out experiments during their free time using items from their personal supplies. Sometimes, these experiments compare familiar Earth processes, like making ice cubes, but in the absence of the usual gravitational pull. The next time you check an ice tray, notice if you see any small white bubbles—these do not form in microgravity, as Pettit discovered in his experiments.
In another experiment, he combined salt, sugar, and coffee in a bag and shook it up. On Earth, this would just create a peculiar seasoning blend, but in space, the small particles clustered together in a manner that reflects one of the initial stages of planet formation (where tiny bits aggregate into larger masses, which can eventually come together to form planets).
One experiment you can actually replicate at home is astrophotography—albeit from a very different perspective. Astronauts like Pettit frequently bring cameras to capture images of Earth from their unique vantage point, which can provide valuable insights into climatic trends and other phenomena on our planet. While you may not catch a glimpse of the Earth’s curvature while taking photos in your backyard, you can still capture astonishing images with the right equipment.