NSF Funds ISS Projects for Electronics Cooling and Drug Delivery Research

The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory, in partnership with the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), has selected two new research projects. These investigations will utilize the unique microgravity environment of the ISS to advance the understanding of fluid transport phenomena, building on over a decade of collaboration aimed at producing tangible benefits for life on Earth.

The two newly selected projects will explore fundamental processes impacting advanced manufacturing, energy systems, and healthcare technologies. One project focuses on metal 3D printing, investigating how small powder particles melt and mix in liquids with gravity's effects minimized. Findings could improve manufacturing techniques and applications like drug delivery. The second project examines the slip ratio in microgravity two-phase flows, crucial for the efficiency of systems used in electronics cooling, refrigeration, and spacecraft thermal control.

By conducting these studies in space, researchers can isolate non-gravitational effects and develop more accurate models. The insights gained are expected to lead to more efficient heat-transfer systems and improved manufacturing processes. This collaboration underscores the value of space-based research for fundamental science and technological innovation.

The NSF-ISS National Lab partnership provides researchers access to unique experimental conditions. This access enables discoveries that are difficult or impossible to achieve on Earth, fostering advancements in science and engineering that have broad societal impact.