Invisible flames, robots, and jellyfish all feature in this list of weird and wonderful space experiments!
Just when you think they’ve tried everything, NASA comes up with some new science experiment to be performed in orbit around the planet. Scientists who research space are always asking themselves questions about what is possible in zero gravity. Then, they design experiments to help answer these questions. The experiments are always scientific, but they can also be strange and bizarre.
10Jelly Fish in Space
In the 1990s, NASA launched 60,000 jellyfish into space in order to study gravitational effects. Once back on Earth, jellyfish born in space were unable to adapt and swam abnormally.
09Brewing Whiskey
In 2011, whiskey was sent to the International Space Station to study the effects on flavor. Returned to Earth this year, scientists will see if the sample matured differently in microgravity.
08Drinkable Urine System
In 2009, astronauts successfully recycled urine to become safe to drink. Costing $250M, the recycling system could one day be used on outposts on the moon & Mars.
07Rose Perfume
In 1998, NASA & perfume company IFF sent a rose to space to see if it would smell differently. Gravitational changes affected plant oils dependant on environment, leading to a sweeter smell.
06Space Spiders
In 1973, two spiders were shot into space to monitor web-spinning in a weightless environment. Suggested by a U.S. teen, it took three days for the spiders to adjust and spin normal webs.
05Invisible Flame
Scientists onboard the ISS earlier this year discovered invisible flames when they burned heptane fuel. The discovery could be used to ignite engines, reducing climate change.
04Lethal Bacteria
Salmonella was carried to space in 2006 to test the effects of a low-gravity environment. Injected into mice on their return to Earth, death rates were higher when compared to Earth-grown bacteria.
03Testing on Cadavers
While crash testing the Orion Space capsule in 2008, NASA used three corpses. The bodies were used to monitor damage to internal organs on landing.
02Noctilucent Clouds
In 2009, NASA built a rocket to make artificial clouds that shine at night. When first seen by the public they caused panic as people believed they’d spotted UFOs.
01The Robonaut
In 2011, a humanoid robot was sent to the International Space Station. The first dexterous humanoid in space, it is being developed to take over tasks of the crew.
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