Microgravity as a research area encompasses the systematic investigation of physical, chemical, and biological processes under conditions of greatly reduced effective gravitational acceleration, such as in orbiting spacecraft, drop towers, or parabolic flights. It enables isolation of gravity-driven phenomena, allowing precise study of fluid dynamics, combustion, phase transitions, material solidification, colloidal behavior, and fundamental physics, as well as physiological and cellular responses to altered mechanical loading. Microgravity research supports development of validated models for transport processes, structure formation, and mechanobiology, and informs the design of space systems, countermeasures for human health in spaceflight, and advanced materials and processes with potential terrestrial applications.
By sending nanoemulsion formulations on a space flight, scientists are investigating whether chitosan—a material derived from shrimp and widely used to control the release of medications—performs well in controlling medicine ...
Space Exploration
Mar 4, 2025
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Jeff Bezos' rocket company gave NASA a brief taste of the moon's gravity Tuesday, without straying too far from home.
Space Exploration
Feb 4, 2025
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As space travel gains traction and astronauts spend increasing amounts of time in space, studying its effects on health has become increasingly critical.
Space Exploration
Jan 27, 2025
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The low levels of gravity (microgravity) in space cause significant changes in astronauts' eyes and vision after six to 12 months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), according to a study published in the IEEE Open ...
Space Exploration
Jan 24, 2025
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Microgravity is known to alter the muscles, bones, the immune system and cognition, but little is known about its specific impact on the brain. To discover how brain cells respond to microgravity, Scripps Research scientists, ...
Space Exploration
Dec 17, 2024
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As part of the agency's efforts to enable broader use of space, NASA has released its final goals and objectives for low Earth orbit, defining the long-term approach toward advancing microgravity science, technology, and ...
Space Exploration
Dec 17, 2024
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A paper published in Gravitational and Space Research unveils insights gained from International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory-sponsored research on transport phenomena, fundamental physical processes involving ...
Space Exploration
Nov 26, 2024
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A stay in space exerts extreme pressures on the human body. Astronauts' bodies and brains are impacted by radiation, altered gravity, challenging working conditions, and sleep loss—all of which could compromise cognitive ...
Space Exploration
Nov 20, 2024
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Thanks to human ingenuity and zero gravity, we reap important benefits from science in space. Consider smart phones with built-in navigation systems and cameras.
General Physics
May 21, 2024
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