Why NASA is intentionally setting fires in orbit
In short: Watch as the Canadarm2 robotic arm releases the Cygnus cargo craft from the International Space Station. This mission carries more than just trash; it holds a critical experiment designed to study fire behavior in microgravity.
Following its arrival at the station on March 26, the Orbital/ATK Cygnus spacecraft was detached by Expedition 47 Commander Tim Kopra on June 14. While the craft is loaded with unneeded items, it also serves as a platform for the Spacecraft Fire Experiment (SAFFIRE).
By deliberately igniting a fire in an enclosed environment, researchers can measure oxygen usage and flame growth. This data is vital for safeguarding future space missions. The mission concludes when a group of nanosatellments is released, leading to the craft's destructive re-entry over the Pacific Ocean on June 22.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: U.S. Cargo Ship Leaves Space Station
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