Drinking a cup of coffee in space is a real challenge once you are in space due to zero gravity. You spill coffee, it starts floating even before it hits the bottom of your cup. However, NASA had found a way which will allow astronauts to finally enjoy a cup of coffee and other drinks without chasing them midair.
Mark Milton Weislogel, lead researcher and associate professor of mechanical and materials engineering from Portland State University, and a team of scientists were working together in creating a cup that will counteract the lack of gravity in space using a method called Capillary Flow Experiment. NASA describes this experiment as a series of fluid experiments that investigates how fluids move up surfaces in zero gravity. The scientists performed the experiments in the International Space Station (ISS).
The scientists believe that successfully developing anything that can hold liquids in space will make a great improvement in the lives of the astronauts in space.
One of the tests conducted by the scientists is called the Interior Corner Flow Test wherein they placed two surfaces together forming a narrow angle in which the liquids will flow in between the intersection. The process is similar to how our capillaries or small blood vessels feed from the blood. After this test, the scientists did a Vane Gap Test which will make them determine the best angle that could hold the liquids inside.
The zero-gravity cup is the product of these series of experiments which has been tested by the scientists and NASA astronaut Don Pettit while on board the ISS. Pettit shared his experience in IBTimes, “As you sip, more fluid keeps coming, and you can enjoy your coffee in a weightless environment-- clear down to the last drop.”
You may watch a video uploaded in YouTube which demonstrates how astronauts drink coffee in space.
