| Abstract Scope |
The Foundations research portfolio within NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences program uses ground-based, microgravity, and partial gravity platforms to conduct experiments which contribute to scientific understanding of materials, fluids, and combustion phenomena in the unique environments associated with space exploration. This presentation will provide an overview of recent Foundations-sponsored research investigations and highlight impactful results from studies related to fluid physics, flame formation and propagation, thermophysical property measurement, and materials evolution (ex. nucleation, melting, solidification, crystallization, defect formation, and thermal stresses). We will highlight the key science questions from the most recent decadal survey which relate to Foundations work and show how investigations support these identified science goals. Experimental data can support space technology development efforts by reducing critical knowledge gaps and potentially enabling entirely new approaches. Areas of impact may include environmental control and life support systems, space habitats, waste management, fire suppression, manufacturing/repair, and in situ resource utilization. |