INFERNITYFLAME IN FREEFALL

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Attribute
Hardware groupUngrouped
Pillars
Detection
Fuel phaseNo fuel
MaterialAmbient ISS airborne particulate and released test particles
ShapeAirborne aerosol sampling
SizeNot specified
O2 concentrationVaried / not specified
PressureVaried / not specified
AirflowVaried / not specified
FacilityHand-held P-Trak particle counter operated inside the ISS cabin
Module / vehicleInternational Space Station
Sensors
  • P-Trak ultrafine particle counter
  • Isopropyl-alcohol condensation chamber
  • Light-beam particle detector
Variables tested
  • Ultrafine particle counts in microgravity
  • Particle counter operation without gravity-driven alcohol return
  • Ambient ISS particulate levels
ObjectivesVerify that a modified P-Trak ultrafine particle counter, a key SAME component, works in microgravity and can characterize ISS airborne particulate before SAME flew.
Key findings
  • Demonstrated a hand-held commercial particle counter in the ISS atmosphere.
  • Data indicated low particulate levels relative to the Shuttle, consistent with the smaller ISS crew and its filtration system.
  • Average particle sizes on orbit were larger than on Earth, possibly due to spacecraft filtration efficiency.
  • Established the median particulate baseline needed to distinguish ordinary dust from dangerous smoke.
Relevant environments
Spacecraft cabinSpace station
SourceNASA PSI