NSF Selected Two Projects for ISS Microgravity Study
The NSF and ISS National Lab will study metal powder melting and cooling processes in orbit.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Physics
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The U.S. National Science Foundation and the ISS National Laboratory have selected two new research projects to investigate physical phenomena in a microgravity environment. These experiments aim to improve additive manufacturing techniques and thermal cooling systems.
Why it matters
On Earth, gravity-induced buoyancy obscures the role of surface tension in liquid and particle dynamics, creating hurdles for industrial design. Conducting these studies in space allows researchers to isolate these forces to develop more accurate predictive models.
The studies will utilize the International Space Station to observe metal powder melting and two-phase flow boiling, where liquid and bubbles move through channels to measure the slip ratio. Researchers intend to use this data to refine models that currently lead to defects in additively manufactured parts.
The players
National Science Foundation
This U.S. government agency supports fundamental research and education in all non-medical fields of science and engineering.
ISS National Laboratory
This organization manages the U.S. portion of the International Space Station to foster scientific research and technology development.
Patricia Weisensee
A researcher at Washington University in St. Louis who focuses on fluid dynamics and thermal transport phenomena.
Chen Li
A professor at the University of South Carolina who specializes in experimental heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
The details
Patricia Weisensee of Washington University in St. Louis will lead the investigation into metal powder melting dynamics, while Chen Li of the University of South Carolina will examine two-phase flow boiling. The absence of buoyancy in microgravity allows scientists to observe how surface tension dictates material behavior, providing insights essential for future manufacturing and heat transfer applications.
Timeline
The ESA has operated a metal 3D printer on the ISS since mid-2024.
A research team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences completed a suborbital metal 3D printing test in January 2026.
The NSF and ISS National Lab announced the two new research projects on September 24, 2026.
The Big Picture
This selection of new projects extends the ongoing scope of the NSF-funded ISS research partnership. These studies follow a decade-long trajectory of utilizing space as a laboratory to overcome Earth-bound limitations in material science and engineering.
Refining predictive models for metal additive manufacturing could eventually lead to stronger, defect-free 3D printed metal components for commercial use. Improved cooling system designs derived from these physics experiments may also result in more energy-efficient thermal management technologies for future consumer electronics.
The takeaway
Advancing manufacturing through microgravity research highlights the critical role of fundamental physics in solving industrial engineering challenges. These experiments demonstrate how isolating material variables in space leads to practical innovations for Earth-based technology.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing orbital studies, see the Physics section.
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