The Use Of Ferrofluid In Space

As an astronaut, you are always working in a zero gravity environment and what that means for you is that when you are working with liquids in these conditions, it is almost impossible to have these move from one place to another, and any direction without some sort of assistance.

This is where ferrofluid comes to the rescue of an astronaut, as this special colloidal liquid assists in the movement of any liquid through a field that is magnetic. When an astronaut is involved in a space mission, one of his or her responsibilities is to conduct certain tests or experiments, much as a scientist in a test lab has to perform certain controlled tests.


The differences of course for an astronaut are the circumstances. The experiments conducted here are of course affected by the zero gravity conditions that are inherent with being in space. There are mission experiments that sometimes involve how the human body reacts to living in these peculiar conditions.


Information gathered from countless space tests conducted over many years has wielded information that has resulted in many innovations over the years. The results from these experiments have led to the development of such new ideas as microchip technology.









New home, same eating habits


Even when living in space, an explorer still has to observe the same rules for maintaining optimum health as if they were on earth. Consuming three meals a day is a requirement in order to get the required amounts of proteins, carbohydrates and other nutrients that your body needs no matter where you may be living at any given time. Consuming meals in space has its own unique set of problems that someone who is living in a space station or in a rocket traveling to a space station has to manage.

The foods that a space traveler consumes come as pre-packaged and dehydrated. The food has to be prepared in such a way as to be physiologically appropriate in order for the astronaut to be able to consume. In order for a package of food to be eaten, hot or cold water has to be added to the package through a re hydration process. Items such as mustard, salt and ketchup are available so that the foods can be seasoned to their desired taste preferences. These condiments are also in a liquid so that they cannot cause issues and contaminate any important systems on the space station. Ferrofluids.


Wearing clothing on a space station is different because a person, who lives on a space station for several months at a time, will have to wear clothing on average for ten days or more before changing them. Of course the clothing is the same as what other people wear, including shorts, sweaters and shoes. Other clothing items that are provided include a several pair of running shoes for exercise purposes which can include the use of a treadmill and stationary bicycling. Of course exercise is encouraged for all astronauts in order to stave off deterioration of muscle tissue.