Microfluidics and Macrofluidics in Space: ISS-Proven Fluidic Transport and Handling Concepts

Fluid transport and handling in extraterrestrial conditions, i.e. microgravity, require significantly different system engineering than here on Earth. On Earth, a notable part of fluid processing units inherently relies buoyancy to handle fluids. In space, however, effects are negligible due the strong diminishment gravity, resulting domination surface tension forces. Surface forces also dominating micro-scale processes making microfluidics promising technology for fluidic microgravity. Recently, three microfluidics-suitable behavior phenomena have been studied ISS that might further facilitate manipulation fluids space: capillary-driven flow, thermocapillary Marangoni forces, electrolytic gas evolution-driven flow. Furthermore, attention is drawn strategies eliminate unwanted bubbles from liquid bodies as they can damage sensitive equipment: Mesh-screen capillarity open wedge channels identified approaches. Finally, relevance space illustrated with everyday activities during missions, such drinking, plant watering, gathering biometric data.