BASS-2

Burning and Suppression of Solids 2 is the second generation of BASS studies that examine how the microgravity environment affects the burning process and suppression characteristics of solid fuels. These tests will provide data that will help develop strategies for extinguishing fires in microgravity and on long duration missions. Also, fire detection systems will be improved, both – on Earth and in Space. Crewmembers will document the burning process of the different fuels and several other properties connected to burning solids. The fires will be suppressed by Nitrogen Gas.

The experiment provides valuable data for combustion models. “The BASS hardware consists of a small flow duct with an igniter and a small nozzle along with exchangeable fuel samples. During BASS operations a fan produces a co-flow of air through the duct. An anemometer is used to measure the actual flow rate. The crewmember adjusts the airflow from 5 to 50 cm/s. The flame is ignited and allowed to burn for about a minute. A nitrogen suppressant is then supplied via a mass flow controller, from 0 to 500 cc/min. A radiometer measures flame output,” the NASA Experiment description notes. “The science team on the ground monitors the video downlink to assist the crewmember in determining any peculiar flame behaviors and reviews the sensor data overlaid on the video image.”