ACTIVITIES

On November 5th, 2024, the Romanian experiment DropCoal, developed entirely by Romanian InSpace Engineering (RISE), was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the SpaceX CRS-31 mission from NASA Kennedy Space Center. The project, funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and proposed by an international team of researchers led by INFLPR, is now fully operational.

🌌 What is DropCoal?

DropCoal is an innovative experiment that studies the coalescence and mixing of liquids in microgravity. During the 6-month mission, the device will perform 560 experiments, while a high-speed camera films how two droplets of different liquids form, meet and mix.

🧪 The Importance of the experiment

The discoveries from this experiment are of high importance for space exploration, as they help improve methods for administering medication to astronauts and refueling spacecraft.

🔧 Capabilities at RISE

The DropCoal project demonstrates the ability of the RISE team to meet complex requirements, combining the multidisciplinary expertise within the company to design, manufacture, launch and operate a space device or mission. The DropCoal device, a true space laboratory, was designed, built and qualified by the RISE team, integrating:

• A high-speed video camera for detailed footage.

• Precise control systems: pumps, motors and circuits for handling liquids.

• Advanced software and a command center at the RISE premises to coordinate the experiments.

Developing DropCoal involved significant challenges: fitting the design within strict volume and mass limits, conducting rigorous tests for vibration resistance and extreme temperatures, and ensuring electromagnetic compatibility. Thanks to a skilled team and effective solutions, RISE successfully overcame these obstacles, qualifying the device to meet ESA and NASA standards.

🛰️ Performance proven in space

The installation of DropCoal in the ICE Cubes Facility equipment went smoothly, demonstrating the reliability of the device and the strictness of the integration process. On November 15th, DropCoal was powered on for the first time from the RISE command center. The engineers successfully generated the first droplets in microgravity and conducted the initial demonstrative experiments, confirming the functionality of the main blocks of components. DropCoal is now fully operational, as the RISE operators are following the planned procedures to carry out over 500 experiments according to the scenarios outlined by the team of scientific researchers.

🌟 About RISE

Romanian InSpace Engineering (RISE) is an aerospace engineering company specialized in developing hardware solutions for space and integrating space technologies into terrestrial applications. With a dedicated team of engineers and researchers, RISE covers the entire development cycle of a space project, from design to operation.

DropCoal is a real proof of the capabilities at RISE, representing a successful project where innovation, precision, and technical excellence have perfectly combined to take Romanian technology to Earth’s orbit.