Space Rheology Initiative (RVF 2024)

Organizers:
Olfa D’Angelo (University of Amsterdam)
Thomas Voigtmann (German Aerospace Center)
Norman Wagner (University of Delaware)

Summary
Space-related science and rheology have a lot to learn from each other. Research conducted in low-gravity environments offers novel avenues for rheological experiments, some of which simply impossible to conduct under Earth gravity. Conversely, rheology plays a crucial role in forthcoming space missions, from granular flows on extraterrestrial planets, to astronauts’ physiology, fuel viscosity in space, or 3D printing shelter on the Moon or Mars. A special symposium was organized by Olfa D’Angelo (University of Amsterdam), Thomas Voigtmann (German Aerospace Center) and Norman Wagner (University of Delaware) to provide SoR members with information for opportunities in this growing area. This initiative was supported by the SoR Venture Fund.

The program started Monday morning with a plenary talk by Karen Daniels (North Carolina State University) and Doug Jerolmack (University of Pennsylvania), highlighting the critical role of granular rheology for both Earth and space science. This was followed by an invited session, featuring five invited speakers, each highlighting a different facet of space-related rheology research. This session brought together speakers from academia, space agencies, and industry, presenting to a packed, overflowing room. Phillip Irace (ISS National Lab) discussed microgravity rheology experiments on the International Space Station; Katie Koube (ICON 3D) presented work on lunar regolith simulants for additive manufacturing and in-situ resource utilization; James Mantovani (NASA Swamp Works) addressed plume–surface interactions during lunar landings; Eric Furst (University of Delaware) described experiments on paramagnetic colloidal suspensions in microgravity; Thomas Voigtmann (German Aerospace Center) presented results on the fluidity of biological membranes from sounding-rocket experiments; and Mazi Jalaal (University of Amsterdam) discussed plastocapillarity and the behavior of yield-stress droplets in the low Bond-number regime relevant for technologies such as 3D printing.

The symposium attracted strong interest and participation, bringing together rheologists, space scientists, and industry representatives working on materials in low-gravity environments. Several invited speakers and attendees were newcomers to the Society of Rheology and had not previously participated in SoR meetings, expanding the community and introducing new research perspectives. The event created direct opportunities for discussion between academic researchers, industry partners, and representatives from the space sector, including potential collaborations and funding pathways for rheology experiments in microgravity, such as experiments on the International Space Station. A special issue of the Journal of Rheology on Space Applications and Low-gravity Research will be published in May 2026 and includes a dozen original research papers reflecting the growing activity in this area. The next International Congress on Rheology 2027 in Guangzhou, China, will feature — for the first time in its history — a dedicated session on space-related rheology, demonstrating the sustained momentum and increasing recognition of this topic within the international rheology community.