Microfluidics in Space
Ferrofluids as a New Frontier for Space-Based Fluid Control
Understanding how liquids behave in microgravity is one of the key challenges of space-based research. The PAPELL experiment (Pump Application using Pulsed Electromagnets for Liquid reLocation), developed by students at the University of Stuttgart, represents a pioneering step in the use of ferrofluids for fluid transport without mechanical components aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
This innovative project was selected as part of the High-Flyer competition hosted by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and was supported by the Institute of Space Systems (IRS) at the University of Stuttgart. The student team from KSat e.V., the university’s small satellite society, designed and built a compact, fully autonomous experiment box to demonstrate how ferrofluids can be manipulated in microgravity using magnetic fields alone.
The experiment aimed to show that it is possible to transport and control ferrofluids in space using electronically driven magnetic forces—without moving parts. This opens the door for developing long-lasting, wear-free pumps and actuators that could play a critical role in future spacecraft systems. The equipment included custom electronics, 3D-printed components, Raspberry Pi boards, sensors, cameras, and a robust mp6 micropump supplied by Bartels Mikrotechnik.
German ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst integrated and operated the system aboard the ISS, capturing valuable data on how ferrofluid droplets could be moved, split, and recombined under the influence of electromagnets. The results revealed transport behaviors and physical phenomena that cannot be replicated under Earth’s gravity—offering deep insights into the influence of surface tension, viscosity, and magnetic field geometry in space environments.
These findings are expected to support future development of advanced fluidic systems, including non-mechanical attitude control systems for spacecraft and next-generation energy harvesting devices using ferrofluids.
Download the full article to explore the experiment setup, technical innovations, and the potential applications of ferrofluids in the aerospace sector:
Download PDF: “Ferrofluid Experiment on the ISS – Microfluidics in Space”