Making Fiber Optics in Space

To demonstrate potential scientific and commercial merits of manufacturing exotic optical fibers in space, a private company is working with NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration on an investigation headed to the International Space Station on the next Dragon cargo ship. Matthew Napoli, vice president of In-Space Operations for Made In Space, explains how the Optical Fiber Production in MicrogravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. investigation could lead to the production of materials with better properties, setting the stage for large scale manufacturing of high-quality fiber in space.