• Question: What happens if you light a match in space?

    Asked by sambo to RocketRich, Col Op, Elie, Floris, Jenn on 7 Mar 2016. This question was also asked by 895btr39.
    • Photo: Richard Moss

      Richard Moss answered on 7 Mar 2016:

      There are 2 answers to this.
      First, we talk about in the vacuum of space. There is no oxygen so the match will not burn. Except perhaps at the very start as the match head contains a bit of fuel and oxidiser, a bit like a rocket engine.
      Second, we talk about inside the space station. There is air but no gravity. In fact, this experiment has been done in the space station. The match burns in a spherical ball shape, different to the shape we normally see. The match burns the oxygen around it and then it will stop. Without gravity there is less air movement, so the immediate supply of oxygen is not replaced. That is why we install ventilation fans in the space station, to move the air so the crew can always breathe.

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