Media mention: ‘Science in Orbit: Results Published on Space Station Research in 2024’
Feb 25, 2025
WHERE: NASA, “Science in Orbit: Results Published on Space Station Research in 2024”
WHO: Aleksandra Radlińska, professor of civil and environmental engineering, and Barry Scheetz, professor emeritus of materials, civil and nuclear engineering
WHAT: NASA’s Microgravity Investigation of Cement Solidification project, led by Penn State civil engineering researchers, was featured in NASA’s 2024 Annual Highlight of Results. This project observes the hydration reaction and hardening process of cement paste on the space station, utilizing AI to create two- and three-dimensional models of cement samples formed in low-gravity environments, according to the report. The results from this research will improve researchers' understanding of concrete hardening, and could support innovations for civil engineering, construction and manufacturing of industrial materials on exploration missions.