On-Orbit Functional Verification of Combustion Science Experimental System in China Space Station

We demonstrated the development, implementation, and functional verification of the combustion science payload deployed on the China Space Station. The Combustion Science Experiment System (CSES) integrated seven subsystems and modular plugins to address the major challenges facing microgravity combustion research, including the lack of long-duration experimental platforms, spatial constraints, and safety risks. Through on-orbit testing, the core functions of the CSES under microgravity conditions were validated, including gas supply, ignition, combustion diagnostic, exhaust purification, and emission. The system achieved autonomous experiment execution by ground-injected commands. Data from on-orbit methane combustion experiments demonstrated that the CSES was capable of stably supplying oxygen and fuel gas at a preset flow rate, real-time combustion diagnosis, and provided high-resolution flame image. Effectively exhaust gas purification and emission control of the CSES have also been tested and verified. It provides a safe, reliable, and stable microgravity environment of long-duration research for the combustion science and the development of spacecraft fire safety technology.