NASA plans to recreate fire on the Moon to study its physical properties

NASA launches the FM2 project: studying combustion on the Moon

The U.S. aerospace agency NASA has announced a new mission called FM2 (Flammability of Materials on the Moon) – a study of fire physics under lunar gravity conditions. Four solid fuel samples are planned to be sent by the end of 2026 so that their burning can be observed on the lunar surface over an extended period.

Why it matters
* Fire in microgravity

On Earth flame has a droplet shape: hot gas rises upward, while cold air sinks downward. In conditions of almost absent gravity, fire becomes more rounded and spherical. This changes its rate of spread and can lead to catastrophes during space flights.

* NASA‑STD‑6001B – a testing program created to determine the suitability of materials for space use. Over the years NASA has collected extensive data on the unusual physics of fire in space, but so far it does not have precise estimates of how this knowledge applies to lunar missions.

What FM2 expects
* Hazard assessment

Researchers predict that “lunar gravity could be more dangerous because flame spread rate depends on gravity level” in certain environments. This directly affects the design of suits and equipment.

* On‑site tests

Ultimately engineers want to test materials directly on the Moon, but this is only possible with a prolonged human presence on its surface – a condition that has not yet been realized.

How FM2 will help future missions
If the project succeeds, Artemis crews will be provided with more reliable information about fire safety in the lunar environment. Conversely, an active human presence on the Moon will give scientists the opportunity to deepen their understanding of fire physics in space and improve preparation for future flights.

Thus, FM2 is a key step toward making lunar expeditions safer and more predictable.