This NASA space cup is what astronauts use aboard the ISS when drinking liquids without spilling anything, as it leverages the properties of fluid dynamics to mimic gravity. Astronaut Nicole Mann demonstrated how it works by filling one with cappuccino and then giving the cup a spin to keep the liquid secure, even when flipped upside down.
It consists of a channel that runs from the bottom to rim and capillary action enables the liquid to be kept at the brim, ready to drink. Technically speaking, the space cup utilizes a combination of surface tension, wetting, and cup geometry instead of relying on gravity. Astronauts simply have to place their mouth on the narrow opening of the cup to start drinking since the liquid is pulled upwards due to capillary action.
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Being in microgravity, you are in an environment where you can remove gravity. So, some processes that are masked on Earth you can study in this environment,” said Marco Braibanti, ESA (European Space Agency) scientist.
