NASA is preparing to carry out the first controlled fire experiment on the Moon, in a test aimed at improving fire safety for future lunar missions.
The experiment, called Flammability of Materials on the Moon (FM2), will examine how materials burn in lunar gravity, which is about one-sixth of Earth’s. NASA says previous research suggests some materials that are considered safe in Earth-based tests may become more flammable in reduced-gravity environments.
The findings could inform fire safety standards for future Artemis missions, lunar vehicles and long-duration habitats, where a fire could pose a serious risk to crew members who may have limited options for evacuation.
NASA has studied combustion in space for decades, including microgravity flame experiments aboard spacecraft and cargo vehicles. However, current material certification methods are largely based on tests conducted under Earth gravity.
One key standard, NASA-STD-6001B, uses a six-inch flame test to assess whether materials are suitable for spacecraft use. Materials fail if flames spread beyond the test limit or produce burning debris.
Scientists say those tests may not fully reflect how materials behave on the Moon. Research from the International Space Station, parabolic flights and drop tower experiments indicates that some materials may ignite at lower oxygen concentrations in partial gravity than they do on Earth.
On Earth, hot gases rise quickly from a flame, drawing in fresh oxygen. In some cases, the airflow can become strong enough to destabilize and extinguish the fire, a process known as blowoff.
In lunar gravity, weaker airflow may allow combustion reactions to continue more efficiently, potentially making certain materials easier to ignite or allowing flames to spread in unexpected ways.
The risk is particularly important because future lunar habitats are expected to operate at lower atmospheric pressure and higher oxygen concentrations, conditions that can increase flammability.
FM2 is expected to become the first combustion experiment conducted on the surface of another planetary body. The autonomous payload will burn four solid fuel samples, one at a time, inside a sealed chamber designed to replicate atmospheric conditions planned for future lunar habitats and spacecraft.
Cameras will record flame size, color, intensity and spread rate, while onboard sensors measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, flame temperature and fuel temperature.
The hardware measures about 28.5 by 28.5 by 38.5 centimeters and weighs approximately 25 kilograms. NASA says the experiment is targeting launch in late 2026.
Researchers say the mission is intended to bridge the gap between laboratory testing on Earth and the real conditions astronauts will face on the Moon.
NASA said the data could help determine whether existing material screening methods need to be revised for spacecraft, habitats, lunar rovers and spacesuits used in future exploration programs.
Establishing how fire behaves in lunar gravity is a critical step in reducing risk as NASA and its partners work toward sustained human activity beyond Earth.
