Flexcompute Simulates Airflow for Starlab Space Station

Flexcompute is collaborating with Starlab Space and Voyager Technologies to simulate cabin airflow inside the planned Starlab commercial space station, the company announced in a press release. The work uses Flexcompute's Flow360 computational fluid dynamics platform and GeometryAI geometry preparation software.

Starlab's environmental control and life support system must circulate air throughout the station because warm air does not rise in microgravity. Ventilation must also prevent exhaled carbon dioxide from remaining around crew members.

Flexcompute said its first study of the full station interior closely matched Starlab's existing models while taking less time than traditional simulation tools. The teams are extending the simulations to model how exhaled carbon dioxide moves through the cabin and how the life support system removes it.