How to Play Ping Pong with a Drop of Water in Space

In a video released by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Scott Kelly, who has been in space for over 300 days, demonstrates what daily life is like in a condition known as 'microgravity' (near-zero gravity). Mr. Kelly plays ping pong with a large drop of water using two pieces made of hydrophobic materials. NASA states that scientists are conducting research using 'microgravity' conditions in space stations that could enhance our knowledge from galaxies and space to biology. Conditions that cannot be created for a long time on Earth are achievable beyond the atmosphere. In the 'ping pong' experiment, the effect of the roughness of the surfaces of rockets and non-wetting materials has created a situation that might be termed 'superhydrophobicity'; a condition that places the water droplet in a dynamic or active state. The smaller the droplet, the stronger the impacts that can be applied to it. The larger it is, the less force is needed to break it apart. The droplet that Scott tested is 100 times larger than a raindrop.