In a daring demonstration aboard China’s Tiangong space station, a Chinese astronaut recently ignited a match in orbit, an act strictly forbidden on the International Space Station (ISS) due to safety concerns. The experiment, captured on film and shared publicly, revealed the surprising behavior of fire in microgravity, starkly contrasting with terrestrial fires. This event, reported in late October 2025, underscores the differing protocols between international space programs.
The Match-Lighting Experiment
During the experiment, the Chinese astronaut carefully ignited a match in the controlled environment of the Tiangong station. This was not a reckless act, but a calculated demonstration designed to observe combustion in microgravity without endangering the crew or the module. The purpose of this demonstration, as reported on October 27, 2025, was part of China’s ongoing scientific outreach and educational efforts.
Notably, the astronaut filmed the entire process, providing visual evidence of an event that no American astronaut is permitted to replicate on the ISS. This footage serves as a stark reminder of the contrasting protocols between the Chinese and American space programs.
Flame Behavior in Microgravity
The visual result of the match flame in space was nothing short of shocking. Instead of forming the typical teardrop shape we see on Earth, the flame became spherical due to the absence of buoyancy-driven convection in zero gravity. Additionally, the flame exhibited a slower burn rate and reduced oxygen consumption, as captured in the footage from the experiment.
The flame’s lifespan was also notably brief before it self-extinguished, underscoring the unique physics of fire in orbit without external airflow. This experiment provided valuable insights into the behavior of fire in microgravity, which could have significant implications for future space missions.
Safety Protocols on the ISS
On the International Space Station, there is a strict ban on open flames or matches. This rule, enforced by NASA and its partner agencies, is designed to prevent potential fire spread in the confined, oxygen-rich environment of the space station. The ban is rooted in the historical context of fire incidents in space, such as the 1997 Mir station mishap, which reinforced these prohibitions for all ISS crew members.
In contrast to the ISS’s zero-tolerance policy, the Chinese demonstration accepted a calculated risk. This difference in approach was highlighted in an April 2025 analysis, which pointed out the stark differences in safety protocols between the two space programs.
Contrasts Between Space Programs
The operational freedoms on China’s Tiangong station, where such experiments are conducted under national protocols, contrast sharply with the multinational restrictions on the ISS. The filming and public release of the match-lighting experiment is a key difference, with Chinese astronauts documenting what remains forbidden for U.S. and allied personnel.
These policy divergences reflect broader geopolitical and technical approaches to space habitation. As noted in September 2023 reports, these differences in approach are not merely about individual experiments but reflect a broader divergence in space exploration strategies.
Scientific and Educational Value
The match-lighting experiment provided valuable insights into combustion science, which could aid research on fire suppression and life support systems in space. The educational impact of the video is also significant, as it can be used to teach global audiences about the effects of microgravity, as noted in October 2025 coverage.
Moreover, the findings from this experiment could have potential applications for future missions, such as improving emergency response strategies on long-duration flights. This could be crucial for the safety and success of future space missions.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The experiment has elicited a mix of awe and concern from space experts. While the footage is undoubtedly fascinating, there are risks associated with lighting a match in a sealed habitat, including the potential for embers. This has sparked discussions on international space safety standards.
The media buzz and public fascination with the “shocking” footage have amplified these discussions. It remains to be seen how this event might influence future collaborations or policy reviews between NASA and China’s space agency. However, based on recent reporting trends, it’s clear that this event has sparked a significant conversation about safety protocols in space.
More from MorningOverview