Microgravity combustion diagnostics: the path to the International Space Station

The Combustion Integrated Rack component of the Fluids and Combustion Facil ity (FCF), a multi-user, on-orbit International Space Station facility for the study of fluid physics and combustion science, is currently under devel opment. The envelope of measurement requirements for the baselined combusti on science experiments is presented, with a description of the basic diagno stic capabilities provided by the facility. An overview of instrumentation development supporting the FCF and conducted under the microgravity combust ion research programme at the NASA Glenn Research Center is provided. The r esulting advanced diagnostics capabilities serve as potential upgrades to t his experimental facility.