Bubbles, drops, films: transferring heat in space

Microgravity is a good tool to improve the quantitative understanding of these physical mechanisms. Experiments have been performed in free-fall conditions at different time scales demonstrating the relevance of two-phase flow studies in space. Several instruments have been defined in the frame of international programmes and planned for the International Space Station in order to extend these investigations. Three different configurations employed for heat transfer are discussed here: evaporation and condensation of liquid films, pool and convective boiling, and spray cooling.