To better understand how fire burns in space, researchers at NASA are intentionally setting a series of fires aboard a private Cygnus cargo spacecraft as part of an experiment to see how flames burn in microgravity.

The upcoming test — known as Saffire-II — is one step in NASA’s three-part Saffire program, which is managed by NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems division.

In Saffire-I, which took place in June, the team burned a piece of cotton-fiberglass cloth 1.3 feet wide by 3.3 feet long. This record-setting fire was the largest ever intentionally set in space.

Also Read: NASA Releases Most Comprehensive Map Of Pluto And It Is Amazing

Saffire-II will add to this research by burning a wide range of different materials. Mission controllers ignited the first blazes from the ground today right after the unmanned Cygnus left the International Space Station (ISS).

The nine samples of materials to be set ablaze include “flame retardant fabrics used for astronaut clothing, station Plexiglas window samples with edge variations and structures used for storage containers and silicone composites,” said NASA.

However, Saffire-II’s samples are relatively small. Each of them only measures 2 inches wide and 12 inches long. To make up for this, the third part of the program, Saffire-III, will light a larger fire similar to the one in Saffire-I, as per reports.

Each one these tests will take place aboard the robotic Cygnus, which was built by Virginia-based aerospace company, Orbital ATK.

Watch The Video Here:

The machine first reached the ISS on October 23. It then remained at the station for nearly a month to load up with supplies and hardware before leaving today. It will float in orbit until Sunday. Once it completes the new experiments, the disposable craft will be steered back towards Earth to burn up in the fiery atmosphere.

This project is important because it aims to help researchers design safer spacecrafts. NASA hopes what they learn from these experiments will allow them to better combat and respond to fires that may occur during orbit.