NASA tested my chain theory in space

Summary by Krater

Steve Mould and astronaut Don Pettit test how bead chains and yo-yo strings behave in zero gravity on the International Space Station, finding that low friction joints cause chains to curl into circles over time.

From the video

Answers: How does a bead chain behave in zero gravity on the International Space Station?

• Chain fountain behavior in zero gravity
• Effect of friction on bead chains in space
• Yo-yo string behavior in microgravity
• Comparison of chain physics on Earth and ISS

What it concludes

• Bead chains in zero gravity behave differently than strings because of low friction at every joint, which allows them to curl into circles over time.
• Radial acceleration and air currents or gravity gradients affect how bead chains and strings stretch out or form loops in space.