The video segment demonstrates a scientific experiment conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) in July 2025. The experiment involves creating a 'soft cell,' a three-dimensional structure that fills space without gaps or overlaps and lacks sharp corners. Tibbor Capu carefully introduces water into a pre-existing skeleton. Due to the absence of Earth's gravity, the water initially forms membranes along the edges of the skeleton. Subsequently, the water gradually fills the entire skeleton, resulting in a soft cell composed entirely of water. This achievement is significant as it marks the first time a 3D shape with negative surface curvature has been successfully formed using liquid water. The experimenter expresses great satisfaction and admiration for the resulting structure.

Oxford Mathematics

This is a soft cell, a three-dimensional shape which fills space without gaps and overlaps but has no sharp corners.

In July 2025 on the International Space Station, Tibbor Capu cautiously adds water into the skeleton. The liquid free of Earth's gravity first forms membranes attached to the edges and then gradually fills the whole skeleton forming a soft cell made entirely of water. This is the first instance that a 3D shape with negative surface curvature has been realized from liquid water.

[laughter] All right. I'm I'm really happy. I'm really happy. This is beautiful.

A soft cell in space

This is a soft cell, a three-dimensional
shape which fills space without gaps and
overlaps but has no sharp corners.
In July 2025 on the International Space
Station, Tibbor Capu cautiously adds
water into the skeleton. The liquid free
of Earth's gravity first forms membranes
attached to the edges and then gradually
fills the whole skeleton forming a soft
cell made entirely of water. This is the
first instance that a 3D shape with
negative surface curvature has been
realized from liquid water. [laughter]
>> All right. I'm
I'm really happy. I'm really happy.
This is beautiful.

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A soft cell in space

Transcription