You'd think the rocket scientists at NASA had this phenomenon under scrutiny from the get-go.

It is rocket science!

Fire burns differently in space and so how to suppress it aboard a space craft or space station is of prime importance. It's not like you can just open a window and jump out or call the fire department is it?

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Using rail-gun technology to launch spacecraft - Pop Sci
Irony alert: Infamous Wikileaks leaker's police file leaked - HT
Using Post Office trucks and vehicles for government snooping suggested - NYT