We performed an experiment under long-term microgravity conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to obtain information on the energetics and experimental constraints required for the formation of chondrules in the solar nebula by ’nebular lightning’. As a simplified model system, we exposed porous forsterite (Mg $$_2$$ 2 SiO $$_4$$ 4 ) dust particles to high-energetic arc discharges. The characterization of the...