Inside The International Space Station: 7 Fascinating Facts

Imagine a “home” 400 kilometers above the Earth, orbiting at 28,000 km/h, where scientists conduct experiments without gravity, astronauts sleep, exercise, and view the Earth.inside the international space station
This is not science fiction, but the real world of the International Space Station (ISS).
This blog will take you through life inside the ISS, its structure, and its importance to humanity.What does the international space station look like inside

Overview of the structure: a web of connections

The ISS can be thought of as a giant structure “put together like Lego blocks”. It was built by a collaboration of 15 countries, and each module was put into space by rockets at different times. inside the international space station

Total weight: ~420 tonnes (equivalent to about 280 cars).
Length: 109 metres (larger than a football field).
Pressurized volume: 935 cubic meters (equivalent to a Boeing 747 jet).

Main modules and their objectives

The ISS consists of 16 pressurized modules, which can be broadly divided into three categories:

a. Science laboratories

Destiny (United States): biology and physics experiments in microgravity.
Columbus (Europe): Earth observation and study of the effects of space on the human body.
Kibo (Japan): The largest laboratory in space, with a robotic arm and external experiment platform.

b. Living and working space

Zvezda (Russia): The “heart” of the ISS, housing the oxygen generators and passengers’ sleeping quarters.
Tranquility (USA): Module with water recycling system and exercise equipment.
Cupola: observation deck with seven windows from which astronauts view the Earth.

c. Support System

Truss Structure : A metal framework weighing 350,000 kg that supports the solar panels and radiators.
Solar array : 8 panels spread over 2,400 square meters, producing 120 kW of power.

Building materials: Technology that can withstand the challenges of space

Aluminum alloy : Lightweight and rustproof, which can withstand space temperatures (-150°C to +120°C).
Multi-layer insulation (MLI) : Layers of Kevlar and Mylar to protect against radiation and micrometeoroids.
Materials Science Innovations : NASA developed special ceramic coatings for the ISS that reflect heat.

Unique architectural challenges and solutions

a. Design in microgravity

Use of 3D space : Walls, ceilings and floors are no different. All surfaces have handles and Velcro.
Orientation cues : Colors (blue, green) and labels inside the module help identify direction.

b. Security and Maintenance

Airlock system : Pressure control between modules.
Robotic Arms (Canadarm2) : 17-meter-long robotic arms that assemble modules and assist with spacewalks.

Evolution over time: a living structure inside the international space station

Construction of the ISS lasted from 1998 to 2011 , and new modules continued to be added. Example:

2008 : Japanese Kibo module added.
2021 : Russian Nauka module added, containing new laboratories.
Future : Planned to decommission the ISS by 2030, but private companies are preparing to add new modules

What is microgravity?

Definition :
Microgravity is a condition where the effect of gravity is almost negligible. It occurs when an object is in free fall or in orbit. The ISS is in Earth orbit, so it is constantly “falling” under the influence of gravity, creating a microgravity environment inside.. inside the international space station

fact :

The gravity on the ISS is only 10⁻⁶ times that of Earth.
This is why astronauts appear to be floating in the air.

Daily Life in Microgravity: Challenges and Solutions

a. Food and drink

Challenge : Water and food start floating in the air.
Solution :
The food is in vacuum-sealed packs, which are heated and consumed.
Water is drunk from special bags through straws.
Spices are in liquid form, as opposed to powders which can spread in the air.

b. Gold

Challenge : Lying in bed makes no sense, because there is no “up” or “down.”
Solution :
Astronauts use sleeping bags, which are strapped to the walls.
They sleep with their hands tied, so that they do not collide with anything while floating in the air.

c. Personal hygiene

Challenge : The water floats in the air, and it’s impossible to take a shower.
Solution :
Use of wet towels and no-rinse shampoo instead of bathing.
Toothpaste has to be swallowed, as there is no way to spit it out.

d. Exercise

Challenge : Lack of gravity causes muscles and bones to weaken.
Solution :
2 hours of exercise daily (treadmill, cycling, resistance training).
The use of special equipment that holds astronauts in place.

Physical effects: the effect of microgravity

A. Loss of muscle and bones

Lack of gravity causes bones to weaken by 1-2% per month.
The muscles start to contract, especially those of the legs and back.

B. Redistribution of fluids

Body fluids tend to accumulate in the upper body parts, making the face look swollen.
Astronauts experience “space face” and headaches.

c. Problems with balance and coordination

The inner ear (vestibular system) does not sense gravity, causing dizziness.

Psychological effects: loneliness and stress

Loneliness : Life confined to a small space, away from earth.
Stress : Constant work pressure and feeling disconnected from the earth.
Solution :
Regular communication (video calls, email) with family and friends.
For entertainment, watching movies, listening to music, and looking at the view of the earth from the window.

Objectives of Scientific Research on ISS

Taking advantage of microgravity: Perform experiments without the effects of gravity on Earth.
Study of Earth and Universe: Observe Earth from space and understand the depths of the universe.
Study of the effect of space on the human body: Understand the effects of staying in space for a long time.

Major Scientific Experiments and Their Results

A. Biology and Human Health
Tissue Chips:

Objective: To study small models of human organs in microgravity.

Result: Help in the treatment of heart, lung, and kidney diseases.

Twin Study (NASA):

Objective: To compare the bodies of Scott Kelly (1 year in space) and Mark Kelly (on Earth).

Result: Information on the effect of space on DNA, immune system, and brain.

Muscle and bone degeneration:

Objective: To understand the effects of staying in microgravity for a long time.

Result: Advances in the treatment of osteoporosis and muscle diseases.

b. Physics and Materials Science
Cold Atom Lab:

Objective: To study atoms at extremely cold temperatures.

Outcome: New discoveries in quantum physics and superconductivity.

Flame Extinction (FLEX) Experiment:

Objective: To study the behavior of fire in microgravity.

Outcome: Improvement in firefighting techniques and safety protocols.

3D Printing:

Objective: To make equipment and parts in space.

Outcome: Creation of materials required for future Mars missions.

c. Study of Earth and Universe
Earth Observation:

Objective: To study climate change, natural disasters, and vegetation.

Outcome: Better weather forecasting and environmental protection.

Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS):

Objective: To detect cosmic rays and dark matter.

Outcome: Understanding the mysteries of the origin and structure of the universe.

Study of Solar Energy:

Objective: Analysis of the sun’s energy and its effects.

Outcome: Improvement in solar energy technologies.

Education and Inspiration: Space-related initiatives

STEMonstrations: Astronauts teach science to school children in space.
Space Education Videos: Live videos and experiments broadcast from the ISS.

Life Support Systems

The following systems are vital to sustaining life on the ISS:

Oxygen production

Electrolysis process : Splitting water (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen.
Oxygen generators : Supplied from Soyuz and Progress spacecraft.

b. Carbon dioxide removal

VSSA (Vozdukh) : Russian system that absorbs CO₂.
CDRA : US system that removes CO₂ and releases it into space.

c. Water recycling

ECLSS : Purifying urine and sweat to produce drinkable water.
Fact : 93% of the water on the ISS is recycled.

Power Systems

A massive solar power system is used to power the ISS.

a. Solar arrays

Size : 8 solar panels, spread over 2,400 square meters.
Output : 120 kilowatts of power, which can run 40 houses.

b. Battery System

Lithium-ion batteries : Storing energy in the absence of sunlight.
Fact : The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, leaving it in darkness for 45 minutes.

Communication Systems

Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) : Maintain continuous contact with Earth.
Ku-band and S-band : High-speed data transfer and video calls.
Fact : The ISS sends and receives 250 gigabytes of data every day.

Navigation and Control Systems

a. Gyroscopes and thrusters

Purpose : To stabilize the ISS and adjust its orbit.
Fact : The ISS needs to be raised by 2-3 kilometres every month as it slowly falls towards Earth.

b. Robotic arms

Canadarm2 : A 17-metre-long robotic arm that assembles modules and assists with spacewalks.
Dextre : Small robotic arm, used for precision tasks.

Thermal Control Systems

Radiators : releasing excess heat into space.
Temperature range : Control between -150°C to +120°C.
Fact : The temperature inside the ISS is maintained between 22-24°C.

Safety Systems

A. Airlock and pressurization

Objective : To ensure the safety of astronauts during spacewalk.
Fact : 12 hours of decompression time before spacewalk.

b. Fire and radiation safety

Fire detection systems : smoke and heat detection.
Radiation Shielding : Protection against solar and cosmic radiation.

Key challenges and their solutions

a. Lack of gravity (microgravity)

Challenge : Microgravity causes weakening of muscles and bones.
Solution :
Exercise equipment : Treadmills, cycling machines, and resistance training.
Daily Routine : 2 hours exercise daily.

Yes. Radiation Hazards

Challenge : Health hazards from solar and cosmic radiation.
Solution :
Radiation shielding : Heavy metal layers on parts of the ISS.
Monitoring : Continuous monitoring of radiation levels.

C. limited resources

Challenge : Limited supply of water, oxygen, and food.
Solution :
Water recycling : Converting urine and sweat into drinking water by ECLSS system.
Oxygen Production : Making oxygen from water by electrolysis process.
Food management : Vacuum-sealed and dehydrated food.

d. Psychological stress

Challenges : Loneliness, stress, and being in confined spaces for long periods of time.
Solution :
Communication : Regular video calls with family and friends.
Entertainment : Movies, music, and books.
View from the window : Peace of mind after seeing the view of the earth.

e. Technical failure

Challenge : Failure of equipment and systems.
Solution :
Robotic repair : Robotic hands such as the Canadarm2 and Dextre.
Spacewalk : Repair work by astronauts.

Management of emergency situations

to. Fires

Challenge : Fire in space can be very dangerous.
Solution :
Fire detection systems : smoke and heat detection.
Fire extinguishing equipment : CO₂ based fire extinguishers.

b. Air leakage

Challenge : Low air pressure is life-threatening.
Solution :
Leak Detection : Leak detection by sensors.
Instant repairs : Use of sealants and patches.

C. Solar storm

Challenge : Health hazards from solar radiation.
Solution :
Safe Area : Radiation shielding in parts of the ISS.
Alert system : Continuous monitoring of solar activity.

Future challenges and solutions

A. staying in space for a long time

Challenge : Preparation for long missions like Mars mission.
Solution :
Artificial gravity : Use of rotating modules.
Advanced Life Support : Closed Ecological Systems.

b. Space junk

Challenge : Danger of debris in orbit.
Solution :
Tracking systems : debris monitoring and collision avoidance.
Cleaning Technology : New techniques for removing debris.

Who can go to the ISS?

Scientists and astronauts : members of NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA.
Space tourists : Private citizens who pay to travel to space.
Special Mission : Artists, teachers, and other inspirational personalities.

History of space tourism

Dennis Tito (2001) : First space tourist, who spent $20 million.
Anasu Ansari (2006) : First female space tourist.
Richard Garriott (2008) : First second-generation astronaut.
After 2020 : Companies like SpaceX and Arianespace take tourism to new heights.

ISS tour procedure

a. Training

Duration : 6 months to 1 year.
Topics : Microgravity, emergency procedures, and physical preparation.

b. Travel

Rocket : Soyuz (Russia) or SpaceX Dragon (USA).
Time : 6 hours to 2 days to reach ISS.

c. Living on the ISS

Duration : 10 days to 2 weeks.
Activities : Earth viewing, microgravity experience, and science experiments.

Importance of space tourism

Scientific contribution : Experiments and observations done by tourists.
Inspiration : To get the youth interested in science and space.
Economic benefits : Boosting the space industry.

Retirement plan of I.S.S.

A. Timeline

2030 : Scheduled decommissioning date for the ISS.
By 2024 : Completion of primary missions.

b. Retirement Process

Deorbiting : The ISS will be slowly brought towards Earth.
Entry into the atmosphere : Most of the rocket will burn up, and any remaining debris will fall into the Pacific Ocean.

Post-ISS plans

Commercial space station

Axiom Space Station :

Construction : Expected to begin in 2024, completion by 2028.
Purpose : Scientific research and space tourism.

Orbital Reef (Blue Origin) :

Construction : Late 2020s.
Purpose : Business and tourism activities.

b. Lunar and Mars stations

Lunar Gateway :

Construction : in the 2020s.
Objective : A station in Moon’s orbit, which will serve as a base for Mars missions.

Mars Base Alpha :

Construction : in the 2030s.
Objective : To create a permanent settlement on Mars.

New technologies and innovations

a. artificial gravity

Objective : To reduce health problems associated with prolonged spaceflight.
Technology : Use of rotating modules.

b. Advanced Life Support System

Purpose : To recycle water, oxygen, and food.
Technique : Closed Ecological Systems.

c. 3D printing and in-situ manufacturing

Objective : Create devices and structures in space.
Technology : Use of materials on the Moon and Mars.

The future of space exploration

Manned Mission

Moon : Artemis program (human landing by 2025).
Mars : human mission in the 2030s.

b. Robotic exploration

Objective : Study of remote parts of the solar system.
Missions : Europa Clipper, Dragonfly (Titan), and others.

c. Space tourism

Objective : To make space travel accessible to common people.
Companies : SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic.

Lesser known facts about the ISS

a. Speed and orbit of the ISS

Speed : The ISS orbits the Earth at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour.
Orbit : It completes one revolution around Earth every 90 minutes, allowing astronauts to see sunrise and sunset 16 times in 24 hours.

Yes. Construction and Cost

Construction time : The ISS took 10 years and more than 30 missions to build.
Cost : More than $150 billion, making it the most expensive man-made structure in history.

c. Size and visibility

Size : As big as a football field (109 m × 73 m).
Visibility : The ISS can be seen from Earth with the naked eye. It looks like a bright point that moves quickly across the sky.

Interesting facts from the life of astronauts

a. Sleep and exercise

Sleeping conditions : Astronauts use sleeping bags to sleep, which are tied to the walls.
Exercise : It is essential to exercise for 2 hours daily, so that the muscles and bones do not become weak.

b. Eating and drinking

Food : Astronauts eat vacuum-sealed and dehydrated food.
Water : Urine and sweat are purified to produce drinkable water.

c. Personal hygiene

Bathing : Use wet towels and no-rinse shampoo instead of a shower.
Toothbrush : Toothpaste has to be swallowed, as there is no way to spit it out.

Interesting facts related to scientific experiments

A. Flame in microgravity

Fact : Fire becomes spherical in microgravity because there is no effect of gravity.

b. Growing plants in space

Fact : Lettuce was grown on the ISS for the first time in 2015. Astronauts can eat it.

C. Bacteria in space

Fact : Bacteria grow faster in space than on Earth, which is a big challenge for scientists.

Amazing Facts

A. Longest living astronaut

Record : Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov spent 437 days in space.

b. The first musical instrument in space

Fact : In 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield played guitar on the ISS and performed a cover of David Bowie’s song “Space Oddity.”

c. first marathon in space

Fact : In 2007, US astronaut Sunita Williams participated in the Boston Marathon on the ISS. She completed a 42.2 kilometer run on the treadmill.

Impact on science and technology

Microgravity research

Achievements : Experiments conducted in microgravity have revolutionized new medicines, materials science, and biotechnology.
Example : Advances in treatment of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.

b. Earth observation

Achievements : Helps in monitoring climate change, natural disasters, and agriculture.
Example : Better weather forecasting and environmental protection.

c. Space technology

Achievements : Innovations in 3D printing, robotics, and life support systems.
Example : Technological basis for future Mars missions.

International cooperation and peace

A. Global Partnerships

Collaboration : Joint effort of 16 countries (NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, CSA).
Importance : Largest international cooperation since the Cold War.

b. Symbol of peace and unity

Example : Cooperation between countries such as Russia and the United States, which continues despite political tensions.
Impact : Promoting peace and cooperation through science and technology.

Education and motivation

A. Motivating the youth

Programs : STEMonstrations and Space Education Videos.
Impact : Getting millions of students interested in science and space.

b. Cultural influences

Example : Performances of music, art, and literature by astronauts.
Impact : To make space inspiring for the common people.

Economic impact

a. Promoting the space industry

Achievements : Providing opportunities to private companies (SpaceX, Blue Origin).
Impact : Development of space tourism and commercial space stations.

b. Jobs and innovation

Example : Employment for thousands of scientists, engineers, and technicians.
Impact : Creation of new technologies and industries.

Future Legacy

A. Moon and Mars missions

Achievements : The ISS has laid the groundwork for human missions to the Moon and Mars.
Impact : Technological and scientific knowledge for future space exploration.

b. Commercial space station

Achievements : Projects like Axiom Space Station and Orbital Reef.
Impact : Expansion of business and tourism activities in space.

Topics related to the future of space exploration

a. Settlements on the Moon

Plans and challenges of building permanent settlements on the Moon.
Utilization of the Moon’s resources: Search for helium-3 and water.

b. Mars mission

Preparation and Technical Challenges of a Manned Mars Mission.
Study of the possibility of life on Mars and its environment.

c. Space tourism

The future of space tourism and its socio-economic impacts.
The role of private companies: SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic.

Scientific research and innovation

A. Quantum computing and space

Use of quantum computing in space exploration.
Quantum communication in space and its benefits.

b. Biotechnology in space. inside the international space station

Behavior of bacteria and viruses in microgravity.
Production of biofuels and medicines in space.

c. Space debris management

The problem of space debris and its solutions.
New technologies: debris removal satellites and laser systems.

Topics related to earth and environment

A. Climate change and space technology

Monitoring climate change by satellites.
Use of data obtained from space in environmental protection.

b. Solar energy and space

Technology for storing solar energy in space and transmitting it to Earth.
The future of solar power satellites.

Subjects related to philosophy and humanity

A. Space and the future of humanity

Philosophical impact of space exploration on humanity.
The possibility of multi-planetary civilization and its ethical aspects.

b. Search for life in space

Possibility of life in the universe and its evidence.
Scientific efforts to search for alien life.

Technology and engineering related subjects

a. 3D printing in space

The use of 3D printing to create equipment and structures in space.
Construction using materials on the Moon and Mars.

b. Artificial gravity

Technology of artificial gravity for long term stay in space.
Design of rotating modules and its advantages.

Topics related to education and motivation

A. Future of Space Education

Inclusion of space science in the school curriculum.
Programmes by astronauts to inspire students.

b. Space and art

Art and literature inspired by space.
Music and art performances by astronauts.

Conclusion: Infinite Possibilities of Knowledge

These topics related to space and science not only increase our curiosity, but also inspire us to think in new directions. Be it settlements on the moon or quantum computing—these topics take us towards the future.

Know more : Read our next blogs to get in-depth information on any of these topics.. inside the international space station

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