Central Idea
- This 20th November marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of the International Space Station (ISS), the largest man-made object in the solar system.
- Since its launch on November 20, 1998, the ISS has stood as a testament to the power of international cooperation and has space research.
About the International Space Station (ISS)
- Orbital Marvel: The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 430 kilometers above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
- Speed: The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 kilometers per second.
- Size: Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
- Living Quarters: The ISS includes 6 sleeping areas, two bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
- Solar Array and Wiring: Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 kilometers of electrical wiring.
Inception and Key Milestones
- Launch of Zarya: The ISS’s journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
- Unity Node 1: The U.S. added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
- 42 Assembly Flights: The station evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
- Continuous Habitation: Since its inception, the ISS has been continuously inhabited, hosting astronauts from various countries for groundbreaking research.
Key Activities
- Scientific Research: Astronauts conduct unique experiments, leading to significant discoveries.
- Spacewalks and Maintenance: Regular spacewalks are essential for station upgrades and repairs.
- Health Regimen: Astronauts follow strict routines to combat muscle and bone loss in microgravity, providing valuable data for future space missions.
Scientific Contributions
- Medical Advances: Research on the ISS has enhanced our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
- Drug Development: Space research has expedited drug development processes.
- Technological Innovations: Innovations in water purification and food production have emerged from ISS experiments.
Future of the ISS
- Current Uncertainties: The Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 casts doubt on the ISS’s future.
- Global Space Ambitions: Countries like Japan, China, and India are aiming for independent space capabilities.
- Continued Commitment: The US and Europe plan to support the ISS through 2030, with NASA focusing on lunar exploration and ESA developing the Starlab space station.
