Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The International Space Station Research Laboratory

A planform view of the ISS backdropped by the limb of the Earth. In view are the station's four large, gold-coloured solar array wings, two on either side of the station, mounted to a central truss structure. Further along the truss are six large, white radiators, three next to each pair of arrays. In between the solar arrays and radiators is a cluster of pressurised modules arranged in an elongated T shape, also attached to the truss. A set of blue solar arrays are mounted to the module at the aft end of the cluster.

The ISS serves as a research laboratory that has a microgravity environment in which crews conduct experiments in biology, human biology, physics, astronomy and meteorology.^[11]^[12]^[13] The station has a unique environment for the testing of the spacecraft systems that will be required for missions to the Moon and Mars.^[14]

Configuration

Station elements as of 18 May 2010 (2010 -05-18)^[update]

The ISS is operated by Expedition crews, with the station programme maintaining an uninterrupted human presence in space since the launch of Expedition 1 on 31 October 2000, a total of 9 years and 227 days. The programme is thus approaching the current record, set aboard Mir, of 3,644 days (8 days short of 10 years), with the ISS expected to take the record on 23 October 2010.^[15] As of 17 March 2010, the crew of Expedition 23 is aboard.^[16]

A cluster of cylindrical modules with projecting feathery solar arrays and a space shuttle docked to the lower module. In the background is the blackness of space, and, in the lower right corner, Earth.

Space Shuttle Atlantis docked to Mir on STS-71, during the Shuttle-Mir Program

The station is maintained at an orbit between 278 km (173 mi) and 460 km (286 mi) altitude, and travels at an average speed of 27,724 km/h (17,227 mph), completing 15.7 orbits per day.^[21]

Land speed record

1963 – present (jet and rocket propulsion)

October 15, 1997	Black Rock Desert, USA	Andy Green	ThrustSSC	Turbofan		1223.657 km/h	First supersonic record

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Video Capture Of The ISS From Earth

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Video Capture Of Earth From The ISS In Space

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A flowchart diagram showing the components of the ISS life support system. See adjacent text for details.

The interactions between the components of the ISS Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS)

An astronaut, dressed in a white spacesuit, attached to the end of a long, jointed robotic arm covered in white insulation. The Earth's horizon and the blackness of space serves as a backdrop.

Astronaut Stephen K. Robinson anchored to the end of Canadarm2 during STS-114

The ISS shown orbiting the Earth, with the blackness of space behind. In view are one of the large orange solar array wings at the top, a cluster of pressurised modules below, and four smaller, blue solar arrays projecting from the modules.

The ISS in 2001, showing the solar arrays on Zarya and Zvezda, in addition to the US P6 solar arrays

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