INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION; AN EMERGING OPPORTUNITY FOR

RESEARCH DIVERSIFICATION

M. Hariram

I B.Sc Physics, VHNSN College (Autonomous), Virudhunagar-626001

Mail id: hariram3737@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

International space station (ISS) is the largest space station ever launched. It orbits

Earth at an altitude between 330 km (205mi) and 435 km (270 mi) at the speed of 7.71 km

per second. It consists of pressurised modulus, external trusses and solar arrays. It is the

platform to conduct scientific research in different fields. Since the arrival of Expedition 1 on

2 November 2000, the station has been continuously occupied for 13 years and 316 days, the

longest continuous human presence in space.

Keywords: International space station, low earth orbit, Zarya module, microgravity.

1. INTRODUCTION

International Space Station (ISS), is a habitual artificial satellite in low orbit. The

station is divided into two sections The Russian Orbital System (ROS) and United States

Orbital System (USOS). ISS is the joint project of 5 space agencies such as NASA (USA),

Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), CSA (Canada). It is the combination of

three projects such as NASA’s freedom, Russia’s Mir2 and European’s Columbus space

stations. ISS is the 9th space station to be inhabited by crews, following the Russian’s Salyut,

Almaz, Mir stations and US’s Skylab. The assembly of the ISS in orbit began on 20 Nov

1998 by launching the Russian made module, named Zarya. William Shepherd (USA), Sergei

K.Krikalev (RSA), Yuri Gidzenko (RSA) were the first crews to visit ISS on 2nd Nov 2000.

2. COMPONENTS IN ISS

ISS consists of pressurised modulus,

external trusses, solar arrays and other components.

The components are launched by American Space

Shuttles, Russian Proton and Soyuz rockets. The

major elements of ISS are as given below, Zarya,

Unity, Zvezda, Z1 Truss, P6 Integrated Truss,

Destiny, Canadarm 2, Joint Airlock, Piris, S0 Truss,

S1 Truss, P1 Truss, P3/P4 Truss, P5 Truss,

Harmony, Columbus, Kibo (ELM-PS), Kibo (JPM),

S6 Truss, Poisk, Tranquillity, Rassvet.

3. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ISS

ISS provides a platform to conduct scientific research in micro

gravity.

It simplifies the individual experiments by eliminating the need for

separate rocket launches and research staff.

It consists of labouratory modules such as Destiny, Columbus, Kibo, Poisk, Rassvet.

ISS consists of other scientific hardware such as, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS),

cupola, External Stowage Platforms (ESP), Orbital Replacement Units SPARES.

The major research in ISS includes,

Biology and Bio technology,

Earth and Space Science,

Combustion science,

Fluid Physics,

Space medicine.

3.1 Biology and Biotechnology

Microgravity environment used to investigate the bio processing phenomenon and this

controls on directionality and geometry of cell and tissue growth can be dramatically

different to those on Earth. Various experiments have used the culture of cells, tissues and

small organisms on orbit. The recent research is going on the protein crystal growth.

3.2 Earth and Space Science

The presence of the space station in low-Earth orbit provides a unique vantage point

for collecting Earth and space science data.and these data are used in the preparations for a

manned mission to Mars. It is used to test spacecraft systems that will be required for long-

duration missions to the Moon and the Mars.

3.3 Combustion Science

The combustion science research program focus on understanding the important

process of ignition, propagation and extinction during combustion in microgravity. Shape and

size of the flame and role of shoot formation in combustion were studied. Investigations are

also on the study of air flows and the transfer of heat and mass in fuel vapours, liquid pools,

paper and metals.

3.4 Fluid Physics

The purpose of the microgravity fluids research programme is to improve the

understanding of how the presence of gravity either limits or affects the fundamental

behaviour of fluid dynamics. The investigation of the physics of fluids in microgravity will

allow researchers to model the behaviour of fluids better. Because fluids can be almost

completely combined in microgravity, physicists investigate fluids that do not mix well on

Earth.

3.5 Human research

The presence of the space station in low-Earth orbit provides a knowledge about the

effects of long-term space exposure on the human body. Subjects currently under the study

include muscle atrophy, bone loss, and fluid shift. The data will be used to determine whether

space colonisation and lengthy human spaceflight are feasible. As of 2006, data on bone loss

and muscular atrophy suggest that there would be a significant risk of fractures and

movement problems if astronauts landed on a planet after a lengthy interplanetary cruise

(such as the six-month journey time required to fly to Mars).

4. FUTURE PLANS OF ISS

The Obama Administration approved NASA’s request to extend the lifetime of the

International Space Station (ISS) to at least 2024. Ultimately this will serve as a stepping

stone to exciting deep space voyages in future decades. While the engineering and

management challenges associated with keeping the station operational are daunting, ISS

program manager Michael Suffredini says "We have a space station that is designed in a

modular fashion meant for repair, So as long as you have spares for all the things that can

break, you can last as long as the structure will let you last”.

5. CONCLUSION

International space station gives the platform to conduct research on low Earth orbit.

Scientists of different fields benefits by conducting research in their specific fields. It also

provides a unique platform for inspiring students to excel in mathematics and science. Station

educational activities have had a positive impact on thousands of students by involving them

in station research, Studies on the space station can test a variety of technologies, systems,

and materials that will be needed for future long-duration exploration missions

Acknowledgement

Author acknowledges Dr.S.Rajasingh, (Head & Associate Professor), and other faculty

members who help me to present this paper such as Mrs.A.Alagulakshmi, Dr.S.Prakash,

Dr.S.Vivekanandhan, Dr.R.Jeyasekaran, Dr.V.Jeyasanthi, Mrs.N.Sumangala Devi and

Mr.J.Pandiarajan.

References

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station

[2] http://www.nasa.gov