Departing Space Station Commander Provides Tour Of Orbital Laboratory
Introduction
Leaving the International Space Station after spending almost a year in space, astronaut Scott Kelly provided viewers with a tour of the orbital laboratory before he left. This tour gave a glimpse of what life is like in space and the scientific research conducted on the ISS.
The International Space Station
The International Space Station orbits the Earth at an altitude of about 250 miles. It is about the size of a football field and is the largest human-made structure in space. It was built through collaboration between various space agencies and involved more than 100 spaceflights.
The space station is a unique scientific laboratory where astronauts carry out experiments in various fields like biology, physics, chemistry, and robotics. A host of scientific investigations are conducted aboard the ISS with the primary objective of learning more about the effects of long-term space travel on the human body and the technologies needed to sustain human life in space.
Living Quarters In The ISS
The ISS has various modules that serve different purposes, including sleeping quarters, a bathroom, a gym, and a dining area. All of these modules are connected to each other and are isolated from the external environment. The space station is also designed to have a self-sustaining system that recycles water and air and generates electricity from solar panels.
Scientific Experiments Conducted on the ISS
One of the key areas of research conducted aboard the ISS is the study of the human body in space. The microgravity environment of space can affect the body's immune system, bone density, and muscle mass. Scientists conduct experiments aboard the ISS to understand these effects better and develop ways to mitigate them.
Another area of research is the study of the effects of space radiation. Astronauts aboard the ISS are exposed to higher levels of radiation than people on Earth. Researchers study the impact of this radiation on the human body and develop methods to protect astronauts from radiation exposure.
The ISS is also used to conduct experiments in physics, chemistry, and material science. These experiments are conducted in microgravity environments, allowing scientists to observe the behavior of materials and chemicals that cannot be observed on Earth.
Robotic Arms In The ISS
The ISS is equipped with advanced robotic arms that are used for various purposes, including cargo transfer, maintenance, and repair work. These robotic arms are also used to deploy or capture satellites and spacecraft. The robotic arms are operated by astronauts aboard the ISS or by ground-based engineers.
Conclusion
The International Space Station is a marvel of human engineering and scientific research. Astronauts on the ISS conduct experiments that help us understand the universe better and develop technologies to sustain human life in space. Scott Kelly's tour of the ISS gave viewers a glimpse of what it is like to live and work in space and the challenges that come with it.