But what is the ISS really for? Who lives there? And why does it matter so much?
Let’s explore the story, the science, and the everyday life onboard this flying laboratory.
The ISS was not launched all at once. It was built piece by piece in space, starting in 1998, and is now the size of a football field. It includes science labs, sleeping quarters, solar panels, robotic arms, and more.
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Who Built the ISS?
The ISS is a truly international project. The five main partners are:
- NASA (United States)
- Roscosmos (Russia)
- ESA (European Space Agency)
- JAXA (Japan)
- CSA (Canada)
Together, these space agencies worked for years to design, build, launch, and connect different parts of the station in orbit.
Why Was the ISS Built?
- The ISS was created for many reasons, including:
- To do long-term research in microgravity
- To learn how humans live in space for long periods
- To test technologies for future missions to the Moon and Mars
- To encourage global cooperation in space science
- To inspire education and interest in science around the world
Life Aboard the ISS
Astronauts usually stay on the ISS for about six months at a time. Here’s what life in orbit is like:
Sleeping in Space
Astronauts sleep in small, phone-booth-sized sleeping bags attached to the wall. There’s no up or down in space, so they float inside and zip up to avoid drifting away.
Eating in Space
All food must be sealed and safe for microgravity. There are no fresh fruits or fizzy drinks. Astronauts eat rehydrated meals with a spoon and drink liquids from pouches using straws.
The Bathroom Situation
There’s no gravity, so toilets on the ISS use air flow to direct waste. It’s a bit tricky, but astronauts are trained before they go up.
Staying Clean
There are no showers on the ISS. Astronauts use rinseless wipes and dry shampoo to stay clean.
Exercise Is a Must
Without gravity, muscles and bones weaken quickly. Astronauts exercise for about two hours every day using treadmills, resistance machines, and stationary bikes.
Microgravity: A Unique Lab
Microgravity (weightlessness) changes how everything behaves from how flames burn to how cells grow. The ISS provides a perfect place to study:
- Human health in space
- New medicines and treatments
- How fluids move without gravity
- Plant growth in space
- Material strength and durability
These experiments not only help future space travel but often lead to new products and ideas on Earth.
Stunning Views of Earth
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Image Credit: By NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center - Dramatic Views of Hurricane Florence from the International Space Station From 9/12, CC BY 2.0, Link
Astronauts on the ISS get a view like no other. They see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day as they circle the globe. From space, they can see:
- Storms and hurricanes forming
- Volcanoes erupting
- Northern lights (aurora borealis)
- Cities glowing at night
- These views remind us of Earth’s beauty and fragility.
- Dangers in Space
Life on the ISS is exciting but also risky. Some challenges include:
- Radiation: Space lacks Earth's protective atmosphere.
- Space debris: Even small objects moving at high speed can cause damage.
- Isolation and stress: Being away from family, in a small space, for months at a time can affect mental health.
- Astronauts train for all possible emergencies before going into orbit.
The ISS and the Future
As of now, the ISS is planned to stay operational until 2030, though parts of it may be retired sooner. What comes next?
Commercial space stations from private companies like Axiom Space may take over some roles.
The ISS experience will help NASA send humans back to the Moon (Artemis missions) and eventually to Mars.
Countries like India (with Gaganyaan) and China (with Tiangong space station) are developing their own plans for space missions.
Fun Facts About the ISS
- It travels at about 28,000 km/h (17,500 mph)
- It completes 16 orbits of Earth every day
- Over 260 astronauts from 20+ countries have visited
- The solar panels provide enough power to run 50 homes
Why the ISS Matters
The ISS is more than just a spacecraft. It’s a symbol of what humanity can do when we work together. It has taught us how to live in space, perform complex science without gravity, and dream of going even farther.
In a time when Earth faces many challenges, the ISS reminds us that science, cooperation, and curiosity can lift us higher quite literally into the future.
Conclusion
The International Space Station is a marvel of engineering, science, and teamwork. It orbits quietly above us, helping to answer some of the biggest questions about space, health, and the universe. Whether you’re a student, a science lover, or just curious, the ISS is a story worth following and a place that shows what’s possible when we reach for the stars.