What is the International Space Station?
The International Space Station (English: International Space Station, abbreviated ISS; Russian: , abbreviated as ) is the largest space platform currently in orbit. The research space laboratory provides a large amount of experimental loads and resources for conducting scientific experimental research in a microgravity environment, and supports people to stay in earth orbit for a long time. [1] The International Space Station project is jointly constructed, operated and used by 16 countries. It is the largest international space cooperation project in history with the largest scale, the longest time consuming and the most involved countries. Since the official establishment of the station in 1998, after more than ten years of construction, the construction task was completed and transferred to the full use phase in 2010. [2] At present, the International Space Station is mainly composed of NASA, Roscosmos, European Space Agency (ESA), JAXA and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Operations. [3]
- Chinese name
- International Space Station
- Foreign name
- International Space Station
- Participating institutions
- NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA
- Quality
- 419,725 kg
- Length
- 73 meters
- Width
- 109 meters
- Pressurized space
- 916 cubic meters
- Perigee
- 400.2 km (248.7 mi)
- Apogee
- 409.5 km (254.5 mi)
- Orbital period
- 92.65 minutes / lap (15.54 laps / day)
- Orbit inclination
- 51.64 °
- Retirement time
- 2028, expected 2024
- The International Space Station (English: International Space Station, abbreviated ISS; Russian: , abbreviated as ) is the largest space platform currently in orbit. The research space laboratory provides a large amount of experimental loads and resources for conducting scientific experimental research in a microgravity environment, and supports people to stay in earth orbit for a long time. [1] The International Space Station project is jointly constructed, operated and used by 16 countries. It is the largest international space cooperation project in history with the largest scale, the longest time consuming and the most involved countries. Since the official establishment of the station in 1998, after more than ten years of construction, the construction task was completed and transferred to the full use phase in 2010. [2] At present, the International Space Station is mainly composed of NASA, Roscosmos, European Space Agency (ESA), JAXA and Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Operations. [3]
Construction of the International Space Station
ISS participating countries and division of labor
- The International Space Station was established in 1993 by the United States, Russia, 11 European Space Agency member states (France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland), Japan, Canada, and Brazil in 16 countries. The joint construction is by far the largest aerospace project in the world. The initial broad division of labor on the International Space Station was: [4]
- ISS emblem
- The United States has developed a test cabin, a centrifuge conditioning cabin, a dwelling cabin, a node-1 cabin, an airlock cabin, a tamping structure, and a solar array.
Russia develops multi-functional cargo bays, service cabins, universal docking bays, docking sections, docking and storage bays, life support bays, scientific energy platforms and two research bays.
Europe developed test capsules, automatic transfer vehicles and node capsules-2,3.
Italy develops three multi-purpose logistics cabins.
Japan developed a test module, which consists of a pressurized module, a remote-controlled robotic arm system, an exposure facility, and a test logistics module.
Canada is responsible for developing the mobile service system, which includes the space station's remote-control robot system-Canadian Manipulator-2, a mobile base system and a dedicated smart manipulator.
Brazil provides some special test equipment.
The space station is planned to be equipped with 13 pressurized capsules, of which 6 are research capsules for scientific experiments, 1 is a multifunctional cargo capsule that provides initial propulsion, attitude control, communication and storage functions for the space station, and 3 node capsules for docking. .
Construction of the International Space Station
- The construction of the International Space Station can be roughly divided into three phases. In the first stage (1994-1998), nine retreats and dockings between the US space shuttle and the Russian Mir space station were conducted, and valuable experience was obtained. The second stage (1998-2001), the initial assembly stage. On November 20, 1998, the first component of the International Space Station, the Shuguang functional cargo bay (funded by the United States and manufactured in Russia) was successfully launched. On December 4, 1998, the United Solidarity Node capsule was sent into orbit by the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and was successfully docked with Shuguang on December 7. The main goal of Phase 2 is to build an initial space station with a capacity of 3 people. The third stage (2001-2006), the final assembly and application stage. After the assembly, the International Space Station is 110 meters long and 88 meters wide, roughly the size of two football fields, with a total mass of more than 400 tons. It will be the largest and most advanced man-made sky palace in history. It will operate at an inclination of 51.6 ° At an altitude of 397 kilometers, 6 to 7 astronauts can work in orbit, after which the International Space Station will begin a permanent manned operation period of 10 to 15 years. [5] [6]
Basic parameters of the International Space Station
| 240 feet (73 meters) |
| 357.5 feet (109 meters) |
| 239.4 feet (73 meters) |
| 925,335 lbs (419,725 kg) |
| 13,696 cubic feet (388 cubic meters), excluding docking volume |
| 32,333 cubic feet (916 cubic meters) |
| 32,898 cubic feet (932 cubic meters) |
| Eight solar cell arrays provide 75 to 90 kilowatts of power |
| Computer code: | About 2.3 million rows [7] |
ISS main structure
- International Space Station Assembly Status (as of May 2011)
International Space Station Main Section
Launch information of each space station of the International Space Station
| Class name [9] | Code | Launch time | Docking time |
| Dawn function cargo hold | FGB | 1998-11-20 | - |
| Unity node capsule | NODE1 | 1998-12-04 | 1998-12-07 |
| Star Class | CM | 2000-07-12 | 2000-07-26 |
| Destiny Experiment Module | LAB | 2001-02-08 | 2001-02-10 |
| Seeker Airlock Cabin | A / L | 2001-07-12 | 2001-07-15 |
| Dock dock | CO1 | 2001-09-15 | 2001-09-17 |
| Harmony node capsule | NODE2 | 2007-10-23 | 2007-10-26 |
| Columbus Experimental Module | COL | 2008-02-07 | 2008-03-14 |
| Freight module (hope first module) | ELM-PS | 2008-03-11 | 2008-03-14 |
| Experiment Module Hope | JEM | 2008-06-01 | 2008-06-03 |
| Search Number Small Research Module | MIM2 | 2009-11-10 | 2009-11-12 |
| Node Tranquility | NODE3 | 2010-02-08 | 2010-02-12 |
| Dome Observation Chamber | cupola | 2010-02-08 | 2010-02-12 |
| Dawn Small Research Module | MIM1 | 2010-05-14 | 2010-05-18 |
| Multifunctional logistic cabin Leonardo | PMM | 2010-05-24 | 2011-03-01 |
| Experiment cabin | BEAM | 2016-04-10 | 2016-04-16 |
Russian part of the International Space Station
- 1. Dawning function cargo bay (Zarya)
- The Zarya function module was the first component of the International Space Station. It was launched from the Baikonur space launch site by the Russian Proton-K rocket on November 20, 1998. Shuguang is the foundation of the International Space Station, and can provide multiple functions such as power supply, propulsion, navigation, communication, attitude control, temperature control, and charging microclimate environment. It evolved from the "crystal" capsule on the Mir station, with a life span of 13 years, a maximum power of 6 kilowatts, and can dock 4 spacecraft. [2] Shuguang weighs 24.2 tons (including 4.5 tons of fuel), is 13 meters long, and has an internal volume of about 72 cubic meters (available area is 40 square meters). It can fly continuously for 430 days and nights without refueling. [10]
- Origin of the name: Zarya's name is derived from Russian , and it is explained in English as dawn, Sunrise. The "Dawning" functional module originated from the TKS spacecraft developed for the "Salyut" space station in Russia. It was funded by the United States and manufactured in Russia and named "Zarya". The meaning is that the launch of this functional module marked a new era of international cooperation in the space industry 's arrival [2]
- 2. Star Vessel Service Class (Zvezda)
- The Zvezda service capsule is the core of the International Space Station and the main place where astronauts live and work. The Star capsule is funded and built by Russia. It was launched on July 12, 2000, and was jointly with the International Space Station on July 26. Body docking. The Star is 13 meters long and weighs 19 tons. It consists of three sealed cabins, including a transition cabin, a living cabin and a working cabin, and an unsealed cabin for fuel tanks, engines and communication antennas. There are separate "rooms" in the living cabin for astronauts to bathe and sleep. The cabin has a kitchen with a refrigerator, a dining table, and exercise equipment for astronauts to exercise. [10] After the launch of Xingchen, the three docking sections and auxiliary equipment formed a space complex with a mass of 73 tons, running at 397 kilometers and an inclination of 51.6 degrees, orbiting the earth once every 90 minutes, so that The International Space Station has the basic conditions for receiving astronauts to live and work. [2]
- Origin of the name: Zvezda comes from Russian , which means "star" in English. The basic frame structure of this module is called "DOS-8", which is the core of the Mir-2 space station planned by Russia in the mid-1980s. Therefore, during the manufacturing process, the "Star" service The capsule is often called "Mir-2". At the beginning of 1999, Russia called it the Star. [2]
- 3. dock dock
- The dock dock (Pirs) was developed by Russia's "Energy" Rocket and Aerospace Company, weighs about 4 tons, has a volume of 13 cubic meters, and was launched on September 15, 2001. Outside the cabin are 1mm-thick micrometeor shields and multiple layers of thermal insulation. There are two docking interfaces, one active docking interface and one passive docking interface. The active docking interface is docked with the Star module, and the passive docking interface is reserved for the docking of the alliance spaceship and the progress spaceship. There is also a compartment on the side of the docking cabin. When the astronaut puts on the space suit and adjusts the air pressure in the compartment, he can open the compartment door for space walking. The exit door diameter is 1000mm. [11] The dock number helps to increase the transportation of goods and people between the International Space Station and the ground. [10]
- 4.Search Number Small Research Module
- The small research module (Poisk), launched on November 10, 2009, provides support for basic and applied experiments and research inside and outside the cabin. After docking in the service capsule of the Star, the Soyuz manned spacecraft and Progress Cargo ships, etc. provide interface. Can be used as an airlock cabin to provide 2 astronaut exits. It provides 2 cubic meters of available space for experimental equipment and cargo storage in a sealed cabin. It also has 2 reference points for installation of out-of-cabin experimental loads and cargo. It can store 870 kg of cargo in its sealed cabin. [11]
- 5. Dawn Research Module
- The dawn research module was transported to the International Space Station by the US space shuttle "Atlantis" in May 2010. The Liming experimental capsule is about 7 meters long and weighs about 7.8 tons. It is mainly used for scientific experiments.
International Space Station US Section
- 1. Unity node module
- The Unity node capsule is the second component of the International Space Station and the first node capsule of the International Space Station. It was put into orbit by the Space Shuttle Endeavour on December 4, 1998. The cabin is 5.49 meters long, 4.57 meters in diameter, and weighs 11,612 kilograms. It is used to store cargo and regulate power supply. It is the main node cabin on the International Space Station responsible for connecting 6 cabins. [2]
- Origin of the name: Since this capsule is the first node capsule of the International Space Station, it is often referred to as "Node 1". According to Randy Brinkley, director of NASA's International Space Station Program, the name "Unity" represents the joint efforts of NASA, Boeing, and the International Space Station team worldwide, and reflects international cooperation in the International Space Station Program. [2]
- 2. destiny laboratory module
- Destiny is the first permanently operating on-orbit laboratory since NASA retired the "Skylab" in February 1974. It was manufactured by the American Boeing Company and is shaped like a cylinder and has a length of 9.3 meters. 4, 4.3 meters in diameter, weighing 13.6 tons. In February 2001, it was successfully docked with the unity node capsule. The Destiny Experiment Chamber is a place for microgravity science and research in the United States, including materials processing, life sciences, biomedical experiments, fluid experiments, and earth sciences. [2]
- 3. Quest
- The Quest airlock module is the main airlock module of the International Space Station. It was launched by the United States on July 14, 2001. The role of the airlock capsule is to provide astronauts with space to wear spacesuits before going out of the cabin. Before the Seek was connected to the space station, Russian astronauts could only wear space suits in the service capsule of the Star, and US astronauts could only wear space suits in the space shuttle when the shuttle was docked. The Seek Airlock Module is compatible with both US and Russian astronauts wearing space suits. [2]
- 4. Harmony
- The Harmony node capsule is the second of the three node capsules of the International Space Station. It was launched by the space shuttle Discovery on October 23, 2007. The role played on the International Space Station is to connect the US "Fate" experimental capsule with the European Space Agency "Columbus" space experimental capsule and the Japanese "Hope" space experimental capsule that were later sent into space. [2]
- Origin of the naming: It was previously called "Node 2", and was renamed "Harmony" on March 15, 2007. The name comes from a campus competition called the "Node 2 Challenge", which is attended by more than 2,200 high school students from 32 states across the United States. The competition requires students to learn about the International Space Station, make scale models, and explain the meaning of their names. The last six different schools submitted the name "Harmony". A selection panel composed of NASA faculty, engineers, scientists, and senior managers selected the name and explained that the name not only reflects the spirit of international cooperation on the International Space Station, but also visually shows that the node capsule of Harmony is in international space Responsibilities to connect the experimental chambers of various partners. [2]
- 5. Tranquility
- The Tranquility node capsule is the third node capsule of the International Space Station. It was built by Italy's Thales Alenia Aerospace for NASA. It is about 7 meters long and 4.5 meters in diameter. Serenity can provide extra space for astronauts on the International Space Station, as well as many life support and environmental control systems including oxygen generators, water circulation systems, waste cleaning-hygiene maintenance systems, and "Korbel" treadmills. The Observation Tower connected to the node capsule of Tranquility is a control station of the International Space Station's mechanical arm. It is about 1.5 meters long, 2.96 meters in diameter, and weighs about 1882 kg in orbit. There are six windows around the observation capsule, and one window at the top can help astronauts observe the Earth, the universe stars and the spacecraft docking with the International Space Station at a panoramic angle. The windows can resist the impact of space debris. The "Tranquility" node capsule and the "Watchtower" observation capsule were transported to the International Space Station with the "Endeavour" space shuttle on February 8, 2010. [2]
- Origin of the name: The node capsule of the Serenity has been called "node 3" before April 2009, and its name comes from the name-finding activity organized by NASA-"Help Node 3 Name". During the event, the public can log in to the NASA official website to participate in the event, choose one of the four names provided by NASA, or suggest a name that they think is appropriate. At the close of the event on March 20, 2009, NASA received thousands of proposals, and "Tranquility" was one of the top ten with the most suggestions. After selection, female astronaut Sunita Williams, who was once a member of the ISS's 14th and 15th Expeditionary Expeditions, announced in a evening television show that "node 3 cabin" was named "Tranquility" ). NASA's deputy director of space operations, Bill Gusdenmeier, said that the choice of the name "Tranquility" was related to the commemoration of "Apollo" -11. Forty years ago in July, the "Apollo" -11 spacecraft landed on the Moon's Sea of Tranquility. "Tranquility" was related to exploration and the moon. At the same time, "Tranquility" also symbolized the international cooperation spirit of the space station. [2]
- 6. Observatory
- The capsule was developed by ESA but belongs to NASA, it provides direct view of the robotic arm operation, and can see the space shuttle payload equipment area. [11]
- 7. Leonardo multifunctional logistic cabin
- The Leonardo multifunctional logistic cabin was developed by Italy and is worth US $ 160 million. It is a 21-foot (approximately 6.4-meter) long, 15-foot (approximately 4.6-meter) diameter cylinder made of metallic aluminum, divided into 16 containers and capable of carrying 9.1 tons of cargo. The logistic cabin is reusable, and its function is to transport necessary supplies for the International Space Station, and then bring the waste on the space station back to the ground. The Leonardo logistics module made its first space flight in 2001. The Italian Space Agency built the first three Leonardo service logistics cabins in accordance with the agreement with NASA. In March 2010, the space shuttle Discovery will carry Leonardo's logistics module for its last cargo mission. After returning to the ground, Leonardo's logistics module was modified to provide better debris protection and make it easier for astronauts to use its internal equipment. It was renamed the "Permanent Multifunctional Module." [2] [10]
- Origin of the naming: The capsule is a multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM) made in Italy, named after Leonardo Di Ser Piero Da Vinci, one of the three masters of the Italian Renaissance. [2]
- 8. Bigelow inflatable activity module (BEAM)
- BEAM is produced by Bigelow Aerospace in Las Vegas, Nevada. The module is made of soft, foldable fiber that can adapt to the harsh environment of space and weighs 1.4 tons. Made of aluminum and a foldable special fabric, it will be compressed during flight to form a "big package" that is 2.4 meters long and 2.36 meters in diameter. After docking with the space station, the length and diameter will increase to 3.7 meters and 3.2 meters, respectively. The internal space will expand from 3.6 cubic meters to 16 cubic meters, which is equivalent to the size of a small bedroom. [12]
- Compared with traditional capsules made of metal, inflatable capsules have the advantages of small size, light weight, and cheaper construction. Because the volume can be significantly reduced during transportation, this space capsule can save a lot of space for the rocket, which also means that it can save fuel and reduce launch costs. According to the plan, BEAM will stay on the space station for two years. During this period, astronauts will enter several times a year, install equipment, collect data and evaluate its status, but will not live in this inflatable cabin. [12]
European Space Station
- Columbus Experiment Chamber
- The Columbus Experimental Module is the second International Space Station Experimental Module after the US Destiny. It is jointly manufactured by 40 companies in 10 European countries and is the largest space station project of the European Space Agency. The "Columbus" experimental chamber is equipped with a variety of experimental equipment, which can carry out experiments in cell biology, outer space biology, fluid and materials science, human physiology, astronomy and basic physics, and its service life is at least 10 years. [2]
International Space Station Japan
- Experiment Module Hope
- Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), named "Hope", Japanese is Kib (Hope), which means hope. The "Hope" experimental capsule is Japan's contribution to the International Space Station. It was manufactured by JAXA in September 2001. It is also the largest capsule on the International Space Station. The "Hope" experimental capsule is the first manned space capsule ever connected to a space station in Japan. It is a Japanese manned spacecraft. [2]
- The "Hope" experimental module is Japan's first manned spaceflight facility and can accommodate up to 4 people. It consists of 6 parts: the storage room inside the cabin, the laboratory inside the cabin, the experimental platform outside the cabin, the container outside the cabin, the mechanical arm and the communication system. The storage room in the cabin is mainly used as a storage warehouse. There are experimental equipment, maintenance tools, experimental materials, and equipment to be replaced in the event of equipment failure. The cabin laboratory is a cylindrical device with an outer diameter of 4.4 meters, an inner diameter of 4.2 meters, and a length of 11.2 meters. The gas composition in the laboratory is almost the same as the surface atmosphere. It maintains a standard atmospheric pressure and temperature and humidity that are convenient for astronauts, so astronauts can work in the laboratory wearing ordinary clothes. The extravehicular experimental platform can use special conditions such as cosmic microgravity and high vacuum for earth observation, communication, and material experiments. The outboard container rack is a transitional platform for transporting and recovering experimental equipment to the outboard experimental platform. The robotic arm is divided into a main arm and a sub-arm. The main arm can pick up a 7-ton weight. Astronauts can use monitors in the cabin's laboratory to control the work of the robotic arm through the console. The Hope module was designed and assembled in Japan and transported to NASA. Then its components were sent to the International Space Station by NASA in 3 times and assembled in space. The first part of the experimental module, the storage room, was carried to the International Space Station by the US space shuttle Endeavour on March 11, 2008. [2]
ISS transport
Russian Federation manned spacecraft
- The Soyuz manned spacecraft was developed by the Russian Korolev Energy Rocket and Space Group, and has been in use since the mid-1960s, and has been regularly upgraded. Soyuz can independently support three crew members for up to 5.2 days and dock at the International Space Station for 200 days. The spacecraft has an automatic docking system that can be piloted automatically or manually by crew members. Soyuz is responsible for the transportation of passengers and cargo to and from the International Space Station. [13]
| Launch quality | 7190 kg |
| Return module | 2900 kg |
| Track module | 1300 kg |
| Propulsion module | 2600 kg |
| Quality of transportable goods | 230 kg for 2 persons; 170 kg for 3 persons |
| length | 7 m |
| The maximum diameter | 2.7 m |
| Living cabin diameter | 2.2 m |
| Solar panel length | 10.6 m |
Russian Space Cargo spacecraft
- The Progress cargo spacecraft was developed by the Russian Korolev Energy Rocket and Space Group. It is a cargo supply spacecraft designed based on Soyuz to transport cargo, propellant, water and natural gas to the International Space Station. After docking at the International Space Station, the thruster can help the International Space Station rise to higher orbital heights and control the direction of the International Space Station. Normally, the Progress Spacecraft is launched four times a year to the International Space Station. Progress can be driven automatically or manually by the crew. Progress was incinerated as it refilled the Earth's atmosphere after filling it with garbage from the International Space Station. During autonomous flight (up to 30 days), Progress can be used as a research laboratory for space experiments. [13]
| Launch quality | 7440 kg |
| Cargo carrying capacity | 2250 kg |
| length | 7.4 m |
| The maximum diameter | 2.7 m |
| Solar panel length | 10.7 m |
| Fill propellant | 870 kg |
| thrust | 2942 N |
HTV International Space Station Japan HTV Cargo Ship
- The HTV cargo spaceship is a non-personnel cargo spaceship developed by JAXA specifically for the International Space Station program and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Docked on the International Space Station using the Space Station Remote Steering System (SSRMS). HTV cargo spacecraft can carry logistics materials in its internal pressurized carrier and external non-pressurized carrier, which can transport cargo, natural gas and water. After being filled with garbage from the International Space Station, the HTV cargo ship was incinerated as it reentered the Earth's atmosphere. [13]
| length | 9.2 m |
| The maximum diameter | 4.4 m |
| Launch quality | 16500 kg |
| Cargo carrying capacity | 5500 kg |
International Space Station
- From December 4, 1998 to July 21, 2011, Interspore, NASA's three space shuttles-Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour helped build the International Space Station and transported most of the International Space Station capsule Sections and major components are a means of transport that can be reused. [13]
| length | 37.2 m |
| height | 17.3 m |
| span | 23.8 m |
| Standard quality | 104000 kg |
| Cargo carrying capacity | 16000 kg |
ATV ISS European ATV Cargo Ship
- The ATV cargo spacecraft is an automatic logistics supply spacecraft developed by the European Aerospace Defense Group, which can transport cargo, atmosphere, water and propellants. After the cargo was unloaded, the garbage and waste were reloaded, separated from the space station, and incinerated as it reentered the Earth's atmosphere. From March 2008 to February 2015, five ATV cargo ships were launched: Jules Verne, Johannes Kepler, Edoardo Amaldi, Albert Einstein and Georges Lemaître. [13]
| Launch quality | 20750 kg |
| Cargo carrying capacity | 7667 kg |
| length | 10.3 m |
| The maximum diameter | 4.5 m |
| Solar panel length | 22.3 m |
| thrust | 1960 N |
ISS Scientific Research
Research Field of the International Space Station
- The scientific experimental projects on the International Space Station are mainly carried out in cooperation with NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA and CSA, covering the physical science, biology and biotechnology, technology development and verification, human research, earth and space science, and educational activities and promotion. Research areas. [14]
- 1. Biology and Biotechnology
- In the microgravity environment, the growth and shape of the nuclear tissue may be different from the ground. The experiments in this field focus on the life activities of organisms (animals, plants, microorganisms, and cells) in space flight, biological tissue destruction processes, organ and tissue regeneration characteristics, cell-to-cell interactions, and experimental development of biotechnology products. New understanding of basic issues in life sciences. [14]
- 2. Technology development and verification
- The experiments in this field are aimed at developing and improving space technology and its components, developing new space technologies to improve the utilization of bay sections, and developing key components of future space infrastructure. [14]
- 3.Earth and space science
- The low-Earth orbit of the International Space Station provides a unique advantage for the collection of scientific data on the Earth's space. Experiments in this area are aimed at studying the physical processes of the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and ionosphere. Collect information on the earth's glaciers, farmland, cities, and coral reefs, and complement it with orbiting satellite data to obtain comprehensive earth information. [14]
- 4. Physical Science
- The International Space Station is the only place to study physical phenomena for a long time in a microgravity environment. Experiments in this field focus on various physical and chemical processes in the microgravity environment; space material science; preparation of new materials and materials that are not available or difficult to obtain under terrestrial conditions; research on modernization of ground technology; Human detectors develop key technologies for technical storage. [14]
- 5. Educational activities and promotion
- The International Space Station provides a unique platform for encouraging students to participate in space activities, which has positively impacted thousands of students. [14]
- 6. Human body research
- Using the International Space Station to study the risks to human health caused by the long-term microgravity environment and to formulate countermeasures to reduce these risks will help solve problems related to long-term missions beyond low-Earth orbit. [14]
Typical scientific discoveries of the International Space Station
- Alpha magnetic spectrometer
- The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer is by far the most powerful and sensitive particle physics detector in space. Since being installed on the International Space Station in May 2011, data acquisition has begun and will continue to operate until the end of the International Space Station mission. The accurate measurement of various cosmic ray particles by the AMS spectrometer is a milestone in cosmic ray observations and has great significance for cutting-edge research in physics such as the search for dark matter and antimatter. [15]
- At 2400 on December 8, 2016, Ding Zhaozhong, an internationally renowned physicist and Nobel Prize winner in physics, summarized and released the physical results of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) operating on the International Space Station for five years at the Swiss European Nuclear Research Center. . At present, AMS has collected more than 90 billion cosmic ray instances, and more data analysis is still in progress. The latest AMS results reported by Ding Zhaozhong include accurate and unique data for a variety of cosmic ray particles, including positron flow strength and positron ratio, antiproton-proton ratio, and electrons, protons, antiprotons, helium nuclei, and others The flow of nuclei is strong. [15]
- 2. Twins experiment
- Astronauts Mike Kelly and Scott Kelly participated in the experiment. They were twins born in 1964. The brothers have been training in space flight since 1996. Scott participated in the Space Shuttle Discovery STS-103 in 1999, the Space Shuttle Endeavour STS-118 in 2007, the Space Flight of the Russian Soyuz TMA-M in 2010 and the International Space Station 25th and 26th long-term visits. Mike Kelly traveled to space four times, participating in the space shuttle Endeavour STS-108 in 2011, the space shuttle STS-121 in Discovery in 2006, and the Atlantis in 2008 Space Shuttle STS-124 Space Flight, Space Shuttle Endeavour 2011. [16]
- In March 2015, Scott Kelly participated in space flight again, spending a record 340 days, 8 hours and 42 minutes on the International Space Station. Mike Kelly remained on Earth during this time under the same test and analysis as Scott at the International Space Station. The research covers a wide range, from the composition of intestinal bacteria to the activity of various genes and cognitive abilities. The results obtained were analyzed by 10 research groups. [16]
- The most unexpected result came after observing telomeres. Telomeres are the ends of chromosomes, protecting the major part of DNA from damage during cell division. After each cell division, the chromosome is shortened. In order that this shortening does not affect the coding region, telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes. After the new division and division cycle, the chromosomes become shorter and this is how cell aging occurs. Scott's telomeres have become longer in space than Mike's telomeres, for reasons unknown. [16]
- 3. Spatial DNA sequencing
- On August 30, 2016, NASA astronaut Kate Rubins successfully completed the first DNA sequencing under microgravity conditions on the International Space Station (ISS) using the MinION microsequencer. A new era of genetic sequencing of organisms. Opened up a whole new field of science-space genome and systems biology. [17]
- This space sequencing is part of the Biomolecular Sequencing Research Project. Sequencing uses the MinION sequencer provided by Oxford Nanopore Co., Ltd., which is only the size of a palm, which is convenient and fast. The principle of sequencing is to apply a current through the nanopore, and at the same time let the liquid containing the detection sample flow through the detector. Different DNA molecules will cause different current changes, and the organisms of this gene sequence can be identified through the current changes. The project team brought previously prepared DNA samples of mice, viruses and bacteria to the space station for testing by Rubins in space, while members of the ground team simultaneously sequenced similar samples. After comparison, it was found that the two sequencing results in space and on earth could perfectly match. With the method of sequencing DNA in space, it is possible to identify whether the microbes on the International Space Station are threatening the astronauts health, help ground scientists to keep abreast of the astronauts living environment, and inform them in time whether to clean or take antibiotics. The space DNA sequencer is an important tool for protecting the health of future astronauts who need to stay on the space station for a long time, such as visiting Mars. [17]
- 4. Space vegetable planting
- "Veggie" is by far the largest planting experimental facility on the International Space Station. This research will support the extension of the astronauts' residence time. It will also be used to study the perception and response of plants to gravity and improve the earth Plants grow and increase yield. Veggie explores growing vegetables that can make salads. In the future, it may be used to provide fresh food to improve the astronauts' appetite and nutrition, or to help astronauts relax and relax. In the experiments, Veggie provided light and nutrition to the crops, and the International Space Station provided temperature control and carbon dioxide. [18]
- In May 2014, the astronauts successfully planted the "Outredgeous" red romaine lettuce using the Veggie system and tasted this cosmic vegetable for the first time recently. This is a major step in space cultivation. At the same time, NASA hopes to further expand the number and variety of crops to meet the nutritional needs of astronauts who land on Mars in the future. After Veg-01 verification, astronauts tested Veg-03 on October 25, 2016. Veg-03 improved the water delivery system and tested the effects of different environments on the crops, allowing six lettuces to grow at the same time. [19]
International Space Station Flight Control Center
ISS U.S. Ground Center
- (1) NASA Headquarters (HQ), which is responsible for managing NASA's various field centers, formulating management policies, and evaluating various stages of the International Space Station plan project;
- (2) Johnson Space Center (JSC), which is responsible for managing the International Space Station program and mission control of the U.S. section, and cooperating with the partner country control center to jointly manage activities on the entire ISS;
- (3) The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) conducts ISS module and space shuttle preparations for each mission, coordinates launches, and manages space shuttle launches and post-landing operations;
- (4) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), whose Load Operation and Integration Center (POIC) is responsible for controlling the operation of the US experiments and coordinating the on-orbit experiments of partner countries;
- (5) Remote Science Support Center (TSC). There are multiple TSCs in the United States to implement the operation of scientific experiments on the International Space Station program. They are located at the Marshall Space Flight Center, Ames Research Center (ARC), Johnson Space Center, and Grand Research Center (GRC). [20]
Russian Space Center of the International Space Station
- (1) Moscow Mission Control Center (TsUP), Russia's most important organization related to the International Space Station Program, responsible for the control of Russian manned space flight activities and the operation of Russian sections;
- (2) The Gagarin Astronaut Training Center (GCTC) is responsible for providing full-size trainers for the Russian section, training pools for out-of-cabin walking, simulated gravity centrifuges, and planetariums for astronomical navigation.
- (3) The Baikonur space launch site is the main launch center for Russian manned and non-manned spacecraft. [20]
European Space Center
- (1) The European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC) is the largest research institution and technology core of the European Space Agency (ESA);
- (2) Columbus Control Center (COL-CC) and Automatic Transfer Aircraft Control Center (ATV-CC). COL-CC and ATV-CC are responsible for controlling and operating the European ISS project. COL-CC is responsible for controlling and operating the Columbus Research Laboratory and coordinating European experimental loads, and ATV-CC is responsible for controlling and operating the Automatic Transfer Vehicle (ATV);
- (3) The Guyana Space Center (GSC), originally created by the French National Centre for Space Research (CNES), is funded and used by the French Space Agency and ESA as the launch site for the Ariane 5 launch vehicle;
- (4) European Astronaut Center (EAC), European astronaut training base;
- (5) User support and operation center (USOC). European countries have user support and operation centers in their national space centers. These centers are responsible for the use and arrangement of the space station's European load. [20]
ISS Japan Ground Center
- (1) Tsukuba Space Center is a comprehensive operation center with various test facilities and astronaut training capabilities;
- (2) Tanegashima launch base is Japan's largest rocket launch center. [20]
ISS Canadian Ground Center
- (1) Mobile Service System (MSS) Operational Comprehensive Center (MOC), which provides resources, equipment, and experts required for MSS engineering design and monitoring, and is responsible for astronaut training;
- (2) The Payload Remote Scientific Operations Center (PTOC) supports real-time operation of on-orbit Canadian payloads. [20]