Perhaps you have heard of the the International Space Station, or ISS, a large spacecraft currently in orbit around Earth. The mission of the ISS is to bring together global resources and personnel for space research, and NASA is the primary agency maintaining and supplying the spacecraft. Research on the ISS focuses on scientific discovery, the development of applications for these discoveries, and finding ways to benefit people while preparing for future space exploration. All countries participating in the mission of the ISS work together with the hope that one day it will be it possible to send humans deep into space.
Since the ISS first launched on November 20, 1998, it has managed an average of 150 scientific experiments during any given six-month period. At first, that research consisted mostly of observing Earth from above. At this point, though, research aboard the station has evolved to include just about everything you can imagine--from plant science to physics to human biology. The space station's laboratories allow crew members to do research that could not be done anywhere else.
As you can imagine, with 150 different experiments going on at once, it is impossible to discuss all of them. However, here are a few examples of the types of research performed on the ISS.
Earth & Space Science
Human
Research
Technology
Since the ISS stays in low-Earth orbit, it can easily collect data about our planet and about objects in space near Earth. Details about glaciers, deserts, agricultural fields, cities, ice caps, oceans, and coral reefs can be compared to other sources of data to create a big-picture view of Earth and a better understanding of how it changes over time.
NASA is using the International Space Station to study how spaceflight changes the shape and size of the human body over time. In addition, ISS scientists try to identify potential risks to human health while in orbit. The space station provides the only place to study the long-term physical effects of life without gravity. Results from this research are key for future long-duration missions. The unique micro-gravity environment of the ISS allows astronauts to perform different physical tests that track changes in their bodies over time.
Many different technologies, systems, and materials are being tested on the ISS with the idea that they will be used in future space missions. For example, ISS crews created a human-like robot with arms, hands, and fingers that can actually use tools. This robot, called Robonaut, will eventually perform difficult and hazardous tasks that can save time and keep the astronauts safe.
Here is perhaps the most exciting part of NASA's ISS program: Anyone can submit a proposal for research aboard the station. The experiments for each mission are chosen by the different international agencies that work together to maintain the station. But because the Space Station is designated a U.S. National Laboratory, by law it has to be open to research from organizations beyond just NASA. That means anybody--from big companies to everyday scientists to the average high school student can submit a proposal for research on the ISS. If it’s deemed interesting or important enough by the Center for Advancement In Science and Space, NASA will launch your very own experiment to the space station and astronauts will research it!
What have you learned about the International Space Station? Complete the activity below to check your understanding of the ISS mission.
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What is the ISS?
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a space research lab
a probe exploring the far reaches of the galaxy
an unmanned spaceship bound for Mars
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What is NASA's
role in the ISS? |
providing all the scientists
coming up with experiments
maintaining and supplying
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Who can create
or suggest research projects for the ISS? |
universities
anyone
Russia
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Complete
