10 information and facts about the International Space Station

ArabiaWeather - The International Space Station is one of the most important and largest international space projects and programmes. It is a joint project between several space agencies affiliated with five major countries, and it serves as a gathering point for scientists and astronauts from several countries, despite the different goals of those countries to reach space and their different uses of satellites. However, they share one goal of this station, and this goal is one of the amazing aspects of the International Space Station .

The common goal of the International Space Station

If you do not know what the International Space Station is, you will be surprised to know that it is a space laboratory orbiting in space. Its aim is to carry out tests and experiments that contribute to scientific research that studies Earth, space, physical sciences and communications.

International cooperation to establish the station

The International Space Station is a clear example of unique international cooperation between major countries, as coordination takes place between these countries to manage the station, and it is shared between the following space agencies:

• US Space Agency (NASA)
• Russian Space Agency
• Japan Space Agency
• Canadian Space Agency
• European Space Agency

The shape of the International Space Station and its huge construction

After building the station, it was a unique engineering achievement, as the mass of the station is more than 420 thousand kilograms, and its width is more than 108.5 meters, meaning that it is the size of an American football field, and thus it is the largest structure ever made by man in space, and it was also described as the most expensive thing built. Humans: Estimates indicate that $150 billion was spent on construction alone, and $4 billion is needed annually for operation.

The reason for the speed of the International Space Station

The space station orbits the Earth 16 times a day and travels at a speed of 7.8 km/hour, which is ten times the speed of a bullet on Earth. It completes its path around the Earth every 92 minutes. This means that astronauts on board the station see about 15 sunsets and sunrises daily.

The life of astronauts inside the station

The station accommodates six astronauts, and they are supplied with food and drink for a year. Air and water are recycled inside the station to ensure the vital needs of the astronauts are provided inside. The food and drink are packed in a special way to preserve them and can be eaten in space.

Duration of operation of the International Space Station

Work on the station began from November 1998 until now, and it has been funded to operate until 2024, and its funding is likely to be renewed until 2028.

What does the International Space Station contain?

Inside the station there are two bathrooms, a gym, work areas and the "dome", a group of windows that allow patrons to see the ground. In addition to fifty-two computers on board the station that control the various systems inside it.

How far is the International Space Station from Earth?

The station orbits at a low altitude and close to Earth, and it is possible to see it with your naked eye. It looks like a star in the sky.

Physical changes of astronauts inside the International Space Station

The lack of gravity in space greatly affects the lives of astronauts, as the lack of gravity can cause weakness in the muscles and bones. This is because astronauts do not walk on their feet like on Earth; Rather, they use their entire bodies while moving.

Is it possible to visit the International Space Station?

It is possible to visit the International Space Station yourself. Seven tourists traveled and spent between 8 and 15 days on board the station. The trip cost them about 20-40 million dollars per person.

It is likely that the station's operation will be extended until 2028, and there are suggestions that it be converted into a hotel or tourist attraction after the end of its mission in space, but the most important question is: Will the mission of this station, which began 25 years ago, really end? We will learn that later, as space always amazes us with its endless secrets.

Learn more about the International Space Station