What Is the International Space Station and Why Is It Important?

With recent advancements in technology, there is more that we can discover about the universe outside our planet than ever before. One of those advancements is the International Space Station (ISS). 

What Is the International Space Station?

The International Space Station is a multi-national cooperative program that began in 1998. However, designing and building a structure like the ISS was no small feat—it took the greatest minds from multiple nations working together to create what would become the largest structure humans have ever sent into space.

International Space Station Astronaut - David Swalm

What Does the International Space Station Actually Do?

The primary function of the ISS is to serve as a research lab studying the potential of humans living in space. On board, astronauts and scientists try to figure out how the space environment affects biological processes that we are familiar with here on Earth. 

What Types of Experiments Are Conducted on the ISS?

Extensive experiments are conducted from the International Space Station. Scientists explore the fields of astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, physics, and other fields. At the same time, some experiments try to better understand our universe, from the particles that make up space to the life cycles of stars. 

What Is the Current Mission of the ISS?

The International Space Station is currently on Expedition 67. This mission began in March of 2022 and is set to last six months. If you are interested in detailed accounts of tasks from Expedition 67, you can read live updates from their missions. 

How long will the ISS operate For?

The plans for the International Space Station currently have it operational through 2024. While NASA has approved an extension on the project through 2030, other partner Nations, like Russia, have not committed to the extension and instead have decided to build and operate their own space stations.

International Space Station

When Was the International Space Station Built?

The International Space Station’s first module was launched into orbit in 1998. The ISS was complete by 2011 and hasn’t changed much since. As of now, it can house and dock other spacecraft and modules. 

How large Is the International Space Station?

The livable areas of the ISS equate to more than a six-bedroom house with two bathrooms, but the actual space station, with its solar arrays, spans the size of a typical football field. 

How Many Astronauts Can Stay on the ISS? 

The ISS typically houses an international crew of seven living and working on the station. While other spacecraft can dock and connect to the ISS, there have never been more than 13 people on board at once.

Who Is Part of the International Space Station?

This ISS is a collaborative scientific effort from five participating countries’ space exploration programs. The nations involved are NASA (United States), ESA (Europe), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada).

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) began exploring developing an international space station in the 1980s at the direction of President Ronald Reagan. At first, the venture consisted just of the U.S., Europe, and Japan. However, in 1993 Russia was invited since it was the country with the most experience operating orbital space stations. 

Roscosmos

Russia’s Roscosmos are responsible for the first piece of the ISS structure. The Russian Zarya Control module was delivered in 1998 by a proton rocket. When it was first in orbit, the Zarya module was responsible for providing power, communications, and altitude control functions. Now, however, it is mainly used for storage. 

CSA

The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) contributed to the Canadarm2, a large crane-like structure that is remote-controlled to move large pieces of equipment.

JAXA

Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency has made extensive and creative contributions to the ISS. On the U.S. side of the station, there is a Japanese science lab with a kind of porch that allows for experiments to be conducted in the atmosphere of space. 

ESA

The European Space Agency is a member of the ISS that represents 22 countries from Europe and is one of the original agencies working to create an international space station.

International Space Station Window View

Will There Be a New Space Station Built after 2024?

Even though the ISS is only set to be operated until 2024, and a plan for an extension has not been solidified, there may be the possibility of developing more space stations in the future. 

Which Companies Are Interested in Building Commercial Space Stations?

While specifics about private companies’ interest in building a space station might rely on the fate of the ISS, companies like SpaceX already have experience with space stations. Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program in 2011, SpaceX shuttles have been one of the main modes of transport to the ISS. 

Take a Deep Dive Into Space

The International Space Station is only one of the many astounding things located in the vast expanses of our galaxy, and there is so much more still yet to explore and discover.  

Want to take a deeper dive into all that space has to offer? Check out our blog for more!