Daily Current Affairs : 24-November-2023
The International Space Station (ISS) has recently marked a significant milestone, completing 25 years in space. This modular space station, positioned in low Earth orbit, is a collaborative effort involving five major space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).
Overview of the ISS:
- The ISS, a microgravity and space environment research laboratory, supports scientific investigations in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, and physics.
- It plays a crucial role in testing spacecraft systems for potential future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.
- Divided into the Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) and the United States Orbital Segment (USOS), it exemplifies international cooperation in space exploration.
Historical Launch and Development:
Zarya Control Module (November 20, 1998):
- The ISS journey began with the launch of the Zarya Control Module by Russia, providing fuel storage and battery power.
- It served as a docking zone for incoming space vehicles, laying the foundation for subsequent modules.
Unity Node 1 Module (December 4, 1998):
- A month later, the US contributed the Unity Node 1 module, forming the initial elements of a functional space laboratory.
- The ISS, with distinct spaces for living and working, orbits Earth every 90 minutes at a speed of 8 kilometers per second.
Scientific Contributions to Earth:
- Astronauts aboard the ISS have conducted numerous experiments leading to breakthroughs in medical research, benefiting areas such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, asthma, and heart disease.
- Discoveries on the ISS have influenced drug development, water purification systems, methods to counteract muscle and bone atrophy, and innovations in food production.
Significance of Space Experiments:
- Microgravity conditions in space provide a unique environment for scientific experiments, particularly in understanding cell behavior, which closely mimics conditions inside the human body.
Future of the ISS:
Exit of Russia and Global Aspirations:
- Russia’s decision to leave the ISS after 2024 due to geopolitical reasons has raised questions about the future operation of the station.
- Various nations, including Japan, China, India, and the United Arab Emirates, are eyeing independent space maneuvers, with NASA focused on the Artemis program and ESA developing the Starlab space station.
- Despite uncertainties, the US and Europe have expressed commitment to the ISS until 2030, emphasizing the enduring international collaboration in space exploration.
Important Points:
- Overview of the ISS:
- Largest modular space station in low Earth orbit.
- Collaboration of five space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA.
- Microgravity and space environment research laboratory.
- Testing ground for spacecraft systems for future Moon and Mars missions.
- Divided into Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) and United States Orbital Segment (USOS).
- Historical Launch and Development:
- Zarya Control Module (November 20, 1998):
- Launched by Russia, supplied fuel storage and battery power.
- Served as a docking zone for incoming space vehicles.
- Unity Node 1 Module (December 4, 1998):
- Launched by the US, forming the initial elements of a functional space laboratory.
- ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at a speed of 8 kilometers per second.
- Zarya Control Module (November 20, 1998):
- Scientific Contributions to Earth:
- Astronaut-conducted experiments leading to breakthroughs in medical research:
- Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, asthma, and heart disease.
- Influenced drug development, water purification, muscle and bone atrophy mitigation, and food production innovations.
- Astronaut-conducted experiments leading to breakthroughs in medical research:
- Significance of Space Experiments:
- Microgravity conditions in space provide a unique environment for scientific experiments.
- Cells behave more like they do inside the human body, offering insights not replicable on Earth.
- Future of the ISS:
- Russia’s exit after 2024 due to geopolitical reasons.
- Emerging independent space maneuvers by nations like Japan, China, India, and the UAE.
- NASA focused on the Artemis program for lunar exploration.
- ESA working on a new space station named Starlab.
- US and Europe committed to the ISS until 2030, emphasizing enduring international collaboration in space exploration.
Why In News
The International Space Station (ISS) has celebrated its 25th anniversary in space, marking a quarter-century of international collaboration and scientific advancements. As it continues to orbit the Earth, the ISS remains a symbol of human achievement and cooperation in the realm of space exploration.
MCQs about The Journey and Impact of the International Space Station
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What is the primary purpose of the International Space Station (ISS)?
A. Lunar exploration
B. Microgravity and space environment research
C. Planetary colonization
D. Satellite communication
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When did the ISS launch its first module, the Zarya Control Module?
A. November 4, 1998
B. November 20, 1998
C. December 4, 1998
D. December 20, 1998
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What international collaboration is involved in the ISS project?
A. NASA and ESA
B. NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA
C. NASA and Roscosmos
D. ESA and CSA
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Why are some medical experiments best conducted in space according to scientists?
A. Simplicity of conditions
B. Easy access to equipment
C. Microgravity conditions mimic human body behavior
D. Lower cost of experiments
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