Decoding the ISS: Inside the Orbital Lab Where Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Will Conduct Research

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on his two-week mission to the International Space Station (ISS), it's time to delve into the details of this orbiting marvel. This laboratory in space is where Shukla and his Axiom-4 crewmates will conduct vital research.

The ISS, orbiting Earth at approximately 408km, represents global collaboration, advanced engineering, and humanity's ambition to thrive beyond our planet.

A Home in Hyperspace

The ISS hurtles around Earth at an astonishing 28,000kmph, completing a full orbit every 90 minutes, resulting in approximately 16 orbits per day. This rapid pace allows Shukla and his team to experience multiple sunrises and sunsets daily, held in orbit by the balance between velocity and gravity.

A Colossal Structure

The ISS is a sprawling complex assembled over a decade through 42 separate missions. Stretching 73 meters in length and 109 meters wide (with solar arrays extended), it's larger than a football field.

Weighing approximately 420,000 kg, the ISS features over 15 pressurized modules contributed by five core partner agencies: NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). The main truss, supporting solar panels and radiators, serves as the station's structural backbone.

Harnessing Solar Power

The ISS is powered by eight massive solar arrays, generating up to 120 kilowatts of electricity. This power is stored in rechargeable batteries for continuous operation. The electricity fuels scientific instruments, life support systems, and environmental controls.

Life in Orbit

The ISS typically houses a crew of six, but can accommodate up to ten astronauts during short-term missions like Ax-4. Daily life is carefully structured, including two hours of exercise to combat the effects of weightlessness on muscles and bones.

The station offers private sleeping quarters, a galley, toilets, an observation cupola, and exercise equipment. Communication delays are minimal (1-2 seconds), facilitating near real-time conversations with mission control and family.

A Hub for Research

The ISS is a cutting-edge research facility in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Experiments encompass microgravity physics, life sciences, biotechnology, Earth observation, and space agriculture. The Cupola Module, with its seven windows, provides panoramic views of Earth for photography, spacecraft docking oversight, and quiet reflection.

Accessing the ISS

Transportation to the ISS is currently facilitated by multiple spacecraft: Soyuz (Russia), Crew Dragon (SpaceX), and soon, Boeing's Starliner. Cargo missions, essential for resupplying food, water, scientific equipment, and spare parts, are conducted by spacecraft like Dragon, Cygnus, HTV, and the upcoming Dream Chaser.

The Future of Orbital Habitats

The ISS is expected to remain operational until at least 2030, after which it will be replaced by commercial space stations like Axiom Station, Starlab, and others. A controlled deorbit, managed by NASA and Roscosmos, is planned to safely conclude the station's mission.

As Shukla begins his scientific endeavors in space, he joins a facility that not only highlights India's increasing prominence in human spaceflight but also stands as a testament to global cooperation. The ISS is a shared frontier where science, diplomacy, and exploration intersect, 400km above Earth.