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Astronomy: International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) has been in space since 1998 when united countries started construction. It is estimated that construction will be complete in 2006.

When complete the station will have an estimated life of ten years and can house up to seven astronauts.

The ISS is mainly used for science objectives. Microgravity (zero gravity) opens a new universe of research possibilities. It unmasks phenomena that gravity on Earth can obscure. It has shown us new insights for instance what happens inside a fire.

Microgravity research began in the 1980s aboard orbiting space shuttle's. But with the ISS scientists can hold experiments for longer time than the flight of a space shuttle (a few weeks).

Microgravity also causes subtle changes in the structure and functions of the human body. Studying these changes may help us improve health care on Earth and protect the lives of astronauts in space.

Lifeboat

The Soyuz-TMA spacecraft is designed to serve as the International Space Station's crew return vehicle, acting as a lifeboat in the unlikely event an emergency would require the crew to leave the station. A new Soyuz capsule is normally delivered to the station by a Soyuz taxi crew every six months, also supplying the station with food. The taxi crew then returns to Earth in the older Soyuz capsule.