How does the International Space Station work?

Summary

This video script offers an in-depth exploration of the International Space Station (ISS), detailing its construction, modules, and the countries involved. It begins with the history of the ISS, from the initial Space Station Freedom project in 1984 to its completion in 1998. The script describes the ISS's purpose, its size, and how it orbits Earth every 92 minutes. It outlines the main components, including the Integrated Truss Structure, pressurized modules, and the Russian Orbital Segment. The video also covers the assembly process, starting with the Russian Zarya module and ending with the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM). The script concludes with a mention of the ISS's current funding status and potential future projects.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest manmade structure in space, assembled in orbit from modules launched individually.
• 🌐 Initially proposed as 'Space Station Freedom' by the US in 1984, the project evolved into a collaborative effort involving multiple countries and was renamed the ISS in 1993.
• 🔬 The ISS is primarily used for conducting scientific experiments that require the unique environment of space.
• 👨‍🚀 Typically, six astronauts are on board, with teams changing approximately every six months to limit the duration of individual space stays.
• 🏈 The ISS is about the size of an American football field and orbits Earth at a relatively low altitude in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), completing an orbit approximately every 92 minutes.
• 🌍 The station travels at a speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour and must be periodically reboosted to maintain its orbit and prevent atmospheric reentry.
• 🤝 Key countries contributing to the ISS include the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, and several European Space Agency member countries.
• 🛠️ The ISS has several distinct segments including the Integrated Truss Structure, which serves as the backbone, holding solar arrays, radiator panels, and other equipment.
• 🔩 The station's modules were constructed globally and launched via American Space Shuttles, Russian Proton Rockets, or Russian Soyuz Rockets, then assembled in space.
• 🛰️ The ISS has been continuously inhabited since November 2000, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration and research.
• ♻️ The ISS is currently funded until 2025, with potential for extensions and future repurposing of its components for other space projects.

Q & A

What is the International Space Station (ISS) and why was it built?

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest manmade structure in space, assembled in orbit. It serves as a platform for conducting science experiments that can only be done in space.

How did the ISS project evolve from its initial announcement?

The ISS project began as 'Space Station Freedom' announced by the United States in 1984. It underwent several redesigns and funding issues before being renamed to the International Space Station in 1993 with the involvement of multiple countries.

How long does it take for the ISS to orbit the Earth?

The ISS completes an orbit around the Earth approximately every 92 minutes.

What is the purpose of the Integrated Truss Structure on the ISS?

The Integrated Truss Structure serves as the backbone of the ISS, holding solar arrays for power generation, radiator panels for heat removal, and providing attachment points for other equipment and experiments.

What is the significance of the Russian module Zarya in the ISS?

Zarya, the first module of the ISS, provides power from solar arrays and propulsion for station movement. It also features multiple docking ports for connecting additional modules.

Why are astronauts on the ISS typically rotated every six months?

Astronauts on the ISS are rotated every six months to ensure that no one spends an excessive amount of time in space, which could lead to health risks associated with long-duration spaceflight.

What is the function of the Destiny module on the ISS?

The Destiny module, also known as the US Laboratory, is a primary location for conducting scientific research aboard the ISS.

How does the Canadarm2 contribute to the operations on the ISS?

Canadarm2 is a robotic arm that assists with tasks outside the ISS, such as moving equipment and supporting spacewalks. It can be controlled by astronauts inside the station and attaches to grapple fixtures on various modules.

What is the purpose of the Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo, on the ISS?

Kibo is a module that provides additional space for scientific experiments and includes its own robotic arm for handling equipment outside the module.

What is the role of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the ISS?

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer is an experiment designed to study rare particles, such as antimatter, by analyzing cosmic rays in the space environment.

What is the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) and its purpose on the ISS?

BEAM is an expandable module that inflates once attached to the ISS. It serves as an experiment to test the viability of using inflatable habitats for future space missions.

Outlines

00:00

🚀 Introduction to the International Space Station

The video script introduces the International Space Station (ISS) as the largest manmade structure in space, assembled in orbit from pieces launched from Earth. The video aims to provide a detailed exploration of the ISS, examining each module in the order of their assembly, the countries involved, and future plans. The ISS is primarily used for conducting science experiments in microgravity and is home to a crew of six astronauts who rotate every six months. The station, the size of an American football field, orbits Earth every 92 minutes at a speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour. It is maintained in Low Earth Orbit and requires periodic reboosts to prevent atmospheric reentry. The main contributing countries are the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, and the European Space Agency. The ISS consists of various modules, including the Integrated Truss Structure, which serves as its backbone, holding solar arrays for power, radiator panels for heat management, and equipment for scientific experiments.

05:00

🛠️ Construction and Components of the ISS

The script details the construction process of the ISS, starting with the Russian module Zarya for power and propulsion, followed by the American Unity module with multiple docking ports for future connections. The Russian Zvezda service module provides life support and is central to the Russian Orbital Segment. The station's construction involved temporary installations like the Z1 Truss and the P6 Truss with solar arrays and radiator panels. The Destiny module, known as the US Laboratory, and the External Stowage Platform 1 (ESP-1) were added for scientific research and spare parts storage. Canadarm2, a robotic arm, and the Quest airlock for spacewalks were also integral additions. The script describes the step-by-step assembly of the Integrated Truss Structure, including the S0, S1, and P1 Truss segments, and the addition of the European Columbus module, the Canadian Dextre robot, and the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibo) with its own robotic arm. The script concludes with the installation of the Tranquility module, the Cupola observation module, and the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer for particle research. It also mentions the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) as an experimental technology for future space applications. The ISS is currently funded until 2025, with potential for extension and repurposing of its components.

Keywords

💡International Space Station (ISS)

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest manmade structure in space, serving as a research laboratory where astronauts from various countries conduct experiments that are only possible in the microgravity environment. It is a collaborative project among multiple nations, symbolizing international cooperation in space exploration. In the script, the ISS is described as having modules assembled in orbit and is the central focus of the video, with details on its construction, purpose, and the countries involved.

💡Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Low Earth Orbit refers to the region of space close to Earth's surface where satellites and space stations like the ISS orbit. It is typically at an altitude of 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) or less. The ISS operates in LEO, which allows for easier communication with Earth and more frequent resupply missions. The video mentions that the ISS is located just outside Earth's atmosphere in LEO and completes an orbit around the Earth every 92 minutes.

💡Module

A module in the context of the ISS refers to a self-contained unit that serves a specific function, such as living quarters, laboratories, or power generation. The script details the assembly of various modules, each launched separately and then connected in space to form the complete station. Examples include the Russian module Zarya, the American Unity module, and the European Columbus module.

💡Truss Structure

The Integrated Truss Structure of the ISS is a complex framework that supports the station's solar arrays, radiator panels, and other equipment. It is likened to the backbone of the station, providing structural integrity and mounting points for various components. The script explains how the truss structure was assembled piece by piece, with segments like the S0, S1, P1, and P3/P4 trusses being added to the station.

💡Docking Port

Docking ports are crucial components on the ISS that allow spacecraft to connect and transfer crew and cargo. The script mentions that modules like Zarya and Unity have multiple docking ports, which were used to connect subsequent modules and spacecraft, facilitating the expansion and operation of the station.

💡Solar Arrays

Solar arrays are the large, wing-like structures on the ISS that generate electricity from sunlight. They are essential for powering the station's systems and experiments. The video script describes how the P6 Truss was temporarily mounted with the first solar array wings, highlighting the importance of solar power for the ISS's operations.

💡Radiator Panels

Radiator panels are used on the ISS to dissipate excess heat generated by the station's systems. They are crucial for maintaining a stable internal environment for the astronauts and equipment. The script mentions the installation of radiator panels as part of the station's construction, emphasizing the importance of temperature control in space.

💡Spacewalk (EVA)

A spacewalk, or Extravehicular Activity (EVA), is when an astronaut works outside the ISS in the vacuum of space. The script references the Quest airlock, which allows astronauts to safely exit the station for spacewalks to perform maintenance, repairs, or installations. Spacewalks are a critical aspect of ISS operations and are a significant part of astronaut training.

💡Robotic Arm

The Canadarm2, as mentioned in the script, is a robotic arm on the ISS that can assist with tasks outside the station. It is controlled by astronauts inside the ISS and can attach to grapple fixtures on various modules. The robotic arm is a vital tool for assembling, maintaining, and moving equipment on the ISS, showcasing the integration of technology in space operations.

💡Reboost

Reboosting is the process of increasing the altitude of the ISS to counteract the gradual loss of altitude due to atmospheric drag. The script explains that the ISS must be periodically reboosted to maintain its position in space, which is a critical operation to ensure the station's longevity and prevent it from reentering Earth's atmosphere.

Highlights

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest manmade structure in space.

ISS was assembled in orbit from pieces launched into space.

The ISS project began as 'Space Station Freedom' in 1984.

The station's name was officially changed to International Space Station in 1993 after involving multiple countries.

Construction of the ISS in space began five years after its renaming.

The ISS is primarily used for conducting science experiments that require a space environment.

Astronauts on the ISS typically rotate every six months to limit extended space exposure.

The ISS orbits the Earth approximately every 92 minutes, traveling at about 28,000 kilometers per hour.

The station must be periodically reboosted to maintain its orbit and prevent reentry into Earth's atmosphere.

Key countries involved in the ISS project include the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, and the European Space Agency.

The Integrated Truss Structure serves as the backbone of the ISS, holding solar arrays and other equipment.

The Russian Orbital Segment and the United States Orbital Segment make up the two main parts of the ISS.

Modules of the ISS were built globally and launched by American Space Shuttles, Russian Proton Rockets, and Russian Soyuz Rockets.

The first module, Zarya, provided power and propulsion for the ISS.

The second module, Unity, featured six docking ports for connecting future modules.

The Zvezda service module is the functional center of the Russian Orbital Segment.

The Destiny module, or US Laboratory, is where much of the scientific research occurs.

Canadarm2, a robotic arm, aids in external station operations.

The Quest airlock allows astronauts to perform spacewalks for external maintenance.

The Japanese Experiment Module, Kibo, includes its own robotic arm for external operations.

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer is used to study rare particles like antimatter.

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) tests inflatable space habitat technology.

Funding for the ISS is currently secured only through 2025, with potential for extension and repurposing of modules.

Transcripts

- [Jared] The International Space Station

is the largest manmade structure in space.

It was built in pieces and then launched into space

and assembled in orbit.

In this video, I want to give you a detailed look

at the station.

We're gonna look at each module in the order

that they were assembled.

We'll look at the countries involved

and the future plans for the station.

So if you're ready, let's go build a space station.

(electricity buzzing)

(explosion pops)

(digital music)

The International Space Station, or ISS,

took many years to become a reality.

In 1984, the United States announced a project

called Space Station Freedom.

Here's some drawings

of what the original station might have looked like.

It was never actually built in its original form.

There were lots of redesigns,

and it's funding was almost completely cut by US Congress.

Then in 1993, after several other countries were brought

on board, the name was officially changed

to the International Space Station.

Five years later, construction begins in space.

I'll show you the complete construction process,

but first, let's learn a little bit more about the station.

This is the ISS as it looks today.

It's mainly used to conduct science experiments

that can only be done in space.

There's usually six astronauts on board the station.

They generally switch out about every six months

so that no one spends too much time in space.

The station is about the size of an American football field.

It's located just outside the Earth's atmosphere.

This is called Low Earth Orbit.

It's not very high up, considering

that some satellites orbit way out here.

The ISS only takes about 92 minutes to orbit the earth.

That's about 28,000 kilometers per hour.

Over time, the ISS will slowly lose altitude.

If nothing was done, the station would eventually burn up

as it reenters the Earth's atmosphere.

To prevent this, the station must be periodically reboosted

to stay in space.

The main countries now participating are United States,

Canada, Russia, Japan and many countries

from the European Space Agency.

Let's get to know the main parts of the station.

The Integrated Truss Structure is kind

of like the backbone of the station.

It holds the solar arrays to generate electricity,

radiator panels, these remove heat

from the station, and other equipment

and science experiments are also attached.

This part down here contains the pressurized modules,

which means the astronauts can live and work in here

without a space suit.

All of the Russian modules make up

the Russian Orbital Segment.

The other side is called the United States Orbital Segment.

It's made up of modules from the United States,

Europe, Japan and Canada.

The different pieces of the station, also called modules,

were built in many locations around the globe.

Each module was then launched into space

by one of these three rockets,

the American Space Shuttle, the Russian Proton Rocket

and the Russian Soyuz Rocket.

Once in space, it's time to put it all together.

This is definitely not your average Lego set.

Once construction started, the ISS took a little

over a decade before it was considered complete.

Each one of these lines represents the addition

of a new module to the station.

Let's go ahead and start at the very beginning.

The first piece

of the station is a Russian module called Zarya.

It provides power from the solar arrays

and also propulsion when there's a need to move the station.

There's three docking ports in front and one in back.

These will be used to connect

to the next pieces of the station.

The second module is American,

and it's called Unity, or Node 1.

It has six docking ports to connect to future modules.

There's a special piece here to connect

between the different docking mechanisms.

This is called a Pressurized Mating Adapter,

or PMA for short.

Unity was launched with PMA-1 and PMA-2.

This is the Zvezda service module.

It provides life support systems

and is considered the functional center

of the Russian Orbital Segment.

It also has three docking ports in front and one in back.

Next is the Z1 Truss.

This holds equipment for the station.

It's not part of the main truss,

but it provided a temporary mounting place,

as we'll see here in a moment.

PMA-3 was then added to the bottom side of Unity.

It's always good to have an extra one of these around.

The P6 Truss was temporarily mounted

to the top of the Z1 Truss.

This includes the first solar array wings.

This provides much needed power to the growing station.

Radiator panels were also installed

to help remove excess heat from the station.

At this point, there was enough functionality

that astronauts can start living aboard the station,

instead of just temporary visits.

From November 2000 until now,

there has been a continuous human presence

on board the station.

The Destiny module is also called the US Laboratory.

This is a place where a lot of scientific research happens.

A little rearranging was necessary

so that Destiny could be installed.

March 2001 came the addition

of the External Stowage Platform 1, or ESP-1.

This was a place to store spare parts for the station.

Canada made a vital contribution with the Canadarm2.

It's a robotic arm that can help

around the outside of the station.

It's usually controlled by an astronaut

who's on the inside of the station.

Either end of the arm can be attached

to one of these grapple fixtures

that you'll find on various modules.

The Quest airlock allows the astronauts to safely step

outside for a few hours to perform an EVA,

also known as a spacewalk.

This is a Russian module called Pirs.

It can be used as an airlock for spacewalks

or as a docking port to allow visiting spacecraft

to attach to the station.

Now we get to start building the integrated truss structure.

If you remember from earlier,

this is kind of like the backbone of the station.

Our first piece is the S0 Truss,

and it gets attached to the top of the Destiny module.

The Mobile remote servicer Base System,

or MBS, was added next.

This platform can move along the truss.

It's especially useful when the Canadarm2 is attached.

Then the S1 Truss was added followed by the P1 Truss.

The S stands for starboard and the P stands for port.

This way, you know on which side of the station it's on.

Each side has room for three more radiator panels.

For now, only the center ones will be installed.

ESP-2 was added to the station right next

to the Quest airlock.

This is the P3/P4 Truss segments with solar arrays

and another radiator panel.

The tiny P5 Truss goes at the end here.

To balance out the station,

we'll have to retract a few panels.

The following year, the other sides

of the truss were added as well.

ESP-3 goes down here.

And then the P6 Truss can be moved

to its final resting place.

It's also time to deploy a few more radiator panels.

The Harmony module is also called Node 2.

It will be attached to the forward end of Destiny.

But first, we have to do some more rearranging.

Harmony has six docking ports which will allow

for further expansion of the station.

Next comes the Columbus module,

which is a European laboratory.

Now we get some more robotics also built by Canada.

This is a space robot called Dextre.

It can attach to the same grapple fixtures

that are used by the Canadarm2.

In fact, Dextre is most useful when it's attached

to the end of the Canadarm2.

The largest module is the Japanese Experiment Module,

also known as Kibo.

It came up to the station in several pieces.

It even has its own robotic arm.

Finally, we have the S6 Truss,

the last of the truss segments.

Now we're starting

to look a little more like the space station.

These solar arrays will be rotated

so that they face towards the sun.

This helps the arrays generate more power for the station.

The Japanese Experiment Module has one last addition.

It's called the Japanese Exposed Facility.

This allows research to be conducted in the vacuum of space.

The Russian module Poisk is very similar to Pirs.

It was another place for Russian spacecraft to dock.

This is the first ExPRESS Logistic Carrier, or ELC-1.

This is a place to store hardware

to help the station work correctly.

ELC-2 was installed on top of the truss here.

The Tranquility module, also known as Node 3,

is added to the side of Unity.

On the bottom side of Tranquility is a small room

called the Cupola.

This has seven windows from which to see the view.

Each window has a cover that can be closed

when they are not in use.

Then came another Russian module called Rassvet.

This was used for storage and as another docking port.

The Leonardo module is used for storage

of supplies and waste.

The trash will build up here

until it can be removed from the station.

Here's ELC-3 and -4.

This is a science experiment

called the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.

It's used to study rare particles such as antimatter.

A more recent addition to the station is

called the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module,

or BEAM for short.

It takes up a small amount of space during launch

and then inflated once attached to the station.

BEAM is an experiment to see

if this kind of technology can work.

The ISS only has funding through 2025.

But hopefully, that will be extended.

After that, we may see pieces of the station repurposed

for other projects in space.

I want to thank my supporters on Patreon

for helping me make this video.

This won't be the last time you'll see an animation

from me about the International Space Station.

Stay tuned and let me know what you want

to see next, in the comments below.

I'm Jared Owen.

Thanks for watching.

(gentle music)