The International Space Station (ISS) is the biggest man-made object in space. It is a large spacecraft that orbits the Earth and acts as both a home and a science lab for astronauts and cosmonauts. It is a shining example of what countries can do when they work together peacefully.
What is the ISS?
The ISS is a space station, or a big satellite, that goes around Earth. It travels at a speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour and completes one circle around Earth every 90 minutes. It is about 400 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.
It has been in space since 1998, and astronauts have lived there continuously since 2000. The ISS is a joint project of five space agencies:
- NASA (United States)
- Roscosmos (Russia)
- ESA (European Space Agency)
- JAXA (Japan)
- CSA (Canada)
Why is the ISS Important?
Scientific Research
- Scientists study how the human body reacts to space. This helps plan future missions to the Moon and Mars.
- Research on diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer is done on the ISS.
- It helps in understanding how fluids move in space, how plants grow, and how to print 3D objects in microgravity.
Earth Observation
- The ISS gives scientists a great view of Earth. They use it to study weather, pollution, forests, oceans, and more.
International Cooperation
- The ISS is proof that countries with different political systems and interests can work together for the benefit of all.
Interesting Discoveries from the ISS
- Discovery of cool-burning flames.
- Study of the fifth state of matter (Bose-Einstein Condensate).
- Muscle and bone health research.
- Growing methi and moong daal (by an Indian astronaut in 2025!).
- Use of tissue chips to study organs.
- Identifying unknown microbes in space.
- Monitoring cosmic rays and black holes.
Current Status and Future Plans
- The ISS is expected to operate till 2030.
- After the Ukraine war, Russia said it may build its own station.
- The United States and Europe are planning to continue using the ISS and are also working on a new space station called Starlab.
- Countries like India, China, and the UAE are planning to build their own stations.
India’s plan: ISRO wants to build the Bhartiya Antriksh Station by 2035. It will be about 20 tonnes in weight and orbit at 400 km above Earth.
China’s station: The Tiangong Space Station became fully operational in 2022.
India at the ISS
In 2025, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla flew to the ISS with astronauts from Poland and Hungary. He conducted experiments on:
- Growing Indian crops in space
- Studying tiny creatures called tardigrades
- Researching muscle loss and diabetes
Key Facts Table
Feature | Details |
Orbit Height | ~400 km |
Speed | ~28,000 km/h |
Orbit Time | ~90 minutes per circle |
Agencies Involved | NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, CSA |
Year First Module Launched | 1998 |
Continuous Living Since | 2000 |
Planned End of Life | 2030 |
Conclusion
The ISS is not just a lab in space; it is a symbol of unity, science, and the future. It has helped humans learn more about health, space, and Earth. As we move toward building new space stations, the ISS remains a shining chapter in the story of human achievement.
UPSC Prelims Questions
Q1. Which of the following space agencies are part of the International Space Station (ISS) project?
1. NASA
2. Roscosmos
3. JAXA
4. CNSA (China National Space Administration)
5. ESA
Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
D. All of the above
Q2. The “Zarya” module, launched in 1998, is associated with which of the following?
A. First Indian satellite
B. Russian Mars mission
C. Initial module of the International Space Station
D. First module of China’s Tiangong Station
Q3. Which of the following phenomena or discoveries are associated with research conducted aboard the ISS?
1. Study of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
2. Discovery of cool flames
3. Testing of 3D printing in microgravity
4. Pulsar mapping and neutron star data
Select the correct answer:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 2, 3 and 4 only
C. 1, 2, 3 and 4
D. 1 and 3 only
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the International Space Station (ISS):
1. The ISS orbits Earth at an altitude of around 800 km.
2. It takes about 90 minutes for the ISS to complete one orbit of Earth.
3. The ISS is expected to remain operational till 2050.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
UPSC Mains Questions
GS Paper III – Science & Tech
“The International Space Station is a symbol of peaceful international collaboration as well as a testbed for deep space exploration.”
Examine the scientific and geopolitical significance of the ISS in the contemporary space race. (250 words)
GS Paper II – International Relations
“The future of the International Space Station post-2022 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for emerging space powers like India.”
Critically analyze the geopolitical implications of ISS partnerships amid rising multipolarity in space. (250 words)
GS Paper II – International Relations
Discuss the role of space-based research platforms such as the ISS in advancing human knowledge of medicine, physics, and Earth observation. Also evaluate India’s prospects in building a similar indigenous space station. (250 words)
