Tiêu đề: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Embarks on Two-Week Mission Aboard the International Space Station

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of India embarks on his groundbreaking mission to the International Space Station (ISS), understanding the environment where he and his Axiom-4 crewmates will spend the next two weeks is crucial.

The ISS, orbiting Earth at approximately 408 km, represents international scientific partnership, superior engineering, and humankind's ambition to flourish beyond our planet.

A Home in Orbit

The ISS races around Earth at an astonishing 28,000 kmph, completing a full orbit every 90 minutes, resulting in roughly 16 orbits daily. This means that Shukla and his team will experience numerous sunrises and sunsets each day, floating in a precise state of speed and gravity that sustains their perpetual fall around Earth.

A Colossal Structure

Built over a decade using components launched across 42 separate missions, the ISS has evolved into a massive space complex. It measures 73 meters in length and stretches 109 meters wide with its solar arrays fully extended – larger than a football field.

Weighing about 420,000 kg, the ISS comprises over 15 pressurized modules contributed by five main partner agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). The primary truss, supporting solar panels and radiators, acts as the station's structural core.

Solar Powered

Eight expansive solar arrays produce up to 120 kilowatts of power. This energy is stored in rechargeable batteries to ensure continuous operation. These panels power everything from crucial scientific instruments to daily crew needs, including essential oxygen generation and environmental control systems.

Life in Orbit

The station typically houses a crew of six, but it can accommodate up to ten astronauts during short missions like Ax-4. Life onboard is meticulously planned. Astronauts adhere to a strict schedule that includes two hours of daily exercise to combat muscle and bone loss caused by weightlessness.

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

A Hub for Research

The ISS is more than just a residence; it is the most sophisticated research laboratory in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Experiments conducted onboard encompass microgravity physics, life sciences, biotechnology, Earth observation, and even space agriculture.

One notable feature is the Cupola Module. With its seven windows, the module provides astronauts with breathtaking panoramic views of Earth. It is used for photography, monitoring spacecraft docking, and quiet contemplation, making it a favorite spot for many ISS residents.

Accessing the ISS

Transportation to the International Space Station is currently shared among several spacecraft: Soyuz (Russia), Crew Dragon (SpaceX), and soon, Boeing's Starliner. Cargo missions, essential for replenishing food, water, scientific equipment, and spare parts, are conducted by spacecraft like Dragon, Cygnus, HTV, and, in the near future, Dream Chaser.

The Future of the ISS

Expected to remain operational until at least 2030, the ISS will eventually be succeeded by commercial space stations such as Axiom Station, Starlab, and others. A controlled deorbit, managed by NASA and Roscosmos, is planned to ensure a safe conclusion to this decades-long orbiting laboratory's mission.

As Shukla begins his scientific work in space, he joins a facility that highlights India's growing involvement in human spaceflight and stands as one of humanity's greatest international achievements. The ISS is not merely a station; it is a shared frontier where science, diplomacy, and exploration converge 400 km above Earth.