The International Space Station (ISS) commemorates its 25th anniversary since the launch of its inaugural module, Zarya, in November 1998. Over the years, it has become a symbol of international cooperation in space exploration.
Bigger than your average house, the ISS spans an impressive 357 feet (108 meters), equivalent to the length of an American football field. This floating marvel serves as a testament to human engineering prowess.
How Fast ISS Travels in Space?
Orbiting Earth at a breakneck speed of 17,500 mph (28,000 kph), the ISS treats astronauts to a breathtaking panorama, with 16 sunrises and sunsets occurring every 90 minutes. Talk about a high-speed view of our planet!
Huge Risk Involved
Navigating the cosmic highways isn’t without its challenges. Ground controllers constantly tweak the ISS orbit to sidestep potential collisions with space debris, ensuring the safety of the station and its occupants.
What’s Next for the Space Odyssey? 🚀
Looking ahead, the ISS has its eyes set on retirement in 2031. However, the show doesn’t stop there. NASA is teaming up with private companies like SpaceX to pave the way for new space stations, lunar bases, and strategies to tackle the growing concern of space debris.
Responsible Retirement
NASA introduces a game-changing player: the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), affectionately dubbed the “space tug.” This cutting-edge technology will gently guide the ISS to a secure location, ensuring a controlled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. As the ISS enters its twilight years, responsible retirement is on the agenda, setting the stage for the next chapter in humanity’s space exploration journey.