The document summarizes different space stations throughout history. It describes the first space station, Salyut 1, which was launched by the Soviet Union in 1971 to test space station systems and conduct research. It then discusses Skylab, the first American space station launched in 1973, where astronauts broke records with multi-week stays and conducted scientific experiments. Finally, it provides details on the International Space Station, the largest structure in space jointly operated by numerous countries since 1998, which circles the Earth every 90 minutes.
2. WHAT IS A SPACE STATION?
A space station, also known as an orbital
station or an orbital space station, is
a spacecraft capable of supporting a
human crew in orbit for an extended period
of time, and is therefore a type of special
habitat. The purpose of maintaining an
orbital outpost varies depending on the
program. Space stations have most often
been launched for scientific purposes, but
military launches have also occurred.
3. LIST OF DIFFERENT SPACE STATIONS :
I. Salyut 1
II. Skylab
III. International Space Station (ISS)
4. SALYUT 1: THE FIRST SPACE STATION
Salyut 1, which was launched April 19, 1971,
atop a Proton rocket, was outfitted from the
start to support two three-man crews for a total
of two months over a six-month period. The
purpose of Salyut was to test the elements of
the systems of a space station and to conduct
scientific research and experiments. On October
11, 1971, the engines on Salyut 1 fired for the
last time, bringing the space station into a lower
orbit that would result in its eventual plunge into
the Pacific Ocean. But despite its early death,
Salyut 1 set the stage for stations to come after.
5. SKYLAB
Skylab was the first space station operated by the United
States. It spent six years orbiting Earth until its decaying
orbit caused it to re-enter the atmosphere. It scattered
debris over the Indian Ocean and sparsely settled areas of
Western Australia. Three successive three-man crews lived
on board the station for 28, 56 and 84 days in orbit — an
American record that stood until the shuttle era. Astronauts
aboard the station conducted 270 experiments in
biomedical and life sciences, solar astronomy, Earth
observations and materials processing. Among the most
important were investigations on the astronauts'
physiological responses to long-duration space flight.
6. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS)
The International Space Station (ISS) is a multi-nation
construction project that is the largest single structure
humans ever put into space. Its main construction was
completed between 1998 and 2011, although the
station continually evolves to include new missions and
experiments. The space station flies at an average
altitude of 248 miles (400 kilometres) above Earth. It
circles the globe every 90 minutes at a speed of about
17,500 mph (28,000 km/h). The space station can rival
the brilliant planet Venus in brightness and appears as
a bright moving light across the night sky. It can be seen
from Earth without the use of a telescope by night sky
observers who know when and where to look.
7. FACTS ABOUT SPACE STATIONS
o242 individuals from 19 countries have visited the International Space Station
oThe space station has been continuously occupied since November 2000
oAn international crew of six people live and work while traveling at a speed of five
miles per second, orbiting Earth about every 90 minutes.
oIn 24 hours, the space station makes 16 orbits of Earth, traveling through 16 sunrises
and sunsets
oPeggy Whitson set the U.S. record for spending the most total time living and working
in space at 665 days on Sept. 2, 2017
oThe acre of solar panels that power the station means sometimes you can look up in
the sky at dawn or dusk and see the spaceship flying over your home, even if you live
in a big city.