The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest space station ever launched. It orbits Earth at an altitude between 330-435 km and has been continuously occupied by humans for over 13 years. The ISS consists of pressurized modules, external trusses, and solar arrays launched by American and Russian spacecraft. Scientific research on the ISS includes studies in biology, Earth and space science, combustion science, fluid physics, and human research. The station provides a platform for microgravity research and long-term human habitation in space.

1. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION; AN EMERGING OPPORTUNITY FOR
RESEARCH DIVERSIFICATION
M. Hariram
I B.Sc Physics, VHNSN College (Autonomous), Virudhunagar-626001
Mail id: hariram3737@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
International space station (ISS) is the largest space station ever launched. It orbits
Earth at an altitude between 330 km (205mi) and 435 km (270 mi) at the speed of 7.71 km
per second. It consists of pressurised modulus, external trusses and solar arrays. It is the
platform to conduct scientific research in different fields. Since the arrival of Expedition 1 on
2 November 2000, the station has been continuously occupied for 13 years and 316 days, the
longest continuous human presence in space.
Keywords: International space station, low earth orbit, Zarya module, microgravity.
1. INTRODUCTION
International Space Station (ISS), is a habitual artificial satellite in low orbit. The
station is divided into two sections The Russian Orbital System (ROS) and United States
Orbital System (USOS). ISS is the joint project of 5 space agencies such as NASA (USA),
Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), CSA (Canada). It is the combination of
three projects such as NASA’s freedom, Russia’s Mir2 and European’s Columbus space
stations. ISS is the 9th space station to be inhabited by crews, following the Russian’s Salyut,
Almaz, Mir stations and US’s Skylab. The assembly of the ISS in orbit began on 20 Nov
1998 by launching the Russian made module, named Zarya. William Shepherd (USA), Sergei
K.Krikalev (RSA), Yuri Gidzenko (RSA) were the first crews to visit ISS on 2nd Nov 2000.
2. COMPONENTS IN ISS
ISS consists of pressurised modulus,
external trusses, solar arrays and other components.
The components are launched by American Space
Shuttles, Russian Proton and Soyuz rockets. The
major elements of ISS are as given below, Zarya,
Unity, Zvezda, Z1 Truss, P6 Integrated Truss,
Destiny, Canadarm 2, Joint Airlock, Piris, S0 Truss,
S1 Truss, P1 Truss, P3/P4 Truss, P5 Truss,
Harmony, Columbus, Kibo (ELM-PS), Kibo (JPM),
S6 Truss, Poisk, Tranquillity, Rassvet.

2. 3. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ISS
 ISS provides a platform to conduct scientific research in micro gravity.
 It simplifies the individual experiments by eliminating the need for separate rocket
launches and research staff.
 It consists of labouratory modules such as Destiny, Columbus, Kibo, Poisk, Rassvet.
 ISS consists of other scientific hardware such as, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS),
cupola, External Stowage Platforms (ESP), Orbital Replacement Units SPARES.
The major research in ISS includes,
 Biology and Bio technology,
 Earth and Space Science,
 Combustion science,
 Fluid Physics,
 Space medicine.
3.1 Biology and Biotechnology
Microgravity environment used to investigate the bio processing phenomenon and this
controls on directionality and geometry of cell and tissue growth can be dramatically
different to those on Earth. Various experiments have used the culture of cells, tissues and
small organisms on orbit. The recent research is going on the protein crystal growth.
3.2 Earth and Space Science
The presence of the space station in low-Earth orbit provides a unique vantage point
for collecting Earth and space science data.and these data are used in the preparations for a
manned mission to Mars. It is used to test spacecraft systems that will be required for long-duration
missions to the Moon and the Mars.
3.3 Combustion Science
The combustion science research program focus on understanding the important
process of ignition, propagation and extinction during combustion in microgravity. Shape and
size of the flame and role of shoot formation in combustion were studied. Investigations are
also on the study of air flows and the transfer of heat and mass in fuel vapours, liquid pools,
paper and metals.
3.4 Fluid Physics
The purpose of the microgravity fluids research programme is to improve the
understanding of how the presence of gravity either limits or affects the fundamental
behaviour of fluid dynamics. The investigation of the physics of fluids in microgravity will
allow researchers to model the behaviour of fluids better. Because fluids can be almost

3. completely combined in microgravity, physicists investigate fluids that do not mix well on
Earth.
3.5 Human research
The presence of the space station in low-Earth orbit provides a knowledge about the
effects of long-term space exposure on the human body. Subjects currently under the study
include muscle atrophy, bone loss, and fluid shift. The data will be used to determine whether
space colonisation and lengthy human spaceflight are feasible. As of 2006, data on bone loss
and muscular atrophy suggest that there would be a significant risk of fractures and
movement problems if astronauts landed on a planet after a lengthy interplanetary cruise
(such as the six-month journey time required to fly to Mars).
4. FUTURE PLANS OF ISS
The Obama Administration approved NASA’s request to extend the lifetime of the
International Space Station (ISS) to at least 2024. Ultimately this will serve as a stepping
stone to exciting deep space voyages in future decades. While the engineering and
management challenges associated with keeping the station operational are daunting, ISS
program manager Michael Suffredini says "We have a space station that is designed in a
modular fashion meant for repair, So as long as you have spares for all the things that can
break, you can last as long as the structure will let you last”.
5. CONCLUSION
International space station gives the platform to conduct research on low Earth orbit.
Scientists of different fields benefits by conducting research in their specific fields. It also
provides a unique platform for inspiring students to excel in mathematics and science. Station
educational activities have had a positive impact on thousands of students by involving them
in station research, Studies on the space station can test a variety of technologies, systems,
and materials that will be needed for future long-duration exploration missions
Acknowledgement
Author acknowledges Dr.S.Rajasingh, (Head & Associate Professor), and other faculty
members who help me to present this paper such as Mrs.A.Alagulakshmi, Dr.S.Prakash,
Dr.S.Vivekanandhan, Dr.R.Jeyasekaran, Dr.V.Jeyasanthi, Mrs.N.Sumangala Devi and
Mr.J.Pandiarajan.
References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Space_Station
[2] http://www.nasa.gov