Source: ET
Why in news?
The International Space Station (ISS) is slated for controlled de-orbiting around 2030, marking the planned end of the longest continuous human presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) and a transition toward commercially operated space stations.
What is the ISS?
- A permanently crewed, modular space laboratory in low Earth orbit (~400 km).
- Dedicated to microgravity research, technology demonstrations, and long-duration human spaceflight studies.
- Continuous human habitation since November 2000.
Who Operates the ISS?
A five-agency international partnership:
- NASA (USA)
- Roscosmos
- European Space Agency
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
- Canadian Space Agency
Governance model: Shared responsibilities—each partner maintains the hardware it provides; operations rely on tight interdependence.
Aims & Roles
- Science: Fundamental research in biology, medicine, materials, fluid physics, and Earth/space science under microgravity.
- Exploration readiness: Testing life-support, radiation mitigation, human factors, and operations for missions beyond LEO (Moon/Mars).
- Cooperation: A flagship of peaceful international collaboration.
- LEO economy: A platform for commercial payloads, private astronauts, and technology validation.
Key Features
- Modular architecture: Dozens of modules assembled in orbit over years.
- Human-tended laboratory: Continuous experimentation since 2000.
- Global integration: Power, thermal control, guidance, and data systems function as a single, integrated station.
- End-of-life plan: A U.S. Deorbit Vehicle will guide a controlled re-entry, minimizing risk to populated areas.
