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What’s Happening on the ISS Right Now?
Published on January 25, 2019
bySarah
Today marks the 35th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s State of the Union speech where he tasked NASA with building a space station within the decade. This address propelled the United States toward the next step in space exploration and scientific discovery, and he invited other countries to come together with this common goal:
We can follow our dreams to distant stars, living and working in space for peaceful, economic, and scientific gain. Tonight, I am directing NASA to develop a permanently manned space station and to do it within a decade… NASA will invite other countries to participate so we can strengthen peace, build prosperity, and expand freedom for all who share our goals.
View the segment of President Reagan’s State of the Union speech:
The International Space Station (ISS) took 10 years and more than 30 missions to assemble, but it’s a constant reminder of what can be accomplished when you work together. Fifteen countries collaborated to build it and today, astronauts live and work in the ISS on a regular basis.
The ISS Today
There are typically three to six astronauts aboard the ISS at a given time, and they may live on the station for six months at a time. Currently, the crew of Expedition 58 are conducting scientific experiments in areas such as life sciences, physical sciences, technology development, remote sensing and education.
One major focus right now is discovering ways to protect astronauts from radiation. Astronauts are also studying the effects of microgravity on muscle mass, eyesight and aging. All of this will be essential during deep space missions. In the near future, astronauts will travel to the Moon and eventually Mars. The research they are currently conducting will help make these missions possible and safe.
The research done on the ISS also aims to benefit life on Earth. One example is studying bone loss. It’s something humans may experience as they grow older and certain diseases may accelerate bone loss. Astronauts on the ISS are conducting experiments in microgravity to learn more about the causes and potential remedies. Another example is utilizing images taken of tropical cyclones to improve storm modeling and better path predictions that could save lives. You can learn more about the ISS, how space benefits Earth and NASA spinoffs in Space Shuttle Atlantis®.
In 2019, American astronauts will once again launch from Kennedy Space Center to the ISS. The past few years, they’ve been launching and landing in Russia. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program partnered with SpaceX and United Launch Alliance to transport astronauts as early as 2019 on their Crew Dragon and Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. Sign up for our launch alert emails and be the first to hear about viewing opportunities for these upcoming launches!
Categories: NASA History, Astronauts
Tags: ISS, NASA History, NASA;
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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is operated for NASA by Delaware North and is entirely visitor-funded.
Images shown may not represent current operational and safety guidelines.
As a seasoned space exploration enthusiast with a deep understanding of NASA's history and ongoing projects, I can provide valuable insights into the article about the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and its connection to the International Space Station (ISS).
The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) holds a significant place in the history of space exploration, serving as the launch site for numerous iconic missions, including the Apollo Moon landings. The visitor complex itself is an immersive experience that allows the public to delve into the world of space science and exploration.
Now, let's break down the concepts used in the provided article:
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President Ronald Reagan's State of the Union Speech (1984):
- The article mentions the 35th anniversary of President Reagan's speech, where he directed NASA to build a space station within a decade. This historic address marked a pivotal moment in space exploration, setting the stage for collaborative efforts in building the International Space Station (ISS).
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International Space Station (ISS):
- The ISS is a multinational collaborative project involving 15 countries. It took over 30 missions and a decade to assemble. The station serves as a microgravity laboratory where scientific experiments are conducted, covering areas such as life sciences, physical sciences, technology development, remote sensing, and education.
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Expedition 58 and Current ISS Activities:
- The article provides information about the crew of Expedition 58, who are conducting scientific experiments on the ISS. These experiments focus on various aspects, including protecting astronauts from radiation, studying the effects of microgravity on the human body, and conducting research essential for deep space missions to the Moon and Mars.
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NASA's Commercial Crew Program and Future Launches:
- The article mentions NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which partnered with SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (ULA) to transport American astronauts to the ISS. The collaboration includes the use of SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. The article encourages readers to sign up for launch alert emails to stay informed about upcoming launches.
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Benefits of ISS Research on Earth:
- The research conducted on the ISS goes beyond space exploration, aiming to benefit life on Earth. Examples include studying bone loss to understand aging-related conditions and using images of tropical cyclones for improved storm modeling and predictions.
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Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Blog:
- The article is part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Blog, providing readers with insights into space-related topics, NASA history, astronaut profiles, and upcoming events.
In summary, the article seamlessly integrates historical context, current space exploration activities, and future endeavors, making it an informative piece for space enthusiasts and the general public alike. The Kennedy Space Center continues to play a vital role in fostering public interest and understanding of space exploration.
