It’s the most expensive single object ever built, is visible from 350km away and has Irish connections – and this week the International Space Station gets fresh supplies. Here’s a quick tour
THE SOLAR PANELS
These don’t just power the station, they also make it visible from Earth.
At its brightest, it is visible to the naked eye in broad daylight, but it is a regular sight above Irish skies for those who know when to look for it. The station is 51m long, 109m wide, 20m tall and has a mass of 375,000kg.
THE LIVING QUARTERS
Zvezda is one of the crew quarters. There are six crew on board at the moment and, in all, astronauts from eight countries have visited. Astronauts sleep in bags attached to the craft so that they don’t float away and claim to sleep very well, unimpeded by gravity. They clean with sponges, use rinseless shampoo and wear clothes for weeks on end.
THE LAB
Of several labs, Columbus forms the largest contribution by the European Space Agency. Some of its core software was designed by a Dublin company, Skytek, although the quirkiest Irish contribution is Matt Molloy’s flute, which is currently on board with astronaut Cady Coleman.
THE AIRLOCK
Quest is an airlock through which space walks begin. Unlike the other airlock it is big enough for both Russian and American spacesuits to fit through. Two cosmonauts took a five-hour spacewalk on Wednesday in order to install equipment. In all, over 150 walks have been conducted.
THE FIRST MODULE
Zarya was the first module of the space station to be launched, in 1998. Several years behind schedule, the ISS was meant to be completed by 2005 but was delayed for several reasons, including the space shuttle Columbia disaster. The station is now due to be completed this year at an estimated cost of at least €100 billion, making it the most expensive single object ever built.
THE EYE ON THE WORLD
Attached last year, the European-built Cupola has a large window which helps with dockings and experiments, and gives astronauts an incredible view of Earth.
THE SPACE STATION
Occupied continuously for a decade, and effectively a floating lab, the international construction is due to orbit for another decade at least.
THE RECYCLING CENTRE
Tranquility contains life-support, recycling and oxygen systems. Much of the water comes from recycling of the sinks, condensation and – yes – the toilets. Separate machines deal with urine and faeces. After years of practice Nasa is always happy to answer questions about the toilet needs of astronauts. Its website tells us that urine from both the astronauts and lab animals is recycled for drinking water, although it has to be exceptionally pure to prevent any tummy troubles. A system of fans and pumps keeps gases and fluid flowing in low gravity, and sinks don’t work off taps but pump fixed amounts into sealed containers. Systems also deal with the ammonia from sweat and, erm, methane released by the astronauts.
THE DELIVERY TRUCK
ATV-2, also known as the Johannes Kepler or simply the Space Truck, is the unmanned supply vehicle which launched this week with supplies for the space station, including oxygen (no water – the ISS has plenty). It will also deliver fuel that will be used to boost the station to an altitude of 400km. At 350km, the station is still subject to enough atmospheric molecules to drag on it as it travels at 28,000kph so it has needed regular reboosts to stop it falling to Earth. The ATV will undock in June and, loaded with waste and other unwanted items, will burn up in the atmosphere. Irish companies contributed to its software.
