Group Captain Shukla's ISS Mission: Inside the Orbital Laboratory Hosting India's Astronaut

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of India commences his groundbreaking voyage to the International Space Station (ISS), it's crucial to understand the orbital laboratory where he and his Axiom-4 crewmates will reside and conduct experiments for the next two weeks.

Silently orbiting at an approximate altitude of 408km, the ISS stands as a testament to global scientific collaboration, engineering prowess, and humanity's ambition to flourish beyond our planet.

Life in Orbit

The ISS hurtles around Earth at an astonishing speed of 28,000kmph, completing a full orbit every 90 minutes, which translates to roughly 16 orbits per day. This will allow Shukla and his crew to witness multiple sunrises and sunsets each day, suspended in a delicate equilibrium of velocity and gravity that keeps them constantly circling the globe.

A Colossal Structure

The ISS, assembled over a decade through 42 separate launches, has evolved into an expansive space complex. It measures 73 meters in length and spans 109 meters with its solar arrays extended – larger than a football field.

Weighing approximately 4.2-lakh-kg, the ISS comprises over 15 pressurized modules contributed by five core partner agencies: NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). The main truss, which supports solar panels and radiators, functions as the station's structural backbone.

Solar Powerhouse

Eight enormous solar arrays generate up to 120 kilowatts of power, stored in rechargeable batteries for continuous operation. These panels supply power to everything from scientific instruments to the crew's daily needs, including essential oxygen generation systems and environmental controls.

Daily Living in Space

The station typically houses a core crew of six, although it can accommodate up to ten astronauts during short-term missions like Ax-4. Life on board is carefully structured: astronauts adhere to a schedule that includes two hours of exercise to counteract muscle and bone loss caused by weightlessness.

The station provides private sleeping quarters, a galley, toilets, an observation cupola, and exercise equipment. Communication delays are minimal, around 1-2 seconds, allowing near real-time conversations with mission control and family.

A Hub for Research

The ISS is more than just a habitat; it is the most advanced research facility in low-Earth orbit (LEO). Experiments conducted on board cover a range of fields, including microgravity physics, life sciences, biotechnology, Earth observation, and even space agriculture. A highlight is the Cupola Module, featuring seven windows that provide astronauts with breathtaking panoramic views of Earth. It's used for photography, monitoring spacecraft docking, and quiet reflection – a favorite spot for many ISS residents.

Accessing the ISS

Transportation to the International Space Station is now shared among several spacecraft: Soyuz (Russia), Crew Dragon (SpaceX), and soon, Boeing's Starliner. Cargo missions, essential for resupplying food, water, scientific equipment, and spare parts, are conducted by spacecraft such as Dragon, Cygnus, HTV, and soon, Dream Chaser.

Future Plans

With an operational life expected to extend to at least 2030, the ISS will eventually be succeeded by commercial space stations like Axiom Station, Starlab, and others. A controlled deorbit, managed by NASA and Roscosmos, is planned to ensure a safe conclusion to this decades-long orbiting laboratory's mission.

As Shukla embarks on his space-based scientific endeavors, he joins a facility that not only highlights India's increasing involvement in human spaceflight but also represents one of humanity's most significant international accomplishments. The ISS is more than just a station; it's a shared frontier where science, diplomacy, and exploration converge 400km above Earth.