Glossary

Unit 1.1 – 1Introduction – What is the – What International is the International Space Station? Space Station A floating research laboratory in space Can you imagine a floating laboratory in space in weightless conditions, and all for the benefit of people and industry on Earth? Well, it already exists! It’s the International Space Station (ISS) that will remain in orbit at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometres above the Earth and will provide a permanent human presence in space over the next 10 to 15 years. The International Space Station (ISS)

The ISS is like a large “jigsaw puzzle” Once fully assembled, around 2006, the Station will be the largest man-made structure ever to fly in space. Completed it will weigh 455 tonnes. With a length of some 100 metres and a width of some 80 metres it will sprawl across an area the size of a football field. The Space Station’s pressurised volume of 1200 cubic metres will be equivalent to that of two Boeing 747 jumbo jets, currently the biggest commercial plane in the world. There will be enough room to house up to seven crew members and a vast array of scientific experiments. To date, there is no rocket big enough or powerful enough to launch such a large structure into space. Like a “jigsaw puzzle”, the Station will therefore be assembled in about 100 pieces which will have to be carried into space by more than 50 launches of different spacecraft. In order for the pieces to fit together it is important that each nation involved uses the same standards (size configuration and support systems). The assembly of these pieces will be performed through the use of robotic arms from both the American Space Shuttle and the Space Station while the astronauts will help to Pressurised volume: complete the work with a total of 160 “spacewalks”. an air-tight container that has the same atmospheric pressure as we experience on Earth (in the range 734 mm Hg to 770 mm Hg) so that astronauts can live and breathe normally on board the Space Station.

The pieces of the “jigsaw puzzle” By 2006, there will be at least four laboratories available on board the Space Station, containing the equipment to conduct wide-ranging research in the areas of Materials-, Fluid-, Combustion- and Life Sciences and new technologies. The first of the laboratories to be carried into orbit in 2000 was the Russian Zvezda (“Star” in Russian): the “heart” of the Station, at least for the first years

Glossary

1 – What is the International Space Station? of its life. Its main functions are to provide both an area for control of the Space Station as well as living accommodation. Similar in size to a small boat, its internal volume is divided into sleeping, dining, bathroom and research/ laboratory areas. The second laboratory – the American Destiny laboratory – was launched in 2001. By the end of 2004 the Japanese Kibo (“Hope” in Japanese) laboratory and the European Columbus laboratory will also be attached to the ISS. Europe, working through ESA, is exclusively responsible for the Columbus laboratory and another key Station element: the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). As a supply ship, the ATV will carry up to nine tonnes of cargo including provisions, scientific payload and rocket propellant. Europe's scientists and engineers are also contributing other elements and equipment to many other parts of the ISS such as the Data Management System. This has been a key part of the Space Station's control unit since its launch in July 2000 aboard the Zvezda. Another example is the Cupola, a dome-like structure that will be the crew's panoramic window onto space and a control room for astronauts operating the Station’s equipment.

Europeans involved The first European astronaut to visit the ISS was Italian ESA astronaut, Umberto Guidoni, who flew in April 2001. Right now, Europe's participation in the ISS means that throughout ESA's Member States thousands of Europe's brightest people at hundreds of universities and high-technology companies are working on the leading edge of 21st-century science and engineering. Once the ISS is up and running, these people will be among the first to get results from the space research facilities they have helped to build.

The foundation of the ISS programme It all began on 25 January 1984 when the United States invited other nations to participate in building a “permanently manned” space station. Europe represented by the European Space Agency (ESA), Canada and Japan responded to this invitation with great enthusiasm, and they began to collaborate in the definition of the project. In 1993, Russia became the fifth partner, making it the world’s largest international cooperative programme in science or technology to date.

The European Space Agency (ESA) was created in 1975 and today it represents the space communities of 15 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom). However, only 10 of those European countries are taking part in the Space Station programme: Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Spain and Switzerland. For more information visit: www.esa.int/spaceflight

Glossary

1.1 – Inside the European Columbus laboratory The main purpose of the International Space Station is to do research in an environment free from the effects of gravity. When all the parts of the International Space Station are assembled, there will be at least four research laboratories for experiments in different disciplines. One of these laboratories is the European laboratory, which is called Columbus.

How big is the Columbus laboratory? Describe the shape of the Columbus laboratory from the outside. Estimate the volume inside the Columbus laboratory. Its length is about 6.6 m, its diameter about 4.5 m.

The European laboratory “Columbus” from the outside.

Do you need help? Try this formula: V = r · r · π · h or ask your teacher.

Limited space inside the Columbus laboratory Inside, the Columbus laboratory is packed with high-technology scientific equipment. Tools for video recording and communications are also included, as well as cables and pipes needed for data transmission, power and life support. This is also where the astronauts will perform experiments in Materials-, Fluid- and Combustion Science and lots of other disciplines. Columbus is an entire multi-purpose research centre in a small format. As space on board the ISS is limited, everything that goes on board has to be made as small and as compact as possible. This photo shows one of the small containers where plants will be grown on board the ISS. It is no longer than a pencil, measuring 160 mm x 60 mm x 60 mm. The containers are strictly controlled as temperature and humidity have to be correct. One of the experiments to go on board the ISS will investigate how plants know what direction to grow in a weightless environment where there is no “up and down”. Experiment container for growing plants.

Discuss 1. What types of research on Earth do you know? 2. What kind of activities are done in a laboratory? 3. How can research help us?

You can read more about research in space at: http://www.esa.int/export/esaHS/research.html

Glossary

1.1 – Columbus The “biolab” – a rack constructed specially for biology experiments

The containers and equipment needed to perform the experiments will be installed in rows along the walls in so-called racks. There will be four racks on each side – also on the “ceiling” and the “floor”, making a total of 16 racks.

The racks on board the ISS will all have the exact same size and use the same systems. They can be placed in the laboratories Columbus, Kibo or Destiny without any modifications.

An artist’s impression of the inside Some of the racks are used for storage of the Columbus laboratory. only, while other racks have equipment specially constructed for a specific discipline. The so-called biolab is built in a rack and will be used for biology experiments on micro-organisms, cells, small plants etc.

There will also be possibilities to do research on the space environment, astronomy and Earth observation. Equipment for these purposes will be attached onto the outside of the Columbus laboratory.

How much space is there? 1. If you had your own miniature research centre on your desk, a) What is the maximum number of plant experiment containers you could place on your desk? b) What would be the total volume available for the plant experiments on your desk? 2. One rack is approximately 2m high, 1m wide and 0,85m deep. a) Calculate the volume of one rack. b) Compare this volume with a cupboard either in your classroom or at home. c) What is the total volume of all the racks inside the Columbus laboratory? 3. 16 racks line the walls of the Columbus laboratory. Astronauts can therefore only move and work in the remaining space. a) Calculate the remaining space. b) Compare this with the size of your classroom. c) Maybe you can find a way to demonstrate the actual space available to the astronauts. Discuss: Do you think this is a lot of room to work in? d) Discuss: How do you think it feels when “floating around” among six walls instead of walking on a floor, having four walls and a ceiling around you? Do you think it will give a feeling of more or less space?

Create a model of the Columbus Laboratory… …out of a tin or some other cylindrical container that holds water. Fill the model to the rim with water and measure the amount of water it holds, both in litres and decilitres. Measure the radius and the height of your model and calculate the volume. Compare it with the numbers you found when you measured the water. – What do you find out? Extra exercise: Compare the sizes of your model and the Columbus laboratory. Find the scale of your model.

Who was Christopher Columbus? Find information about Christopher Columbus from different sources and write a text about him. Why do you think the name “Columbus” was chosen?

Glossary

1.2 – Where is the ISS? to orbit: to rotate around another object an orbit: the path of a rotating object

The ISS orbits the Earth at a distance of approximately 400 km from the Earth. Even though this might seem far away, you can actually see it from Earth with your bare eyes on a clear night. When visible, the ISS looks almost like a wandering star, moving through the sky. The best time to see it is either just after sunset or just before sunrise. At this time we as observers are in the shadow of the Earth and it is dark around us, while the ISS, flying at a high altitude, is still illuminated by the sun.

When and where to see it? The ISS can’t be seen every night and not from every place on Earth. Have a look at the pictures below and use an atlas if necessary. Discuss and try to find out: 1. Why would it not be possible to see the ISS from Australia (picture 1)? 2. Why would it not be possible to see the ISS from the Netherlands when the ISS is above Australia (picture 2)? 3. Why would it not be possible to see the ISS in daylight (picture 3)?

Pic.1

Pic.2

Pic. 3

The ISS orbits the Earth from west to east and crosses the equator at an angle of 51.6º.

Make a two-dimensional sketch of the ISS’ orbit Equipment needed: pair of compasses, protractor, ruler, pencil and paper. 1. Make a sketch of the Earth (use a pair of compasses). Draw a line through the centre of the circle to indicate the equator. Insert another line, also through the centre of the circle, at 90º to the equator. Mark north, south, east and west on the sketch. 2. Draw a new line that indicates the ISS’ orbit: This line has to be inclined at 51.6º to the equator.

Glossary

1.2– Where is the ISS? Even though the ISS always follows the same orbit when travelling around the Earth, the ISS does not pass the same places on Earth every time. This is because the Earth also rotates around its own axis once every 24 hours. Every time the ISS reaches the same point in its orbit, the Earth has rotated and a new place will be underneath the Space Station.

Explanation: (A) The map of the world. (The dark area indicates where it is night at this moment.) (B) The International Space Station; the centre represents its current latitude/ longitude. (C) The blue line tracks the International Space Station's flight path over the ground. (D) The red circle around the International Space Station represents its horizon (the area on the ground from which the ISS is visible). (F) The yellow ball represents the Sun's zenith (high noon on earth).

The ISS’ orbit will cover 85% of the Earth’s surface, including the countries that are home to 95 % of the world’s population. Only the northernmost and southernmost areas of the world cannot see the ISS. To find out when and where to see the ISS and to get some good tips, visit http://www.esa.int/seeiss

Glossary

1.2– Where is the ISS?

How does the ISS stay in orbit? The ISS has to be carried into orbit with the help of a rocket. To reach and to remain in orbit, the ISS needs a certain speed.

What speed is needed? Equipment needed for the experiment: string (100 cm), eraser Read through the experiment below and imagine what will happen with the speed if you change the length of the string. Describe this before you perform the actual experiment. Experiment: 1. Tie one end of the string around the eraser. 2. Hold the other end of the string in your hand and whirl the eraser around it. 3. Make the string shorter and repeat the experiment. 4. Try to make the eraser orbit slowly with a shorter string. Perform the experiment, observe and describe what happens. Compare this to the description of what you expected to happen. Is there any difference?

Centrifugal force: a force in rotating objects that draws them away from the centre of rotation

The speed needed to remain in orbit depends on the distance from the Earth. If the speed is too slow, the spacecraft will fall back on Earth. If the speed is too high, the spacecraft will be “shot” into outer space. To generate speed, you need to apply a force to accelerate the spacecraft. If the force applied is not strong enough, the Earth’s force (gravity) will pull the spacecraft down to Earth. If the force applied is too strong, the Earth’s gravity forces will not be powerful enough to keep the spacecraft in orbit.

The reason that spacecraft like the ISS stay in a stable orbit is that the mass of the orbiting object is subject to a centrifugal force that compensates for the Earth’s gravitational forces. The forces neutralise each other. The ISS and other satellites travel around the Earth, just like the Moon. The Earth and the other planets in our Solar System orbit around the Sun. From what you have learned about orbits – speed and distance from the centre – find out in which order the planets are placed in distance from the Sun. The list below shows how much time it takes for the planets to orbit the Sun (in “Earth months”): Venus ……………… 7 months Saturn ……………354 months Pluto ………… 2,976 months Mercury …………… 3 months Earth ……………… 12 months Neptune ……… 1,978 months Mars ……………… 23 months Uranus …………1,008 months Jupiter ……………142 months

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1.2– Where is the ISS?

Fun to know • • •

How many “Mercury years” have you lived? How many “Jupiter years” have you lived? How many “Uranus years” do you think you will live?

The orbit of the ISS around the Earth is elliptical. You can draw an ellipse by putting two pins with a distance of, for example, 12 cm on a cardboard and put a loop of string round the pins. Follow the inner loop of the string with your pencil.

Travel with the ISS C=2·r·π 1. The Earth’s radius is approximately 6300 km and the ISS flies at a height of approximately 400 km above the surface of the Earth. What is the length of the ISS’ orbit? 2. The ISS has a speed of about 28 000 kilometres per hour (km/h). How much time does it take the ISS to orbit once around the Earth? 3. How many times will the ISS orbit the Earth in a period of 24 hours? How many sunsets and sunrises can the astronauts see from the ISS? 4. Find out how many metres per second the ISS travels (the speed in m/s). 5. The distance between London and Rome is about 1422 km. – How much time would it take the ISS to travel such a distance? – How much time would it take a car to drive the same distance if travelling at an average speed of 80 km/h?