Buckle up and prepare for a cosmic adventure as we explore the awe-inspiring International Space Station (ISS), humanity’s orbiting laboratory in the heavens. From its breathtaking views of Earth to the extraordinary experiments conducted in microgravity, the ISS is a testament to human ingenuity and international collaboration. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through 20 mind-blowing facts about the ISS. Discover the challenges of living in space, the record-breaking achievements of astronauts, and the incredible scientific breakthroughs made aboard this floating outpost. Get ready to be amazed by the wonders of space exploration and the extraordinary feats accomplished aboard the International Space Station. Let’s launch ourselves into this extraordinary voyage beyond our planet’s boundaries!
1-5 Fun Facts About International Space Station
1. The International Space Station (ISS) maintains an impressive average speed of 27,743 km/h or 17,239 mph as it orbits around the Earth.
2. Life as an astronaut aboard the International Space Station is a whirlwind of sunrises and sunsets. They witness a staggering 15 of each every day, averaging out to about one every 45 minutes.
3. In terms of facilities, the ISS has got you covered. It boasts two bathrooms for astronauts’ convenience, along with a gym, six sleeping quarters, and a magnificent 360-degree bay window for breathtaking views.
4. When it comes to unusual items on the ISS, leave it to the Russians. They have a gun onboard, and its purpose is to protect against bears in case their capsule lands off-course during reentry to Earth. It’s like they’re prepared for any unexpected wilderness encounters, even in space!
5. NASA offers a service where individuals can register their mobile numbers, enabling them to receive text notifications whenever the International Space Station passes overhead, allowing for a remarkable opportunity to observe its journey from Earth.
6-10 Interesting Facts About International Space Station
6. Pizza in space? It happened! In 2001, Pizza Hut made a delivery to the International Space Station. They paid the Russians a cool $1 million to transport the pizza, and they even filmed a commercial while they were at it. Pizza truly knows no bounds, not even the vacuum of space!
7. The International Space Station utilizes “oxygen candles,” which, when ignited, release oxygen to sustain one person for approximately 24 hours, providing a crucial source of breathable air in the spacecraft.
8. The ISS completes a full orbit around the Earth every 90 minutes, whizzing through space at a mind-boggling speed of 5 miles per second. Blink, and you might miss it!
9. Stretching an impressive 357 feet from end to end, the ISS is equivalent in length to a standard football pitch.
10. The International Space Station has the capacity to dock with up to six spaceships simultaneously, enabling collaborative missions from various countries.
11-15 Surprising Facts About ISS
11. American astronauts on the ISS have the privilege of voting in elections from space. They can cast their votes securely via email, ensuring their voices are heard even while orbiting the Earth. It’s democracy that knows no bounds!
12. The station has the capacity to dock up to six spaceships simultaneously, accommodating a variety of international missions and collaborations.
13. Over the years, a total of 230 individuals from 18 different countries have had the privilege of visiting the International Space Station, fostering global cooperation and scientific advancements.
14. When it comes to weight, the ISS is no lightweight contender. It tips the scales at approximately 420,000 kilograms, roughly equivalent to 320 cars.
15. In 2009, Stephen Colbert emerged victorious in a NASA competition that aimed to name a module of the ISS after him. Ultimately, NASA decided to name the module ‘Tranquility,’ but they did honor Colbert by bestowing his name upon a treadmill onboard the ISS, known as the Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill (C.O.L.B.E.R.T.)
16-20 Shocking Facts About ISS
16. To address the inevitable itches and discomforts, astronauts have a patch of Velcro inside their helmets, allowing them to scratch their noses when needed, providing a practical solution in the challenging environment of space.
17. Lights, camera, action… in space! There was a science fiction comedy short film called “Apogee of Fear” filmed aboard the ISS, and it was released publicly in 2012.
18. Due to the absence of gravity pulling fluids downward, astronauts often experience nasal congestion, resulting in a diminished sense of taste while in space.
19. Astronauts who have embarked on spacewalks have described a unique scent in space, reminiscent of a blend of “seared steak, piping-hot metal, and arc welding smoke.”
20. Peggy Whitson holds the remarkable record for the longest cumulative time spent living and working in space, accumulating a total of 665 days on September 2, 2017.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading about 20 Insane International Space Station facts
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