Surprisingly, we have to return to this issue due to the fact that many people have no idea where the International “Space” Station actually flies and where “cosmonauts” go into outer space or into the Earth’s atmosphere.

This is a fundamental question - do you understand? People are drummed into their heads that representatives of humanity, who have been given the proud definition of “astronauts” and “cosmonauts,” freely carry out “outer space” walks and, moreover, there is even a “Space” station flying in this supposed “space.” And all this while all these “achievements” are being realized in the Earth's atmosphere.

All manned orbital flights take place in the thermosphere, mainly at altitudes from 200 to 500 km - below 200 km the braking effect of air is strongly affected, and above 500 km radiation belts extend, which have a harmful effect on people.

Unmanned satellites also mostly fly in the thermosphere - launching a satellite into a higher orbit requires more energy, and for many purposes (for example, for remote sensing of the Earth), low altitude is preferable.

High air temperatures in the thermosphere are not dangerous for aircraft, since due to the strong rarefaction of the air, it practically does not interact with the skin of the aircraft, that is, the air density is not enough to heat physical body, since the number of molecules is very small and the frequency of their collisions with the hull of the ship (and, accordingly, the transfer of thermal energy) is low. Thermosphere research is also carried out using suborbital geophysical rockets. Auroras are observed in the thermosphere.

Thermosphere(from the Greek θερμός - “warm” and σφαῖρα - “ball”, “sphere”) - atmospheric layer , next to the mesosphere. It starts at an altitude of 80-90 km and extends up to 800 km. The air temperature in the thermosphere fluctuates by different levels, increases rapidly and discontinuously and can vary from 200 K to 2000 K, depending on the degree of solar activity. The reason is the absorption of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun at altitudes of 150-300 km, due to the ionization of atmospheric oxygen. In the lower part of the thermosphere, the increase in temperature is largely due to the energy released when oxygen atoms combine (recombine) into molecules (in this case, the energy of solar UV radiation, previously absorbed during the dissociation of O2 molecules, is converted into the energy of thermal motion of particles). At high latitudes, an important source of heat in the thermosphere is Joule heat generated by electric currents of magnetospheric origin. This source causes significant but uneven heating of the upper atmosphere in subpolar latitudes, especially during magnetic storms.

Outer space (outer space)- relatively empty areas of the Universe that lie outside the boundaries of atmospheres celestial bodies. Contrary to popular belief, space is not completely empty space - it contains a very low density of some particles (mainly hydrogen), as well as electromagnetic radiation and interstellar matter. The word "space" has several different meanings. Sometimes space is understood as all space outside the Earth, including celestial bodies.

400 km - altitude of the International orbit space station
500 km is the beginning of the internal proton radiation belt and the end of safe orbits for long-term human flights.
690 km is the boundary between the thermosphere and exosphere.
1000-1100 km is the maximum height of the auroras, the last manifestation of the atmosphere visible from the Earth’s surface (but usually clearly visible auroras occur at altitudes of 90-400 km).
1372 km - the maximum altitude reached by man (Gemini 11 on September 2, 1966).
2000 km - the atmosphere does not affect the satellites and they can exist in orbit for many millennia.
3000 km - the maximum intensity of the proton flux of the internal radiation belt (up to 0.5-1 Gy/hour).
12,756 km - we have moved away to a distance equal to the diameter of planet Earth.
17,000 km - outer electron radiation belt.
35,786 km is the altitude of the geostationary orbit; a satellite at this altitude will always hang above one point of the equator.
90,000 km is the distance to the bow shock wave formed by the collision of the Earth's magnetosphere with the solar wind.
100,000 km is the upper boundary of the Earth’s exosphere (geocorona) observed by satellites. The atmosphere is over, open space and interplanetary space began.

Therefore the news" NASA astronauts repaired the cooling system during a spacewalk ISS "should sound different -" NASA astronauts repaired the cooling system during entry into the Earth's atmosphere ISS ", and the definitions of "astronauts", "cosmonauts" and "International Space Station" require adjustments, for the simple reason that the station is not a space station and astronauts with cosmonauts, rather, atmospheric nauts :)

The International Space Station ISS is the embodiment of the most ambitious and progressive technical achievement cosmic scale on our planet. This is a huge space research laboratory for studying, conducting experiments, observing both the surface of our planet Earth, and for astronomical observations of deep space without exposure to the earth’s atmosphere. At the same time, it is both a home for the cosmonauts and astronauts working on it, where they live and work, and a port for berthing space cargo and transport ships. Raising his head and looking up at the sky, a person saw the endless expanses of space and always dreamed of, if not conquering, then learning as much as possible about it and comprehending all its secrets. The flight of the first cosmonaut into earth orbit and the launch of satellites gave a powerful impetus to the development of astronautics and further flights into space. But simply human flight into near space is no longer enough. Eyes are directed further, to other planets, and to achieve this, much more needs to be explored, learned and understood. And most importantly for the long term space flights human - the need to establish the nature and consequences of the long-term influence on health of long-term weightlessness during flights, the possibility of life support for a long stay on spacecraft and the exclusion of all negative factors affecting the health and life of people, both in near and far outer space, identification of dangerous space collisions ships with other space objects and ensuring security measures.

For this purpose, they began to build, first, simply long-term manned orbital stations of the Salyut series, then a more advanced one, with a complex modular architecture, “MIR”. Such stations could be constantly in Earth orbit and receive cosmonauts and astronauts delivered by spacecraft. But, having achieved certain results in space exploration, thanks to space stations, time inexorably demanded further, increasingly improved methods for studying space and the possibility of human life while flying in it. The construction of a new space station required huge, even greater capital investments than previous ones, and it was already economically difficult for one country to advance space science and technology. It should be noted that the leading places in space technology achievements at the level of orbital stations were held by former USSR(now the Russian Federation) and the United States of America. Despite the contradictions in political views, these two powers understood the need for cooperation in space issues, and in particular, in the construction of a new orbital station, especially since the previous experience of joint cooperation during the flights of American astronauts to the Russian space station "Mir" produced tangible positive results . Therefore, since 1993, representatives Russian Federation and the United States are in talks to jointly design, build and operate a new International Space Station. The planned “Detailed Work Plan for the ISS” has been signed.

In 1995 main one approved in Houston preliminary design stations. The adopted project for the modular architecture of the orbital station makes it possible to carry out its phased construction in space, adding more and more new sections of modules to the main already operating module, making its construction more accessible, easier and flexible, making it possible to change the architecture in connection with emerging needs and capabilities of countries -participants.

The basic configuration of the station was approved and signed in 1996. It consisted of two main segments: Russian and American. Countries such as Japan, Canada and the countries of the European Space Union also take part, deploy their scientific space equipment and conduct research.

01/28/1998 In Washington, an agreement was finally signed to begin construction of a new long-term, modular architecture International Space Station, and already on November 2 of the same year, the first multifunctional module of the ISS was launched into orbit by a Russian launch vehicle. Zarya».

(FGB- functional cargo block) - launched into orbit by the Proton-K rocket on November 2, 1998. From the moment the Zarya module was launched into low-Earth orbit, the actual construction of the ISS began, i.e. Assembly of the entire station begins. At the very beginning of construction, this module was necessary as a base module for supplying electricity, maintaining temperature conditions, establishing communications and controlling orientation in orbit, and as a docking module for other modules and ships. It is fundamental for further construction. Currently, Zarya is used mainly as a warehouse, and its engines adjust the altitude of the station's orbit.

The ISS Zarya module consists of two main compartments: a large instrument and cargo compartment and a sealed adapter, separated by a partition with a hatch 0.8 m in diameter. for passage. One part is sealed and contains an instrument and cargo compartment with a volume of 64.5 cubic meters, which, in turn, is divided into an instrument room with on-board systems units and a living area for work. These zones are separated by an interior partition. The sealed adapter compartment is equipped with on-board systems for mechanical docking with other modules.

The unit has three docking gates: active and passive at the ends and one on the side for connection with other modules. There are also antennas for communication, tanks with fuel, solar panels that generate energy, and instruments for orientation to the Earth. It has 24 large engines, 12 small ones, and 2 engines for maneuvering and maintaining the desired altitude. This module can independently perform unmanned flights in space.

ISS Unity module (NODE 1 - connecting)

The Unity module is the first American connecting module, which was launched into orbit on December 4, 1998 by the Space Shuttle Endever and docked with Zarya on December 1, 1998. This module has 6 docking gateways for further connection of ISS modules and berthing of spacecraft. It is a corridor between the other modules and their living and working spaces and a place for communications: gas and water pipelines, various systems communications, electrical cables, data transmission and other life-supporting communications.

ISS module "Zvezda" (SM - service module)

The Zvezda module is a Russian module launched into orbit by the Proton spacecraft on July 12, 2000 and docked to Zarya on July 26, 2000. Thanks to this module, already in July 2000, the ISS was able to receive on board the first space crew consisting of Sergei Krikalov, Yuri Gidzenko and American William Shepard.

The block itself consists of 4 compartments: a sealed transition chamber, a sealed working compartment, a sealed intermediate chamber and a non-sealed aggregate chamber. The transition compartment with four windows serves as a corridor for astronauts to move from different modules and compartments and to exit the station into outer space thanks to the airlock with a pressure relief valve installed here. Docking units are attached to the outer part of the compartment: one axial and two lateral. The Zvezda axial unit is connected to the Zarya, and the upper and lower axial units are connected to other modules. Also installed on the outer surface of the compartment are brackets and handrails, new sets of antennas of the Kurs-NA system, docking targets, television cameras, a refueling unit and other units.

The working compartment has a total length of 7.7 m, has 8 portholes and consists of two cylinders of different diameters, equipped with carefully designed means of ensuring work and life. The larger diameter cylinder contains a living area with a volume of 35.1 cubic meters. meters. There are two cabins, a sanitary compartment, a kitchen with a refrigerator and a table for fixing objects, medical equipment and exercise equipment.

The cylinder of smaller diameter contains work zone, in which instruments, equipment and the main station control post are located. There are also control systems, emergency and warning manual control panels.

Intermediate chamber with a volume of 7.0 cubic meters. meters with two windows serves as a transition between the service block and the spacecraft that dock at the stern. The docking station provides docking of the Russian spacecraft Soyuz TM, Soyuz TMA, Progress M, Progress M2, as well as the European automatic spacecraft ATV.

In the Zvezda assembly compartment there are two correction engines at the stern, and four blocks of attitude control engines on the side. Sensors and antennas are attached to the outside. As you can see, the Zvezda module has taken over some of the functions of the Zarya block.

ISS module "Destiny" translated as "Destiny" (LAB - laboratory)

Module "Destiny" - on 02/08/2001 the space shuttle Atlantis was launched into orbit, and on 02/10/2002 the American scientific module "Destiny" was docked to the ISS at the forward docking port of the Unity module. Astronaut Marsha Ivin removed the module from the Atlantis spacecraft using a 15-meter “arm,” although the gaps between the ship and the module were only five centimeters. It was the space station's first laboratory and, at one time, its nerve center and largest habitable unit. The module was manufactured by a well-known American company Boeing. It consists of three connected cylinders. The ends of the module are made in the form of trimmed cones with sealed hatches that serve as entrances for astronauts. The module itself is intended mainly for scientific research work in medicine, materials science, biotechnology, physics, astronomy and many other fields of science. For this purpose there are 23 units equipped with instruments. They are arranged in groups of six along the sides, six on the ceiling and five blocks on the floor. The supports have routes for pipelines and cables; they connect different racks. The module also has the following life support systems: power supply, a sensor system for monitoring humidity, temperature and air quality. Thanks to this module and the equipment it contains, it became possible to conduct unique research in space on board the ISS in various fields of science.

ISS module "Quest" (A/L - universal airlock)

The Quest module was launched into orbit by the Atlantis Shuttle on 07/12/2001 and docked to the Unity module on 07/15/2001 at the right docking port using the Canadarm 2 manipulator. This unit is primarily designed to provide spacewalks in both Russian-made Orland spacesuits with an oxygen pressure of 0.4 atm, and in American EMU spacesuits with a pressure of 0.3 atm. The fact is that before this, representatives of space crews could only use Russian spacesuits when exiting the Zarya block and American ones when exiting through the Shuttle. Reduced pressure in spacesuits is used to make the suits more elastic, which creates significant comfort when moving.

The ISS Quest module consists of two rooms. These are the crew quarters and the equipment room. Crew quarters with a hermetic volume of 4.25 cubic meters. designed for exit into space with hatches provided with comfortable handrails, lighting, and connectors for oxygen supply, water, devices for reducing pressure before exit, etc.

The equipment room is much larger in volume and its size is 29.75 cubic meters. m. It is intended for the necessary equipment for putting on and taking off spacesuits, their storage and denitrogenation of the blood of station employees going into space.

ISS module "Pirs" (CO1 - docking compartment)

The Pirs module was launched into orbit on September 15, 2001 and docked with the Zarya module on September 17, 2001. "Pirs" was launched into space for docking with the ISS as component specialized truck "Progress M-S01". Basically, "Pirs" plays the role of an airlock compartment for two people to go into outer space in Russian spacesuits of the "Orlan-M" type. The second purpose of the Pirs is additional berthing space for spacecraft of such types as Soyuz TM and Progress M trucks. The third purpose of the Pirs is to refuel the tanks of the Russian segments of the ISS with fuel, oxidizer and other propellant components. The dimensions of this module are relatively small: length with docking units is 4.91 m, diameter is 2.55 m and the volume of the sealed compartment is 13 cubic meters. m. In the center, on opposite sides of the sealed body with two circular frames, there are 2 identical hatches with a diameter of 1.0 m with small portholes. This makes it possible to enter space from different angles, depending on the need. Convenient handrails are provided inside and outside the hatches. Inside there is also equipment, airlock control panels, communications, power supplies, and pipeline routes for fuel transit. Communication antennas, antenna protection screens, and a fuel transfer unit are installed outside.

There are two docking nodes located along the axis: active and passive. The active node "Pirs" is docked with the module "Zarya", and the passive one is connected to opposite side used for mooring spaceships.

ISS module “Harmony”, “Harmony” (Node 2 - connecting)

Module "Harmony" - launched into orbit on October 23, 2007 by the Discovery shuttle from Cape Canavery launch pad 39 and docked on October 26, 2007 with the ISS. "Harmony" was made in Italy for NASA. The docking of the module with the ISS itself was stage-by-stage: first, astronauts of the 16th crew Tani and Wilson temporarily docked the module with the ISS Unity module on the left using the Canadian manipulator Canadarm-2, and after the shuttle departed and the RMA-2 adapter was reinstalled, the module was reinstalled by the operator Tanya was disconnected from Unity and moved to permanent place its deployment to the forward docking port "Destiny". The final installation of "Harmony" was completed on November 14, 2007.

The module has main dimensions: length 7.3 m, diameter 4.4 m, its sealed volume is 75 cubic meters. m. Samoy important feature module has 6 docking nodes for further connections with other modules and construction of the ISS. The nodes are located along the anterior and posterior axis, nadir at the bottom, anti-aircraft at the top and lateral left and right. It should be noted that thanks to the additional hermetic volume created in the module, three additional sleeping places were created for the crew, equipped with all life support systems.

The main purpose of the Harmony module is the role of a connecting node for the further expansion of the International Space Station and, in particular, for creating attachment points and connecting the European Columbus and Japanese Kibo space laboratories to it.

ISS module "Columbus", "Columbus" (COL)

The Columbus module is the first European module launched into orbit by the Atlantis shuttle on 02/07/2008. and installed on the right connecting node of the “Harmony” module 02/12/2008. Columbus was built by order of the European Space Agency in Italy, whose space agency has great experience on the construction of pressurized modules for the space station.

"Columbus" is a cylinder 6.9 m long and 4.5 m in diameter, where a laboratory with a volume of 80 cubic meters is located. meters with 10 workplaces. Each workplace is a rack with cells where instruments and equipment for certain studies are located. The racks are each equipped with separate power supply, computers with the necessary software, communications, air conditioning system and all the necessary equipment for research. At each workplace, a group of research and experiments are carried out in a certain direction. For example, the Biolab workstation is equipped to conduct experiments in the fields of space biotechnology, cell biology, developmental biology, skeletal disease, neurobiology, and human life support for long-duration interplanetary flights. There is a device for diagnosing protein crystallization and others. In addition to 10 racks with workstations in the pressurized compartment, there are four more places equipped for scientific space research on the outer open side of the module in space under vacuum conditions. This allows us to conduct experiments on the state of bacteria in very extreme conditions, understand the possibility of the emergence of life on other planets, and conduct astronomical observations. Thanks to the SOLAR solar instrument complex, solar activity and the degree of exposure of the Sun to our Earth are monitored, and solar radiation is monitored. The Diarad radiometer, along with other space radiometers, measures solar activity. The SOLSPEC spectrometer studies the solar spectrum and its light through the earth's atmosphere. The uniqueness of the research lies in the fact that it can be carried out simultaneously on the ISS and on Earth, immediately comparing the results. Columbus makes it possible to conduct video conferencing and high-speed data exchange. Monitoring of the module and coordination of work is carried out by the European Space Agency from the Center located in the city of Oberpfaffenhofen, located 60 km from Munich.

ISS module "Kibo" Japanese, translated as "Hope" (JEM-Japanese Experiment Module)

The Kibo module was launched into orbit by the Endeavor shuttle, first with only one part of it on 03/11/2008 and docked with the ISS on 03/14/2008. Despite the fact that Japan has its own spaceport on Tanegashima, due to the lack of delivery ships, Kibo was launched piecemeal from the American spaceport at Cape Canaveral. In general, Kibo is the largest laboratory module on the ISS today. It was developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and consists of four main parts: PM Science Laboratory, Experimental cargo module(it, in turn, has a sealed part ELM-PS and a non-pressurized ELM-ES), a JEMRMS remote manipulator and an External non-pressurized platform EF.

"Sealed Compartment" or Scientific Laboratory of the "Kibo" Module JEM PM- delivered and docked on 07/02/2008 by the Discovery shuttle - this is one of the compartments of the Kibo module, in the form of a sealed cylindrical structure measuring 11.2 m * 4.4 m with 10 universal racks adapted for scientific instruments . Five racks belong to America in payment for delivery, but any astronauts or cosmonauts can conduct scientific experiments at the request of any countries. Climate parameters: temperature and humidity, air composition and pressure correspond to earthly conditions, which makes it possible to work comfortably in ordinary, familiar clothes and conduct experiments without special conditions. Here, in a sealed compartment of a scientific laboratory, not only experiments are carried out, but also control over the entire laboratory complex, especially over the devices of the External Experimental Platform, is established.

"Experimental Cargo Bay" ELM- one of the compartments of the Kibo module has a sealed part ELM - PS and a non-sealed part ELM - ES. Its sealed part is docked with the upper hatch of the laboratory module PM and has the shape of a 4.2 m cylinder with a diameter of 4.4 m. The inhabitants of the station freely pass here from the laboratory, since the climate conditions are the same here. The sealed part is mainly used as an addition to the sealed laboratory and is intended for storing equipment, tools, and experimental results. There are 8 universal racks, which can be used for experiments if necessary. Initially, on 03/14/2008, ELM-PS was docked with the Harmony module, and on 06/06/2008, by astronauts of expedition No. 17, it was reinstalled to its permanent location in the Pressurized compartment of the laboratory.

The leaky part is the outer section of the cargo module and at the same time a component of the “External Experimental Platform”, since it is attached to its end. Its dimensions are: length 4.2 m, width 4.9 m and height 2.2 m. The purpose of this site is the storage of equipment, experimental results, samples and their transportation. This part with the results of experiments and used equipment can be undocked, if necessary, from the unpressurized Kibo platform and delivered to Earth.

"External experimental platform» JEM EF or, as it is also called, “Terrace” - delivered to the ISS on March 12, 2009. and is located immediately behind the laboratory module, representing the leaky part of the “Kibo”, with platform dimensions: 5.6 m length, 5.0 m width and 4.0 m height. Here, various numerous experiments are carried out directly in outer space in different areas of science to study the external influences of space. The platform is located immediately behind the sealed laboratory compartment and is connected to it by an airtight hatch. The manipulator located at the end of the laboratory module can install the necessary equipment for experiments and remove unnecessary equipment from the experimental platform. The platform has 10 experimental compartments, it is well lit and there are video cameras recording everything that happens.

Remote manipulator(JEM RMS) - manipulator or mechanical arm, which is mounted in the bow of the pressurized compartment of the scientific laboratory and serves to move cargo between the experimental cargo compartment and the external unpressurized platform. In general, the arm consists of two parts, a large ten-meter one for heavy loads and a removable short one 2.2 meters long for more precise work. Both types of arms have 6 rotating joints to perform various movements. The main manipulator was delivered in June 2008, and the second in July 2009.

The entire operation of this Japanese Kibo module is managed by the Control Center in the city of Tsukuba, north of Tokyo. Scientific experiments and research conducted in the Kibo laboratory significantly expand the scope of scientific activity in space. The modular principle of constructing the laboratory itself and a large number of universal racks gives ample opportunities constructing various studies.

Racks for conducting bioexperiments are equipped with furnaces with the installation of the necessary temperature conditions, which makes it possible to do experiments on growing various crystals, including biological ones. There are also incubators, aquariums and sterile rooms for animals, fish, amphibians and the cultivation of various plant cells and organisms. The effects of different levels of radiation on them are being studied. The laboratory is equipped with dosimeters and other state-of-the-art instruments.

ISS module “Poisk” (MIM2 small research module)

The Poisk module is a Russian module launched into orbit from the Baikonur cosmodrome by a Soyuz-U launch vehicle, delivered by a specially upgraded cargo ship by the Progress M-MIM2 module on November 10, 2009, and was docked to the upper anti-aircraft docking port of the Zvezda module. two days later, November 12, 2009. The docking was carried out only using the Russian manipulator, abandoning Canadarm2, since financial issues had not been resolved with the Americans. “Poisk” was developed and built in Russia by RSC “Energia” on the basis of the previous module “Pirs” with the completion of all shortcomings and significant improvements. “Search” has a cylindrical shape with dimensions: 4.04 m long and 2.5 m in diameter. It has two docking units, active and passive, located along the longitudinal axis, and on the left and right sides there are two hatches with small windows and handrails for going into outer space. In general, it is almost like “Pierce”, but more advanced. In its space there are two workstations for conducting scientific tests, there are mechanical adapters with the help of which the necessary equipment is installed. Inside the pressurized compartment there is a volume of 0.2 cubic meters. m. for instruments, and on outside module a universal workplace has been created.

In general, this multifunctional module is intended: for additional docking points with the Soyuz and Progress spacecraft, for providing additional spacewalks, for housing scientific equipment and conducting scientific tests inside and outside the module, for refueling from transport ships and, ultimately, this module should take over the functions of the Zvezda service module.

ISS module “Transquility” or “Tranquility” (NODE3)

The Transquility module - an American connecting habitable module was launched into orbit on 02/08/2010 from the launch pad LC-39 (Kennedy Space Center) by the Endeavor shuttle and docked with the ISS on 08/10/2010 to the Unity module. Tranquility, commissioned by NASA, was manufactured in Italy. The module was named after the Sea of ​​Tranquility on the Moon, where the first astronaut landed from Apollo 11. With the advent of this module, life on the ISS has truly become calmer and much more comfortable. Firstly, an internal useful volume of 74 cubic meters was added, the length of the module was 6.7 m with a diameter of 4.4 m. The dimensions of the module made it possible to create in it the most modern system life support, starting from the toilet, and to ensuring and controlling the highest levels of inhaled air. There are 16 racks with various equipment for air circulation systems, purification systems for removing contaminants from it, systems for processing liquid waste into water, and other systems to create a comfortable environmental environment for life on the ISS. The module provides everything down to the smallest detail, equipped with exercise equipment, all kinds of holders for objects, all conditions for work, training and relaxation. In addition to the high life support system, the design provides 6 docking nodes: two axial and 4 lateral for docking with spacecraft and improving the ability to reinstall modules in various combinations. The Dome module is attached to one of the Tranquility docking stations for a wide panoramic view.

ISS module "Dome" (cupola)

The Dome module was delivered to the ISS together with the Tranquility module and, as mentioned above, docked with its lower connecting node. This is the smallest module of the ISS with dimensions of 1.5 m in height and 2 m in diameter. But there are 7 windows that allow you to observe both the work on the ISS and the Earth. Workplaces for monitoring and controlling the Canadarm-2 manipulator, as well as monitoring systems for station modes, are equipped here. The portholes, made of 10 cm quartz glass, are arranged in the form of a dome: in the center there is a large round one with a diameter of 80 cm and around it there are 6 trapezoidal ones. This place is also a favorite place to relax.

ISS module "Rassvet" (MIM 1)

Module "Rassvet" - 05/14/2010 launched into orbit and delivered by the American shuttle "Atlantis" and docked with the ISS with the nadir docking port "Zarya" on 05/18/2011. This is the first Russian module that was delivered to the ISS not by a Russian spacecraft, but by an American one. The docking of the module was carried out by American astronauts Garrett Reisman and Piers Sellers within three hours. The module itself, like previous modules of the Russian segment of the ISS, was manufactured in Russia by the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation. The module is very similar to previous Russian modules, but with significant improvements. It has five workplaces: a glove box, low-temperature and high-temperature biothermostats, a vibration-proof platform, and a universal workplace with the necessary equipment for scientific and applied research. The module has dimensions of 6.0 m by 2.2 m and is intended, in addition to carrying out research work in the fields of biotechnology and materials science, for additional storage of cargo, for the possibility of use as a berthing port for spacecraft and for additional refueling of the station. As part of the Rassvet module, an airlock chamber, an additional radiator-heat exchanger, a portable workstation and a spare element of the ERA robotic manipulator for the future scientific laboratory Russian module were sent.

Multifunctional module "Leonardo" (RMM-permanent multipurpose module)

The Leonardo module was launched into orbit and delivered by the Discovery shuttle on 05/24/10 and docked to the ISS on 03/01/2011. This module formerly belonged to three multi-purpose logistics modules, Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello, manufactured in Italy to deliver necessary cargo to the ISS. They carried cargo and were delivered by the Discovery and Atlantis shuttles, docking with the Unity module. But the Leonardo module was re-equipped with the installation of life support systems, power supply, thermal control, fire extinguishing, data transmission and processing and, starting in March 2011, began to be part of the ISS as a baggage Sealed multifunctional module for permanent cargo placement. The module has dimensions of a cylindrical part of 4.8 m by a diameter of 4.57 m with an internal living volume of 30.1 cubic meters. meters and serves as a good additional volume for the American segment of the ISS.

ISS Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM)

The BEAM module is an American experimental inflatable module created by Bigelow Aerospace. Company CEO Robber Bigelow is a billionaire hotel system hotels and at the same time a passionate fan of space. The company is engaged in space tourism. Robber Bigelow's dream is a hotel system in space, on the Moon and Mars. Creating an inflatable housing and hotel complex in space turned out to be an excellent idea that has a number of advantages over modules made from heavy iron rigid structures. Inflatable modules of the BEAM type are much lighter, small-sized for transportation and much more economical in financially. NASA deservedly appreciated this company's idea and in December 2012 signed a contract with the company for 17.8 million to create an inflatable module for the ISS, and in 2013 a contract was signed with Sierra Nevada Corporatio to create a docking mechanism for Beam and the ISS. In 2015, the BEAM module was built and on April 16, 2016 the spacecraft private company SpaceX Dragon, in its container in the cargo bay, delivered it to the ISS where it was successfully docked behind the Tranquility module. On the ISS, the cosmonauts deployed the module, inflated it with air, checked it for leaks, and on June 6, American ISS astronaut Jeffrey Williams and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka entered it and installed all the necessary equipment there. The BEAM module on the ISS, when deployed, is an interior windowless room up to 16 cubic meters in size. Its dimensions are 5.2 meters in diameter and 6.5 meters in length. Weight 1360 kg. The module body consists of 8 air tanks made of metal bulkheads, an aluminum folding structure and several layers of strong elastic fabric located at a certain distance from each other. Inside, the module, as mentioned above, was equipped with the necessary research equipment. The pressure is set to the same as on the ISS. BEAM is planned to remain on the space station for 2 years and will be largely closed, with astronauts only visiting it to check for leaks and its general structural integrity in space conditions only 4 times a year. In 2 years, I plan to undock the BEAM module from the ISS, after which it will burn up in the outer layers of the atmosphere. The main purpose of the presence of the BEAM module on the ISS is to test its design for strength, tightness and operation in harsh space conditions. Over the course of 2 years, it is planned to test its protection against radiation and other types of cosmic radiation and its resistance to small space debris. Since in the future it is planned to use inflatable modules for astronauts to live in, the results of the conditions for maintaining comfortable conditions (temperature, pressure, air, tightness) will answer questions about the further development and structure of such modules. IN this moment Bigelow Aerospace is already developing the next version of a similar, but already habitable inflatable module with windows and a much larger volume “B-330”, which can be used on the Lunar Space Station and on Mars.

Today, anyone on Earth can look at the ISS in the night sky with the naked eye, like a luminous moving star moving with angular velocity about 4 degrees per minute. Highest value Its magnitude is observed from 0m to -04m. The ISS moves around the Earth and at the same time makes one revolution every 90 minutes or 16 revolutions per day. The height of the ISS above the Earth is approximately 410-430 km, but due to friction in the remnants of the atmosphere, due to the influence of the Earth's gravitational forces, to avoid a dangerous collision with space debris and for successful docking with delivery ships, the height of the ISS is constantly adjusted. Altitude adjustment occurs using the engines of the Zarya module. The initially planned service life of the station was 15 years, and has now been extended until approximately 2020.

Based on materials from http://www.mcc.rsa.ru

However, in space everything is different, some phenomena are simply inexplicable and cannot be subject to any laws in principle. For example, a satellite launched several years ago, or other objects will rotate in their orbit and will never fall. Why is this happening, At what speed does a rocket fly into space?? Physicists suggest that there is a centrifugal force that neutralizes the effect of gravity.

Having done a small experiment, we can understand and feel this ourselves, without leaving home. To do this, you need to take a thread and tie a small weight to one end, then unwind the thread in a circle. We will feel that the higher the speed, the clearer the trajectory of the load, and the more tension the thread will have; if we weaken the force, the speed of rotation of the object will decrease and the risk that the load will fall increases several times. With this little experience we will begin to develop our topic - speed in space.

It becomes clear that high speed allows any object to overcome the force of gravity. As for space objects, they each have their own speed, it is different. There are four main types of such speed and the smallest of them is the first. It is at this speed that the ship flies into Earth orbit.

In order to fly beyond its limits you need a second speed in space. At the third speed, gravity is completely overcome and you can fly beyond the limits. solar system. Fourth rocket speed in space will allow you to leave the galaxy itself, this is approximately 550 km/s. We have always been interested rocket speed in space km h, when entering orbit it is equal to 8 km/s, beyond it - 11 km/s, that is, developing its capabilities to 33,000 km/h. The rocket gradually increases speed, full acceleration begins from an altitude of 35 km. Speedspacewalk is 40,000 km/h.

Speed ​​in space: record

Maximum speed in space- the record, set 46 years ago, still stands, it was achieved by astronauts who took part in the Apollo 10 mission. Having flown around the Moon, they returned back when speed of a spaceship in space was 39,897 km/h. In the near future, it is planned to send the Orion spacecraft into zero-gravity space, which will launch astronauts into low Earth orbit. Perhaps then it will be possible to break the 46-year-old record. Speed ​​of light in space- 1 billion km/h. I wonder if we can cover such a distance with our maximum available speed of 40,000 km/h. Here what is the speed in space develops in the light, but we don’t feel it here.

Theoretically, a person can move at a speed slightly less than the speed of light. However, this will entail colossal harm, especially for an unprepared organism. After all, first you need to develop such a speed, make an effort to safely reduce it. Because rapid acceleration and deceleration can be fatal to a person.

In ancient times, it was believed that the Earth was motionless; no one was interested in the question of the speed of its rotation in orbit, because such concepts did not exist in principle. But even now it is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to the question, because the value is not the same in different geographical locations. Closer to the equator, the speed will be higher, in the region of southern Europe it is 1200 km/h, this is the average Earth's speed in space.

Education

What is the altitude of the ISS orbit from Earth?

January 16, 2018

The ISS, or International Space Station, is a manned orbital spacecraft that is used as a multifunctional Research Center. The station consists of fourteen modules launched in different years. Each of them performs a specific function: bedrooms, laboratories, storage rooms, gyms. The altitude of the ISS orbit is constantly changing, on average it is 380 km. The operation of the station is ensured by solar panels placed on the casing.

The ISS modules were built on Earth. Then each of them was launched into space. The station was assembled by cosmonauts in zero gravity conditions. Currently, the ISS weighs more than four hundred tons. Inside the modules there are narrow corridors along which the astronauts move.

Elements of calculations

During development, the height of the ISS orbit was especially carefully thought out. To prevent the device from falling to Earth and flying into outer space, scientists had to take into account many factors to calculate the flight path: the weight of the station itself, the speed of movement, the possibility of docking ships with cargo.

Station orbit

The international spacecraft flies in low Earth orbit. The atmosphere here is very thin, and the density of particles is unusually low. A correctly calculated ISS orbital altitude is the main condition for a successful station flight. This prevents Negative influence the Earth's atmosphere, especially its dense layers. After conducting various experiments and making all the necessary analytical calculations, scientists came to the conclusion that it is best to launch the device into the thermosphere zone. It is spacious enough to ensure the safe existence of the ISS. The thermosphere begins approximately 85 km from the Earth's surface and extends for 800 km.

Video on the topic

Features of orbit calculation

Scientists of various profiles were involved in this work - mathematicians, physicists, astronomers. When calculating the ISS orbit altitude, the following factors were taken into account:

Launch and flight

When determining at what altitude the ISS orbit should be, its inclination and launch point were taken into account. The most ideal option (from an economic point of view) is to launch the ship from the equator clockwise. This is due to additional indicators of the planet’s rotation speed.

Another advantageous option is to launch at an angle equal to the latitude. This type of flight requires a minimum of fuel to perform maneuvers.

When choosing a cosmodrome to launch the station, the international community chose Baikonur. It is located at a latitude of 46 degrees, and the station's orbital inclination angle is 51.66 degrees. If it flew at the same latitude at which Baikonur is located, then the stages of the launched rockets would fall on China or on the territory of Mongolia. Because of this, a different latitude was chosen, which covers most of the countries involved in the project.

Station mass

When determining the orbit, the weight of the ship became an important component. The altitude of the ISS orbit and its speed directly depend on its mass. But this figure changes periodically due to updates, additions of new modules, and visits to the devices by cargo ships. Because of this, scientists designed the station and calculated its orbit with the ability to adjust both the flight altitude and direction. At the same time, the possibilities of turning and performing various maneuvers were taken into account.

Orbit correction

Several times a year, scientists adjust the orbit. This is usually done to create ballistic conditions when cargo ships dock. As a result of dockings, the mass of the station changes, and the speed also changes due to the resulting friction. As a result, the flight control center is forced to adjust not only the orbit, but also the speed of movement, as well as the flight altitude. Changes occur using the main engine of the base module. At the right moment they turn on, and the station increases its altitude and flight speed.

Maneuverability

When calculating the ISS orbit altitude in km from Earth, possible encounters with space debris were taken into account. At cosmic speeds, even a small fragment can lead to tragedy.

The station has special shields for protection, but this did not reduce the need to calculate an orbit in which the station would rarely encounter debris. A corridor was created for this purpose. It is two kilometers above the trajectory of the station itself and two below. The zone is constantly monitored from Earth: the mission control center makes sure that no space debris gets into the corridor. The cleanliness of the area is calculated in advance. The Americans constantly monitor the movement of garbage, making sure that it does not collide with the station. If even the smallest probability of an incident occurs, this is reported in advance to NASA, to the ISS flight control. Having received data about a possible collision, the Americans transmit it to the Russian Mission Control Center. Its ballistics specialists are preparing a possible maneuver plan to avoid a collision. It calculates very accurately all actions and coordinates. After the plan is drawn up, the flight path is re-checked and the possibility of a collision is assessed. If all calculations are performed correctly, the ship changes course. Speed ​​and altitude adjustments are made from Earth without the participation of astronauts.

If space debris is detected late (28 hours or less), then there is no time left for calculations. Then the ISS will avoid the collision using a pre-arranged standard maneuver to enter a new orbit. If this option turns out to be impossible, the ship will take another “dangerous” trajectory. In such cases, all station workers are placed in a rescue module and await a collision. If it does not happen, the astronauts return to their duties. If a collision occurs, the Soyuz rescue ship will undock and return the astronauts home to Earth. In the entire history of the ISS, there have been three cases where the crew was waiting for a possible incident, but all of them ended favorably.

Flight speed

As is known, the altitude of the ISS orbit in km is about 380-440 specified units, and escape velocity flight speed is 27 thousand kilometers per hour. At this speed, the device circles the Earth in just an hour and a half, and in a day it manages to make sixteen circles.

Gravity

This is a force that is very difficult to overcome. Gravity also acts on the ISS. It is much less than on the surface of the Earth, and is 90%. To avoid falling onto the planet, the ship moves tangentially at a tremendous speed of eight kilometers per second. If you look at the night sky, you can see the ISS flying past, and after 90 minutes it will appear in the sky again. During these one and a half hours the ship completely circles the planet.

The International Space Station is a very expensive project in which many countries around the world are involved. Its value is more than one hundred and fifty billion dollars. Cosmonauts-scientists live and work on the spaceship. They spend the most different experiences and research. Each person plays an important role at the station itself and is valuable to their state. To protect people and the station, control centers constantly monitor the flight path, make all the necessary calculations of the orbit and speed of the ship, and calculate possible options for maneuvers. Such calculations help to quickly respond to the appearance of comic debris and other unforeseen situations.

2018 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the most significant international space projects, the largest artificial habitable satellite of the Earth - the International Space Station (ISS). 20 years ago, on January 29, the Agreement on the creation of a space station was signed in Washington, and already on November 20, 1998, construction of the station began - the Proton launch vehicle was successfully launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome with the first module - the Zarya functional cargo block (FGB) " In the same year, on December 7, the second element of the orbital station, the Unity connecting module, was docked with the Zarya FGB. Two years later, a new addition to the station was the Zvezda service module.

On November 2, 2000, the International Space Station (ISS) began its operation in manned mode. The Soyuz TM-31 spacecraft with the crew of the first long-term expedition docked to the Zvezda service module.The ship's approach to the station was carried out according to the scheme that was used during flights to the Mir station. Ninety minutes after docking, the hatch was opened and the ISS-1 crew stepped aboard the ISS for the first time.The ISS-1 crew included Russian cosmonauts Yuri GIDZENKO, Sergei KRIKALEV and American astronaut William SHEPHERD.

Arriving at the ISS, the cosmonauts reactivated, retrofitted, launched and configured the systems of the Zvezda, Unity and Zarya modules and established communications with mission control centers in Korolev and Houston near Moscow. Over the course of four months, 143 sessions of geophysical, biomedical and technical research and experiments were carried out. In addition, the ISS-1 team provided dockings with the Progress M1-4 cargo spacecraft (November 2000), Progress M-44 (February 2001) and the American shuttle Endeavor (Endeavour, December 2000) , Atlantis (“Atlantis”; February 2001), Discovery (“Discovery”; March 2001) and their unloading. Also in February 2001, the expedition team integrated the Destiny laboratory module into the ISS.

On March 21, 2001, with the American space shuttle Discovery, which delivered the crew of the second expedition to the ISS, the team of the first long-term mission returned to Earth. The landing site was the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA.

In subsequent years, the Quest airlock chamber, the Pirs docking compartment, the Harmony connecting module, the Columbus laboratory module, the Kibo cargo and research module, the Poisk small research module, were docked to the International Space Station. residential module “Tranquility”, observation module “Domes”, small research module “Rassvet”, multifunctional module “Leonardo”, transformable test module “BEAM”.

Today, the ISS is the largest international project, a manned orbital station used as a multi-purpose space research complex. The space agencies ROSCOSMOS, NASA (USA), JAXA (Japan), CSA (Canada), ESA (European countries) participate in this global project.

With the creation of the ISS, it became possible to carry out scientific experiments V unique conditions microgravity, in vacuum and under the influence of cosmic radiation. The main areas of research are physical and chemical processes and materials in space, Earth exploration and space exploration technologies, man in space, space biology and biotechnology. Considerable attention in the work of astronauts on the International Space Station is paid to educational initiatives and the popularization of space research.

The ISS is a unique experience international cooperation, support and mutual assistance; construction and operation in low-Earth orbit of large engineering structure, which is of paramount importance for the future of all humanity.

MAIN MODULES OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION	CONDITIONS DESIGNATION	START	DONKING