The International Space Station (ISS)

Animagraffs  Outstanding graphic illustrations at the link.

The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station in low Earth orbit with the purpose of being a laboratory, observatory, factory, and a manufacturing and launch facility.

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• Node two has multiple maintenance work areas (MWAs) that act as “work benches” for astronauts.

• 2 Crew quarters

  The crew quarters are one of the only places in the ISS where an astronaut may have a little bit of personal space. They house sleeping bags, laptops, and personal items for each crew member.

• 3 Racks

  Research racks facilitate experiments in systematic combustion, fluid physics, materials, microgravity, observational Earth science, and biological and life sciences, among others.4 U.S. Lab robotic workstation

• The US lab robotic workstation is one of the workstations that can be used to control the Canadarm2. Also, since the ISS orbits the globe every 90 minutes, many of the work stations on the ISS also have a “world map” software that shows where the ISS is in relation to the earth.

• 5 CEVIS

  The Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System (CEVIS) is primarily used for cardiovascular conditioning, and has foot straps for the astronaut to hold themselves in place.

• 6 Eating

  Food on the ISS consists of items that can provide necessary nutrition while also easily and safely stored. Items can include drink mixes, irradiated meat, granola bars, freeze dried foods, tortillas, and condiments.

• 7 COLBERT

  The Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill (COLBERT) can provide 1 g-like forces on the lower body. Astronauts strap themselves in with bungee cords.

• 8 Restroom & hygiene area

  The restroom uses a suction system to pull waste and smells into a plastic bag and container. The air used for the suction is recycled through the ECLSS and reused in the station. “Showering” is accomplished with soap, water, and a towel to wipe down with. Other hygiene basics like brushing teeth are done here as well.

• 9 ECLSS

  The Environment Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) consists of hardware to control carbon dioxide, contaminants, oxygen generation, water, human waste, nitrogen storage, oxygen storage, temperature, and humidity. The hardware is distributed throughout the entire station.

• 10 Cupola

  The Cupola has 7 windows total and houses the largest window in space at 31 in (80 cm) across. It allows the crew to conduct experiments, observe the Earth, or assist in docking operations and spacewalks.

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