How Do Astronauts Get To The International Space Station (ISS)?
Have you ever wondered how astronauts reach the International Space Station (ISS)? Read on to no more. Astronauts travel to ISS through the multistep procedure that typically encompasses building a spacecraft, proper planning, and clear coordination between the space agencies. Here we have jotted down the steps astronauts follow to reach the ISS:
Selection and Training: Astronauts need to undergo extensive training before going to ISS which incorporates physical fitness, spacewalks, survival training, understanding the spacecraft systems, simulated missions, and so on.
Assignment to a Mission: Astronauts are assigned specific missions to the ISS which different space agencies plan.
Spacecraft Selection: Astronauts go to the ISS in different spacecraft including the American SpaceX Crew Dragon, Boeing CST-100 Starliner, Russian Soyuz etc. The spacecraft choice relies on the agreements and availability of vehicles at the space agency.
Pre-Launch Preparations:
- Launch Site: Depending on the chosen spacecraft, astronauts might travel to different launch sites.
- Suiting Up: On the day of launch, astronauts don their specific space suits which are known to provide life support, protection at the time of cabin depressurization, and temperature control.
- Boarding the Spacecraft: Astronauts need to board the spacecraft and have to undergo final checks.
Launch: Using the rocket, the spacecraft is sent into space and the rocket generates the needed thrust to escape Earth’s gravity and finally reach orbit.
Docking: Once reaching the orbit, the spacecraft maneuvers to dock with the ISS. Now, docking is a delicate procedure that needs precision to guarantee a safe connection between the spacecraft as well as the ISS
Hatch Opening: Once docked, the astronauts start opening the hatch to enter the ISS.
Life on the ISS: Astronauts live on the ISS for long periods. They conduct in-depth scientific experiments, execute maintenance and repairs, and participate in physical fitness activities in order to mitigate the microgravity effects.
Return to Earth: After the mission, astronauts come back to Earth by simply following the process in reverse:
- They board the spacecraft
- Undock from the ISS
- Re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere
- Parachute landing in the ocean or solid ground
Recovery: Recovery teams are deployed to recover the astronauts. After that, they are taken to the nearest location for proper medical evaluation and debriefing.
Travelling to ISS is not at all easy since it requires rigorous training, dedication, and qualification. Listed below are some of the qualifications expected from the astronauts:
- Astronauts need to be in great physical condition in order to bear the physical and other challenges of space travel along with the microgravity effects.
- Astronauts have to be resilient mentally to effectively cope with the isolation, stress, and confinement that are associated with long-term missions.
- Depending on the mission as well as the spacecraft, astronauts have to be skilled in multiple languages like English and Russian in order to have a conversation with their international crew people.
- Astronauts must adjust to the challenges of working in microgravity including handling daily tasks, nutrition, and proper hygiene in the weightless atmosphere.
Takeaway
Hence, the journey to the ISS requires proper planning, extensive training, and precise execution to guarantee the astronaut’s safety in their mission to explore and carry out research in space.
