Experiments

ISS is used for scientific research in the fields of

•  Micro gravity

•  Life science

•  Earth science

•  Space science

•  Engineering research and development

•  Commercial product development  

Micro-gravity science

Micro-gravity - a condition in which the effects of gravity are greatly reduced. Any object in freefall experiences micro gravity conditions. In micro gravity, near-perfect crystals can be formed. Such crystals can yield better semi-conductors for faster computers, or for more efficient drugs to combat diseases. ISS is equipped with a laboratory for studying effects of micro gravity on various processes.  

Life science  

The ISS gives the opportunity of studying plants and animals in the absence of gravity.

Long-term exposure to weightlessness causes our bodies to lose calcium from bones, tissue from muscles and fluids from our body. These effects of weightlessness are similar to the effects of aging (decreased muscle strength, osteoporosis). So exposure to micro gravity may give us new insights into the aging process  

Earth science

The ISS covers 75% of the earth's surface. Thus the astronauts with the on-board instruments can

•  Study climate and weather

•  Study geology

•  Gather information on atmospheric quality

•  Map vegetation, land use and mineral resources

•  Monitor health of rivers, lakes and oceans

The data gathered will help us study the biosphere and devise methods for reducing the devastating influences on it.

Space science

The telescope on ISS will have a clear view of the sun, stars and planets, without the interference of the Earth's atmosphere. This will help in searching distant galaxies for clues regarding the origin of the universe.

Engineering research and development

This field studies the effects of the space environment on materials and develops new technologies for space exploration. It includes

•  New construction techniques for building things in space

•  New space technologies, including solar cells

•  New satellite and spacecraft communications systems

•  Advanced life-support systems for future spacecraft

Commercial product development

As mentioned earlier, perfect crystals can be grown aboard the space station, which will help to develop better drugs, catalysts for extracting oil, and semi-conductors. Thus ISS can have dedicated laboratories for manufacturing these products.

ISS has paved the path for the development of space stations. It is a vast improvement over Salyut, Skylab and Mir but is still a long way from realization of large space colonies.