The International Space Station: Crises and Challenges in Space
The International Space Station (ISS) represents an important milestone in human space exploration, however, there have been a series of problems with the operation of the space station recently, which has raised concerns. After the Mir orbital space station was abandoned, the ISS became the only space station operating in low-Earth orbit in space. However, this international cooperation project also faces a number of challenges, the most worrying of which is the discovery of cracks on the space station.
Discovery of cracks
Recently, astronauts aboard the International Space Station conducted a routine inspection and accidentally discovered a crack. The crack is located in the Russian compartment, which is the daily living area of the cosmonauts. After analysis, the crack is believed to have been caused by the impact of a tiny meteorite in space. Although these meteorites are small in size, they can cause serious harm to the space station. The impact caused an abnormal leak of oxygen in the space station's cabin, which, if not detected and treated in time, would result in only enough oxygen to last for 18 days. The magnitude of the problem is self-evident and urgent measures must be taken to address it.
Emergency plugging of astronauts
On the space station, astronauts must take emergency measures to close the cracks. However, oxygen in space is very limited, which makes containment challenging. The astronauts used a special high-tech material, similar to adhesive tape, to close the hole. The material also works in extreme conditions, being able to withstand high temperatures and extreme cold. However, when plugging the hole, astronauts must be careful to ensure that the material covers the crack as tightly as possible and avoids the creation of air bubbles to maintain the seal. While this may sound like child's play, in reality, this high-tech material is a lifeline on the space station, helping astronauts respond to emergencies.
The challenge of the International Space Station
The ISS has been operating in space for many years, and while maintenance and life extension work has been underway, it still faces many challenges. The recent crack event was one of the biggest crises facing the ISS, but fortunately, the crack was detected in time and was treated as an emergency response. However, this event reminds us that space stations have a limited lifespan and must be maintained and updated regularly. It is expected that the ISS may expire in 2024 and enter the atmosphere and crash, just like the Mir space station. This means that after 2024, only China's Tiangong space station will be left in orbit. Although the Tiangong space station is small in scale, it is not inferior in terms of function.
epilogue
The ISS represents the spirit of human exploration and cooperation in the field of space, but it also faces many challenges. The crack incident reminds us of the importance of the safety and sustainable maintenance of the space station. As 2024 approaches, we look forward to seeing the international community work together to ensure the continuation of the space station and continue to contribute to space exploration and scientific research.