<h5>What is the International Space Station? </h5>  <p>The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest and the most expensive spacecraft that is home to crews of astronauts. It orbits the Earth at an average altitude of approximately 400 kilometres at a speed of about 28,000 kilometres per hour. The ISS takes only 90 minutes to complete one orbit around the earth. Because of this, astronauts aboard the ISS see 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours!</p>
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<p>The United States of America, Russia, Japan, Canada, Brazil, and 11 European nations worked together to design, build, and use the ISS. The first piece of the ISS, the Zarya module, was launched by a Russian rocket in 1998. Two years later, the first crew boarded the ISS on 2 November 2000. More such pieces were added with time. The assembly was completed in 2011. </p>
<p>Today, the ISS has the volume of two large aeroplanes. It can house a crew of six people along with visitors. On Earth, it would weigh close to 4.5 lakh kilograms. 
</p> <h5>What are the different sections of the ISS?</h5>  <p>The space station has many different sections. The first piece of the ISS, the Zarya module, contains the basic systems for the ISS to function. Each side of the ISS has numerous solar panels which generate solar energy to power the ISS. The panels are connected to the station with a long beam that serves as the backbone of the ISS. Radiators on this beam control the temperature of the space station. </p>
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<p>Airlocks allow astronauts to leave the ISS and go on spacewalks to perform repairs or conduct experiments. Robotic arms mounted outside the ISS help the crew in conducting experiments. The ISS also allows other spacecraft to connect to it. This way new crew members and visitors can board the ISS. </p>
<p>Robotic spacecraft also use these ports to deliver supplies such as food, fuel, equipment and other resources. 
</p> <h5>How do astronauts live at the ISS?</h5>  <p>Astronauts usually spend three to six months on a mission at the ISS. They take care of themselves in a unique way because of the microgravity in space. They use waterless shampoos and sit on the toilet seats using restraints. While sleeping, they strap themselves in their sleeping compartments so that they don’t float and bump into something. </p>
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Liquids such as water and juices are available in vacuum-sealed pouches with a straw. This prevents liquids from floating in microgravity. Originally, space food was available to astronauts in the form of pastes in tubes. But today, with the advancement in technology, astronauts can refrigerate and use microwaves to cook whatever food they like. They also recycle air and water. 
</p> <h5>What research and experiments are conducted on the ISS?</h5> <figure>
        <img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-international-space-station%2Fsection1.jpeg?alt=media&token=8856ad07-87c6-431f-abab-9737b68eb3a7" alt="What research and experiments are conducted on the ISS?" >
        <figcaption>Astronauts conducting experiments on the ISS. </figcaption>
      </figure> <p>The ISS has experimental laboratories which allow astronauts to conduct scientific research. Researchers from across the globe have conducted 3,000 experiments on the ISS over the last 20 years. The findings have not only enabled space exploration but have also enhanced our lives on Earth. Scientists have made discoveries by taking advantage of the space station’s microgravity environment. </p>
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Research has led to more effective treatments for diseases like cancer, diabetes, etc. Other experiments conducted have resulted in accurate clocks, useful weather predictions, stronger metals, new water purification systems and more efficient vehicles. 
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Did you know that a few astronauts get to live in a spacecraft outside the Earth? Let’s learn more about the place they call “home” in space!

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