Why does the ISS have radiator panels sticking out of it?

Integrated Truss Background The solar arrays provide energy for the Station, and the radiators get rid of extra heat that builds up in the Station.

Why is the ISS not always visible?

It needs to be dark where you are and the space station needs to be overhead in order for you to see it. Since the space station’s orbit takes it all around the globe, it can be passing over you at times when it will not be visible- either in the middle of the day or the middle of the night.

Why is ISS so messy?

The ISS appears messy to us on Earth because the idea of a floor doesn’t exist (much) in microgravity. The crews could stick anything they want to a wall, or even themselves. Lots of work goes on. This requires immediate access to some equipment.

Why are there no showers on the ISS?

Water supplies on the International Space Station ( ISS ) are very limited. In any event, water does not “flow” in microgravity: it is therefore impossible to take a shower, wash your hands or go to the bathroom in the same way as on Earth.

What are the white panels on the ISS?

Solar arrays that convert energy to electricity on the space station are made of thousands of solar cells. The solar cells are made from purified chunks of the element silicon. These cells directly convert light to electricity using a process called photovoltaics.

Why is the ISS so bright at night?

Well, because it’s so high the ISS is still bathed in sunlight long after darkness has fallen down here on the ground. That sunlight reflects off its enormous solar panel “wings”, just like sunlight glints off an airplane, or a mirror. That’s what makes it (and other satellites) visible to us in our night sky.

How is the ISS cleaned?

The astronauts do some cleaning between their duties. They use liquid detergent, disposable plastic gloves, multi-purpose wiping cloths and a vacuum cleaner for cleaning. To clean, they spray the detergent, wipe with the cloth, and vacuum the dust. Collected garbage and used gloves are brought back to Earth.

Why is space station cabling so messy?

So essentially the reason the ISS is messy is the same reason cabling gets messy in server racks. Everyone starts with the best of intentions but then a new switch or server gets installed while you’re busy and you don’t do as good of a job with the patch cables.

Why is the International Space Station so cluttered?

A lot of people are saying that the cluttered look to the ISS was somehow planned or is set up that way because its some how safer or easier to maintain. But the fact is the space station is cluttered because they are running out of space.

What is the International Space Station (ISS)?

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest orbiting laboratory ever built. It is an international, technological, and political achievement. The five international partners include the space agencies of the United States, Canada, Russia, Europe, and Japan.

What is the International Space Station’s insulation made of?

The Station’s insulation is instead a highly-reflective blanket called Multi-Layer Insulation (or MLI) made of Mylar and dacron. Above, left: Common home insulation on Earth. Above, right: Multi Layer Insulation — or MLI — for the International Space Station. The reflective silver mesh is aluminized Mylar.