Group Captain Shukla Embarks on Two-Week ISS Mission: Inside the Orbital Lab

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of India begins his landmark mission to the International Space Station (ISS), it's essential to understand the orbital laboratory where he and his Axiom-4 crew will live and conduct research.

Orbiting at approximately 408 km above Earth, the ISS symbolizes global collaboration in science, cutting-edge engineering, and humanity's ambition to thrive beyond our planet.

A Home in Orbit

The ISS circles Earth at an astounding 28,000 kmph, completing a full orbit every 90 minutes – about 16 orbits each day. This means Shukla and his colleagues will experience multiple sunrises and sunsets daily, held in a continuous state of freefall around the Earth.

A Colossal Structure

The ISS, assembled over a decade via 42 separate launches, has evolved into an extensive space complex. It measures 73 meters in length and stretches 109 meters across with its solar arrays fully extended – larger than a football field.

Weighing approximately 420,000 kg, the ISS comprises over 15 pressurized modules contributed by five core international partners: NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). The main truss serves as the station's structural core, supporting solar panels and radiators.

Solar Power

Eight expansive solar arrays generate up to 120 kilowatts of power, stored in rechargeable batteries for continuous operation. This energy powers scientific instruments, life support systems, and vital environmental controls.

Life Aboard

The station typically houses a crew of six, but it can accommodate up to ten astronauts during short-term missions. Daily life is highly structured, with astronauts adhering to a schedule that includes two hours of daily exercise to combat the effects of weightlessness on muscle and bone density.

The ISS offers private sleeping quarters, a kitchen, toilets, an observation cupola, and exercise equipment. Communication with Earth has minimal delay—about 1-2 seconds—allowing near real-time conversations with mission control and family.

A Hub for Research

More than just a residence, the ISS functions as the premier research laboratory in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Experiments cover a broad spectrum, including microgravity physics, life sciences, biotechnology, Earth observation, and space agriculture. A highlight is the Cupola module, featuring seven windows providing breathtaking panoramic views of Earth. It is used for photography, monitoring spacecraft docking, and personal reflection.

Accessing the ISS

Transportation to the International Space Station is facilitated by several spacecraft, including Soyuz (Russia), Crew Dragon (SpaceX), and, in the future, Boeing's Starliner. Cargo missions, crucial for supplying food, water, scientific equipment, and replacement parts, are conducted by spacecraft such as Dragon, Cygnus, HTV, and soon, Dream Chaser.

The Future of Space Stations

Projected to remain operational until at least 2030, the ISS will eventually be succeeded by commercial space stations like Axiom Station and Starlab. A controlled deorbit, managed by NASA and Roscosmos, is planned to safely conclude the orbiting laboratory's decades-long mission.

As Shukla begins his research duties in space, he joins a facility that highlights India's increasing involvement in human spaceflight and represents one of humanity’s greatest international achievements. The ISS is more than just a station; it is a shared frontier where science, diplomacy, and exploration converge 400 km above our planet.