News From Space!

Well it's official now, the shuttle Atlantis is in orbit. This is definitely good news for the European Space Agency (E.S.A.) considering the pay load on the shuttle is the E.S.A.s Columbus research module. The module has been in limbo for too long, even though the delays gave engineers longer to make upgrades to the systems on board.

The space shuttle left the launch pad on Thursday of last week and docked with the International Space Station yesterday. Attaching the Columbus research module is said to require three space walks or extra vehicular activities. So far there has been no mention of using the stations robotic arm to attach the module just the shuttles robotic arm. Although I'm sure the Canadian technology will be used during the space walks to give astronaughts a work platform.

Astronaughts on board will also be conducting an inspection of Atlantis' wings. The initial backflip performed by Commander Stephen Frick allowed for footage of the shuttles heat shields to be recorded. The U.S. Space agency doesn't expect to see anything that could endanger the crew upon re-entry.

All in all it is good to hear that the International Space Station program is making progress. One of our most challenging construction projects, albeit far behind schedule, is finally moving forward. My only thoughts about this news is, its about time!

News Story: Shuttle docks with space station
Image Source: Wiki Media Commons

Another step forward for the International Space Station

Recently I received an email from Reuters Alert net. I subscribe to this email because I like to stay on top of breaking news. I came across an interesting story about the International Space Station, the article was called Space Station lab will boost Europe's status in space. Inside the article were a few details on the next shuttle launch slated for this week. The European contribution to the International Space Station, the Columbus science lab, is ready to become apart of the station. This is good news for those who have been waiting to see the completed station in orbit.

I've been following the construction story of the International Space Station (I.S.S.) since Expedition 2. I paid the most attention when Canada's own Chris Hadfield left the airlock on the shuttle to install the Canada Arm 2. Unfortunately, terrorist activities halted the construction of the station for a few years. You can't always be prepared for the unexpected and the tragic events of 9/11 caught almost the entire world by surprise. But now that construction is going ahead, mankind is one step closer to leaving low earth orbit.

The I.S.S. is a good testing ground for new technologies that we will need if we are to go back to the Moon and then on to Mars. We still have to implement a shielding system to keep the cosmic radiation out side of the space craft. Not to mention that the space craft that goes to Mars will have to be assembled in space. The I.S.S. is the stepping stone or gateway to other worlds in the sense that the knowledge we acquire from constructing the station will be applied and improved upon during construction of interplanetary space craft. How important do you think it is to finish construction of the International Space Station?

Image Source National Space Science Data Center