International Space Station additions
The ISS was built by the USA, Russia, The European Space Agency, and Japan. They each contributed modules, astronauts, and technology. Most of the ISS was assembled between 1998 and 2011, but in recent years, there have been a few smaller additions.
Recent additions
Over the last five years, additions to the ISS have began, they have mostly been small, but they show us what the future of space stations might look like.
BEAM
The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) is a prototype inflatable module. Inflatable modules can be launched to space tightly packaged, and then inflated to a much larger size when they reach orbit.
BEAM was developed and built by Bigelow Aerospace, a space start-up that plans to build space hotels with inflatable modules. BEAM was launched on a SpaceX Dragon capsule in 2016.
A few weeks after it was installed on the Tranquility Module, it was successfully inflated. BEAM was originally scheduled to be used for only 2 years, but it's mission has been extended for longer. because it was so successful.
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Photo Credit: NASA
Bishop Airlock
In late 2020, the first ever Cargo Dragon 2 launched, and brought up with it a small airlock, developed by Nanoracks. This airlock works differently from most airlocks. It does not have two doors, with one on each side. Instead it operates like a small detachable segment of the space station. When the airlock is attached, a science experiment or satellite can be loaded inside. The Canadarm2 can then detach it and deploy whatever is inside the airlock. The airlock is usually attached to the Tranquility module, near where BEAM is.
The Bishop Airlock is showing how more and more commercialization is happening on board the ISS.
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Both BEAM and the Bishop airlock can be seen on the photo to the right.
Photo Credit: NASA
Nauku
During the summer of 2020, Roscosmos (the Russian space agency) will launch their Nauku Science module. This module was originally scheduled to launch in 2007, but has faced many delays.
The Nauku module contains a large area for Russian cosmonauts to conduct science experiments, in addition to crew quarters. On the outside there will be solar panels, radiators, thrusters, and a Robotic arm built by ESA. Nauku will replace the small Pirs module beneath Zvezda.
Nauku might become the first part of a future space station to replace the ISS. Nauku also has the capabilities to operate solo, without the support of the rest of the International Space Station.
In November of 2021, Roscosmos may launch an docking module called Prichal. Prichal will be a small module with 6 docking ports. It will act as a docking hub.
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Photo Credit: NASA
ROSA
The majority of the power of the ISS comes from the iconic solar panels on the sides of the ISS. These solar panels were installed during numerous space shuttle missions over 10 years. However, these solar panels have degraded over time, and it is now starting to limit how much power the ISS can use.
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Introducing Roll Out Solar Arrays (ROSA), a technology developed by Deployable Space Systems. ROSA is a unique kind of solar panel, instead of folding out like most solar panels, it is launched into space in tightly bound canisters, they can then be opened up and unfurled once in their proper positions. This new technology allows for the solar panels to be lighter, take up less space, and still be very efficient.
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NASA has contracted Deployable Space Systems and Boeing to build 6 of these solar panels for use on the ISS. These new solar panels will partially cover the existing ones, but will significantly increase the electricity available on board the ISS.
The first of these new solar panels were launched in June 2021 in the trunk of the Cargo Dragon. The rest of the solar panels will be launched in 2022. Astronauts will then perform multiple spacewalks to install the solar panels. The new solar panels will allow for the ISS to be used through the late 2020's.
Photo credit: Top: NASA, Bottom: Boeing
Axiom Modules
In 2019, NASA announced that the ISS was open for commercial activity, including space tourism missions, in-space manufacturing, and private modules. Soon after that, it was announced that Axiom Space, Inc. would add at least 3 modules onto the ISS. These modules would be used as a destination for space tourists. They will together form a small space station, which will separate from the ISS before its retirement.
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The first module that will be launched is already under construction in Italy. It is currently scheduled for launch in 2024. After that, Axiom will launch modules with crew quarters, research equipment, and a spacious cupola.
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Each module has multiple docking ports, and built-in solar panels and radiators. They will each autonomously rendezvous with the ISS, and will be docked with the help of Canadarm2. Axiom hasn't announced the rocket that will launch the modules, but it will likely be a Falcon 9 or Atlas 5.
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Together, the modules will be able to support multiple people, including national astronauts and paying tourists. Axiom hopes that they can eventually manufacture items in space, such as fiber optics and medical implants.
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Photo Credit: Axiom Space