Introduction
The International Space Station is a multinational project for a low-orbit habitable satellite that first housed a crew in 2000. It is a joint effort between the U.S., Russia, Europe, Canada, and Japan, with other countries supplying astronauts. The ISS is still operating, expanding, and hosting a variety of research projects. It is expected to serve until 2030, with numerous proposals being considered for disposal.
Research Findings
Project Origins, Vision, and History
The ISS project was viewed as the creation of a space laboratory, which would enable research topics unavailable in Earth gravity. Reagan proposed the idea in 1984, though it would not come to fruition until much later. The cooperation between NASA and Roskosmos allowed the assembly of the station to begin in 1998, and it has been ongoing since then with visits by many astronauts.
Successes to Date
The ISS has allowed the performance of a considerable body of research in many fields. Niles mentions successes such as improved asthma control devices, natural hazard monitoring systems that help with forecasting, and research into new drugs. There are other achievements, and work on further research is continuously ongoing in the station. The continued expansion of the station may also be seen as a success.
Key Benefits Derived from Project Successes
The creation of new medical devices and drugs helps make the lives of people who are affected by the relevant conditions easier. The tracking systems installed on the ISS help predict natural disasters, track ships, and save catastrophe survivors, according to Niles. Lastly, the station holds considerable educational value, and numerous initiatives take advantage of this quality to teach and inspire students through direct contact.
Failures to Date and Their Causes
Most of the failures of the ISS have been related to technical issues, as it is delivering on its promises of advancing research. Rhian mentions a number of breakdowns, highlighting a power issue, two leaks, a computer issue, and a damaged cooling panel. There have also been several failed attempts to launch parts or supplies to the ISS, though they did not impair its functionality.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Forecast for Completion of the ISS Project
It is estimated that the ISS Project will complete its mission and cease functioning by the year 2030. By that time, a new station will likely be ready or under construction, and humanity’s space research will continue. The components of the ISS will then be disposed of in a manner their owner countries prefer, such as an orbital burn or refurbishment and reuse.
Why This Forecast?
2030 is the designated time when the project is supposed to end, and most components were likely designed around this date. Most of the issues observed at the station have been somewhat minor, suggesting that its parts are reliable and likely can continue working until the end of their planned lifespan. However, they are still becoming worn out with time and will fail if overused.
Recommendations to Top ISS Management
The primary recommendation is to continue operating on schedule, adhering to the plan for the astronaut visits and expansions. The management should oversee the workings of the project without significant interventions aside from ones intended to correct any deviations. The administration should also begin considering plans for a replacement station in a practical light, determining the necessary finances and time constraints and potentially starting work.
Why These Recommendations?
The ISS project has mostly been successful, leading to many positive outcomes for humanity and expanding our knowledge. It appears that it will be able to complete its mission by adhering to the existing schedule, and therefore, changes are unnecessary. The management’s role is to ensure the smooth operation of existing mechanisms and ensure that humanity’s presence in space does not end with the ISS.
Conclusion
The International Space Station is a successful project that has achieved its goals with minimal difficulty and concerns. It should be able to reach the end of its planned lifespan safely and be appropriately removed from orbit afterward. As such, management should guarantee that the station can operate smoothly for the next 11 years and create a replacement that can continue its work after that.
Works Cited
Niles, Laura. “Space Station’s Continued Accomplishments Benefit Humanity.” National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 2019. Web.
Reagan, Ronald Wilson. “President Reagan’s Statement on the International Space Station.” National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Web.
Rhian, Jason. “ISS Encounters Power Failure, Can’t Be Fixed until 2016.” Space Flight Insider. 2015. Web.