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Video: Take An Extensive Tour Of The International Space Station
Since it first launched back in 1998, the International Space Station has served as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between nations. In its early days the ISS was little more than a crew cabin with some rudimentary flight controls and enough life support to facilitate brief stays. But over the years new modules have been added, along with a very large array of solar panels that help keep the station powered. Today it has evolved into a research station like no other, housing up to six crew members for weeks at a time.Recently astronaut Sunita Williams served as commander for the space station and before her return to Earth, she shot this excellent video that makes for a great tour of the orbiting laboratory. Throughout the 25-minute film Williams provides running commentary as she drifts through each of the modules, giving us a glimpse of a place that many of us have dreamed of visiting for ourselves.
This is probably as close as most of us will ever come to setting foot on the ISS.
[Photo credit: NASA]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike Gibson Nov 24th 2012 11:47AM
Dear Sunita Williams. Thank you for a very informative video tour and description of the ISS. I found it quite fascinating and enjoyable to view. I hope this opens up the eyes of young folks interested in possibly entering space exploration to boost their desires. Its so wonderful to see both men and women in a venture that was, sadly, only open to a select few men. In my lifetime I have seen advances and setbacks, but with knowledge, we can overcome our narrowmindedness of certain avenues and open up to what the universe has to offer. Back in 1978, I touched the sky by experiencing my first solo flight and to date, nothing has come close to such a thrill. In 2005 saw my first SCUBA certification which also opened up a fabulous new world. Life has so much to offer and it can only be achieved through an open mind. All the best to you and future explorers!
Mike Gibson-current fire academy instructor-NJ
EdInvests Nov 24th 2012 6:21PM
Thank You to everyone involved in making and bringing this video to us! My first impression was how athletic Sunita was in controling herself in the cramped, weightless area. She seemed quite as comfortable as a fish in a reef. My other surprise was how cluttered things are when square inches cost a fortune. I am so glad that I got to view the tour. So few are able to go and it gives a realistic tour that almost makes me think I was there. Great job!
Al Schrader Nov 25th 2012 10:58AM
I saw the video on BCC Tv (a more prestigious school than MIT or Harvard).
Was very well presented and narrated even with the "Frankenstein" hair.
Rick Dec 3rd 2012 1:59AM
Fascinating! Excellent "tour". Do you have to take a shower? Or laundry? Most women wouldn't do this because there would not be any "good-hair" days. Oh yeah, does your hair get tangled into anything?
Thanks for the video!
Steve Menyhar Jan 8th 2013 1:21PM
That was very interesting. What a complex vehicle. It was strange to have no 'up' or down', but she mentioned right and left. I wonder why long haired astronauts do not have to wear hair nets or use hair gel to prevent hair from sticking out all over the place. The exercise equipment looked like a highly engineered piece - probably super expensive. Overall the space station looked kind or roomy except for the sleeping accommodations. But even that space was highly though out for the sake of utility. I cannot imagine sleeping with no 'down' and just floating around. I wonder if you get the need to turn over, since there probably is no 'over.' All directions are the same. So you do not "lay down" to sleep.