That tiny cross zipping across your screen? It’s traveling at 1:153,543 the speed of the International Space Station (ISS). Wrap your mind around that for a second. The cross moves 20 inches in about 10 seconds, while the ISS races around Earth at an astonishing 28,000 km/h, completing one orbit in just 90 minutes.

The Speed of the ISS: A Cosmic Marvel

The ISS is not just an orbital laboratory; it’s also one of the fastest objects built by humanity. Moving at 28,000 km/h (7.8 km/s), it’s so fast that it experiences 16 sunrises and sunsets every single day. That’s the kind of speed that keeps it in perfect orbit around Earth—a delicate balance between Earth’s gravity and its incredible velocity.

Why the ISS Needs Such Speed

The ISS’s high speed ensures it remains in a constant state of free fall around Earth, never “falling back” or escaping into space. If it slowed down, gravity would pull it back to Earth. If it sped up, it would break free into the vastness of space. This precise speed is what keeps the astronauts aboard experiencing microgravity and floating around.

Life Aboard the ISS

While the speed is breathtaking, what happens inside the ISS is equally fascinating. Since 2000, it has been a hub of groundbreaking science and international collaboration. Operated by NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada), it’s been continuously inhabited and hosts experiments that are impossible to conduct on Earth.

Some activities aboard the ISS include:

• Studying the effects of microgravity on human physiology, such as bone density and muscle loss, to prepare for longer missions.

• Developing new materials and technologies, including experiments that advance medical research.

• Observing Earth from above, monitoring environmental changes, and studying cosmic phenomena from a unique vantage point.

The ISS isn’t just a spacecraft—it’s a laboratory, a home, and a symbol of humanity’s shared quest to push the boundaries of science and exploration.

India’s Leap Toward the ISS

India is poised to take a giant step in its space journey. In an exciting collaboration with the United States, Indian astronauts—referred to as "Gaganyatris"—will soon board the ISS to conduct research. This milestone marks India’s first human presence in the orbiting laboratory and solidifies its growing influence in global space exploration.

Why the ISS Matters

The ISS is much more than a high-speed spacecraft. It’s a testament to international unity, scientific ambition, and engineering brilliance. The research conducted aboard the ISS is vital for future missions to Mars, deep-space exploration, and solving problems here on Earth, from climate change to medical advancements.

Fun Fact

The ISS is so fast that it could travel from Vyom 1972’s dark site to any location on Earth in under 90 minutes. That’s faster than most commutes or delivery orders! 🚀

So, next time you watch that cross move across your screen, know it’s a small tribute to the astronomical speed and ingenuity that makes the ISS a marvel in the sky.