Category 2

International Space Station (ISS)

The ISS is a multi-national collaborative project with various space agencies, including NASA, Roscosmos, and ESA, built for scientific research and international cooperation. It orbits the Earth at an altitude of about 400 km and serves as a laboratory for experiments in microgravity, technology demonstrations, and international partnerships.

NASA

Founded in 1958, NASA conducts space missions, scientific research, and develops technology to further human space exploration. Apart from the ISS, NASA's major projects include the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon and the Mars exploration missions.

Deorbit Vehicle

Developed by SpaceX, the Deorbit Vehicle is designed to ensure the ISS's controlled descent to prevent uncontrolled re-entry and potential hazards. This vehicle will guide the station into a safe crash site in the ocean, maintaining safety for populated areas.

Low-Earth Orbit

This orbit is vital for various satellite operations and is commonly used by telecommunications, Earth observation, and weather satellites. The ISS operates in low-Earth orbit, facilitating easy access for resupply missions and astronaut travel.

Axiom Space

Axiom Space plans to build the world's first commercial space station. This station will support research, manufacturing, and provide platforms for astronauts. Axiom aims to ensure a seamless transition from the ISS to its own facility.

Commercial Space Stations

These private space stations represent a new era in space utilization, enabling scientific research, tourism, and manufacturing beyond Earth. Companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX are investing in this field to support independent operations in low-Earth orbit.

Deep Space Exploration

This encompasses missions designed to explore beyond the Moon, focusing on astrobiology, planetary protection, and human habitation of other worlds. NASA's Artemis and Mars missions are prime examples aimed at understanding space and potential human life.

Microgravity Research

Microgravity offers unique conditions for research that cannot be duplicated on Earth, such as studying the effects of zero gravity on biological organisms, which is essential for long-term space missions and potential human settlements on Mars.

Inflatable Module

Inflatable modules, like the BEAM (Bigelow Expandable Activity Module), offer benefits of reduced launch volume and increased habitable volume post-deployment, expanding the possibilities for space habitats.

Artificial Gravity

By spinning space habitats, artificial gravity could simulate Earth-like conditions to maintain astronauts' health, addressing issues such as muscle atrophy and bone density loss during long missions.

Space Debris

With thousands of pieces of space debris orbiting Earth, they pose threats to operational satellites and the ISS. Ongoing research and development focus on tracking debris and designing active debris removal systems.

NATO Space Policy

This policy aims to enhance NATO’s capabilities in space by emphasizing cooperation among member states. Key clauses include enhancing collective defense in space, promoting actions to counter space threats, and fostering partnerships in space technology development.

Outer Space Treaty

Signed in 1967, this treaty establishes guidelines for the peaceful use of outer space, including clauses prohibiting the militarization of space and defining space as a province of all humankind.

Space Force

The U.S. Space Force is tasked with organizing, training, and equipping military personnel for space operations. It aims to protect U.S. interests in space, deter adversaries, and ensure freedom of maneuver in the orbital domain.

Commercial Partnerships in Space

These partnerships combine government and private sector resources to develop technologies that support space exploration. Examples include NASA working with SpaceX and Boeing for crew and cargo missions to the ISS.

Space Situational Awareness

This refers to the ability to detect and track objects in space, ensuring safe space operations. It involves monitoring threats, including space debris and hostile activities in the orbital environment.

Space Propulsion Laboratory

MIT's Space Propulsion Laboratory is known for innovate propulsion systems that have applications in both manned and unmanned missions, focusing on improving efficiency and capabilities of future space vehicles.

Space-Based Capabilities

These systems are essential for national security, economic benefits, and scientific advancement, including satellite communications, GPS, and climate monitoring, all aided by technology operating in space.

Orbital Debris Mitigation

This involves strategies and practices aimed at reducing the amount of space debris generated through responsible satellite design, end-of-life disposal plans, and international collaboration to track and manage debris.