Oct 2001

About a year ago, the International Space Station (ISS) took aboard the Expedition One crew, marking the start of permanent occupation of mankind's only space outpost. Since then the structure has had its first birthday and grown somewhat; the world underneath it underwent one or two changes that we could have gone without. Some say that the station is a waste of resources, end of story. Some say that it is not an efficient way of doing science. The crew is limited to three and can't do a lot of the scientific work that was originally schedules due to cutbacks that stop more people being onboard. They have to spend the majority of their time doing maintenance, not science. But the station does more than science; it inspires, both those in it, and those on the ground. Those up there look down at this pretty blue marble that doesn't have convenient lines drawn on it to divide it up. They see only a single, fragile planet that deserves better. Those of us looking up realise that mankind is capable of much more than blowing each other apart if we can only put our minds to it.

Some parts of the ISS have had a hard time before they even got up there. Spacehab are having problems finding money for the Enterprise module, for instance. But it has acquired an airlock, more solar panels, a laboratory and an arm to assemble new bits with - 80 tonnes of equipment in all. Still to come in 2004 is Japan's module, Kibo, which means 'hope' in Japanese. A three-part experimental module with its own 10 metre long robotic arm, it should be delivered to the Kenedy Space Center for launch later next year.

The Japanese also have a connection to the current resupply flight, consisting of French cosmonaut Claudie Haigner and two Russians. They will be assisting with the first commercial filmed on the ISS, one for Pocari 'Sweat'. This is a popular Japanese energy drink, obviously not aimed at the English-speaking western market!

Finally, rumours are circulating that China, on the verge of testing its third Shenzhou capsule (seen here courtesy of Xi Danglong, Xinhua and AP), is possibly aiming for the International Space Station. The craft is very similar to the Russian Soyuz and allegedly has a compatible docking port. With America and Russia both having budgetary problems, China's enthusiastic entry into the fray may benefit all parties. Russia has been making noises about more Russian-Chinese space co-operation and even the European Space Agency is in favour. Lets hope some folks can get along.

This edition is also on the web, just point your web browser to http://olliver.family.gen.nz.   vik@olliver.family.gen.nz

"Space isn't remote at all. It's only an hour's drive away if your car could go straight upwards."
- Fred Hoyle
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