Did you know that researchers from over 100 countries have conducted a staggering 3,000 experiments on the International Space Station (ISS)? If not, now you do!
But that’s not all. You can delve even deeper into this fascinating information with the Space Station Research Xplorer App. This app is packed with current and essential information about the experiments conducted on the ISS and the benefits of their results for those interested in space exploration.
In this article, you’ll learn how to use the Space Station Research Xplorer app to gain knowledge about the ISS and its experiments, making your space enthusiasm even more delicious.
What is the ISS?
The International Space Station (ISS) is an awe-inspiring achievement of human engineering and collaboration, orbiting Earth as the largest space station. It was launched on November 20th, 1998, by an international consortium of space organizations, including NASA, JAXA, Roscosmos, ESA, and CSA. With a weight of nearly one million pounds and a size equivalent to that of a football field, the ISS serves as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of humanity.
The ISS is a true culinary masterpiece of science and engineering. As NASA explains, it serves as a gastronomic laboratory in the skies, where researchers reside to savor the mysteries of space and conduct experiments to unravel the complexities of space travel. It’s also an ideal base camp for culinary explorations to the far reaches of the cosmos.
Through the ISS, scientists have made significant advancements in astro-culinary, bio-gastronomy, and robotic culinary engineering, to name a few. The research results have greatly enhanced the culinary experience for both spacefarers and Earthlings alike.
What Is the Space Station Research Xplorer App?
The Space Station research Xplorer app (SSRX app) is a great way to learn about the ISS and the groundbreaking experiments conducted there. Developed by NASA and released in October 2014, this educational tool allows you to explore the ISS right from your phone virtually. It’s like a portal to the ISS, giving you a glimpse into cutting-edge research on the station without the need to leave Earth.
You can unlock a culinary journey with the app, boasting six sections. Upon opening, you’ll be greeted with a beautifully designed cyclical slider, allowing you to explore each section with a simple and seamless swipe. Here are the six sections:
Experiment Section
In the experiment section of the app, you’ll find information on the groundbreaking research conducted aboard the space station. The experiments are organized into six fascinating categories, making it easy to dive into the topics that interest you most.
- Biology and biotechnology
- Earth and space science
- Educational and cultural activities
- Human research
- Physical science
- Technology development and demonstration
The app makes it easy to navigate and explore the wide range of experiments conducted on the space station. Each category is represented by a circle, with dots connecting to the circle representing individual experiments.
The length of the stem connecting the dot to the circle signifies the duration of the experiment. To help you find the experiments that interest you most, the app includes a powerful search tool and a convenient dial tab.
Simply spin the tab to filter experiments by expedition or sponsor, and you’ll be on your way to discovering some genuinely amazing research in no time! And don’t forget, the longer the stem, the longer the experiments, which makes it more delicious to explore.
Facilities Section
In the facilities section of the app, you’ll discover all the amazing resources available on the space station. The facilities are divided into six categories, including multipurpose, physical science, human research, and more.
The section provides an overview of the different areas of the ISS where research is conducted, including the Destiny laboratory, the Columbus laboratory, and the Japanese Experiment Module. Users can learn about the specific capabilities and equipment available in each facility.
To explore these categories, simply drag the round slider and click on the one that piques your interest. Each category bursts open with intriguing information that satisfies your curiosity and makes you crave more. So, go ahead and dig in – the possibilities are endless.
Lab Tour Section
The lab tour section helps you explore the station’s three modules and seven external facilities in stunning 3-D detail. It offers a virtual tour of the ISS, allowing users to explore the different modules and research areas of the station.
This section includes high-resolution images and videos that showcase the unique environment of the ISS. Simply click on any part of the station, such as the Kibo module, and you’ll be able to manipulate the image with the ability to drag and zoom for a closer look.
Not only will you be able to view the facilities from different perspectives, but you’ll also have access to mini-descriptions and essential information about each module, facility, and ongoing experiment. So sit back, relax, and let the app take you on an out-of-this-world journey through the ISS.
Benefits Section
The benefits section of the app highlights the many benefits that the ISS provides for research and scientific advancement. These benefits include the ability to conduct research in microgravity, the ability to test new technologies in space, and the ability to study the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body.
Discover the numerous advantages of research conducted on the International Space Station (ISS) by exploring this section. Organized into ten easy-to-navigate subsections, you’ll find informative articles and captivating videos that highlight the invaluable contributions the ISS makes to humanity. Please note that you’ll need an internet connection to access these resources.
Media Section
The media provides information about the ISS from the perspective of scientists and astronauts. Users can watch videos of scientists explaining their research and astronauts giving tours of the ISS. They can also see images of the station and the experiments being conducted on it. Besides, the section includes a collection of news articles that cover the latest findings and discoveries made on the ISS.
So, indulge in a vast array of multimedia delights that offer a glimpse into the inner workings of the International Space Station. The app’s selection includes a mouth-watering spread of books, videos, podcasts, images, and social media accounts that will satiate your curiosity and leave you wanting more.
Link Section
The link section provides quick access to NASA’s website, as well as to other relevant websites, such as the NASA Space Research website and the NASA Space Station website. These links offer additional information about the ISS and the research conducted on it, including detailed descriptions of the various experiments being conducted. They also include access to data and results from past and current research.
Additionally, the link section also includes social media links, which allow users to stay up-to-date on the latest news and discoveries from the ISS and space research. Thus, they serve as an extension of the information in the media section. Together, the media and links provide a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
How to Download the Space Station Research Xplorer App
The app is free for download on iOS and Android phones through App Store or Google Play. You can follow the steps below to download the app on your Android phone.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your phone.
- Tap the search icon in the top right corner of the screen.
- Type “Space Station Research Xplorer” into the search bar and click on the search button.
- You will see the app in the search results. Select the app to open its page.
- Click on the “Install” button to download the app.
- You can open and use the app once the download is completed.
For iOS phones, you can follow the steps below to download the app;
- Open the App Store app on your iPhone.
- Tap the search icon that’s in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Type out “Space Station Research Xplorer” and select the search button.
- Once you see the app in the search results, select it to open its page.
- Click on the “Get” tab to download the app.
- Confirm the download with your Apple ID password or fingerprint.
- The app will automatically install itself on your phone once the download is complete.
To ensure a seamless launch on your device, you will need to grant permission to access your phone’s storage and network usage. While you won’t need internet access to enjoy most of the app’s features, you will need it for some external videos and article links.
NASA’s Space Station Research Xplorer App
The Space Station Research Xplorer app is a mouth-watering, interactive and fun way to explore the world of space for STEM students and space enthusiasts. The app’s sleek and user-friendly design makes it easy to navigate, even for those with little to no knowledge of space travel.
As a cherry on top, the app features scrumptious infographics, filled with compelling facts and tips about the International Space Station, that appear while pages are loading. It’s a delicious way to learn and stay informed and up-to-date on all of NASA’s public findings and research aboard the International Space Station.
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