Space Stations
Some things can be done in space that can’t be done on Earth. For example, certain materials won’t mix on Earth because of gravity, but they will mix in space. This could make it possible to produce new kinds of metals, medicines, and other useful things in space.
So how can scientists test such materials? They can test them in a laboratory called a space station. A space station is a place where scientists and technicians can live and work in space for a long time – weeks or months. Space stations are very large. Smaller spacecraft are used to carry people between Earth and the space station. Other spacecraft are used to supply the station with food, water, equipment, and mail.
A space station orbits Earth hundreds of kilometres above Earth’s surface. It also may be used as an observatory, factory, and warehouse.
In 1975, a U.S. Apollo spacecraft linked up with a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft. For the first time, crews from two different countries worked together in space. Since then, the many countries involved in space exploration have co-operated often.
