Space Station Archaeology: A Stellar New Frontier
The word "archaeology" conjures up images of dusty tombs, ancient artifacts, and daring expeditions. But what if we told you that archaeology can now be conducted in the vacuum of space? This is precisely the groundbreaking endeavor of the Sampling Quadrangle Assemblages Research Experiment (SQuARE), a unique archaeological survey taking place on the International Space Station (ISS), orbiting Earth 254 miles (408 km) above us.
A New Frontier for Archaeology:
The SQuARE project, published in PLOS One, challenges our understanding of archaeological research. Instead of excavating ancient civilizations, it delves into the everyday lives and space utilization of astronauts aboard the ISS. This novel approach examines how human behavior shapes the environment within a confined, technologically advanced structure like the ISS, generating valuable insights for future space habitats.
Beyond the Photos: A View from Within
The project began in 2015, initially relying on archival imagery to understand how ISS space was used. While this offered a glimpse, it presented a limited perspective. "The historic photos showed something different because nobody had ever bothered to take a photo of the workstation when there wasn’t someone using it," explained Justin Walsh, an archaeologist at Chapman University and the project’s leader. This highlighted the importance of experiencing space usage firsthand, rather than relying solely on documentation.
SQuARE Unveils Unexpected Patterns
To overcome these limitations, the SQuARE team embarked on a 60-day survey of six designated areas on the ISS. Their initial findings, published in two of these areas, reveal intriguing patterns:
Space utilization diverges from intended purpose: A designated maintenance area, expected to be bustling with activity, was largely used for storage. "It was actually a storage area, like the pegboard in your garage or garden shed," said Walsh. "The tremendous amount of Velcro in this location made it possible." This challenges the notion that spaces solely serve their intended purpose, showcasing the human tendency to adapt spaces to fit their daily needs.
- Unexpected spaces become essential: A seemingly insignificant wall near the latrine and exercise area, became a vital personal space for one astronaut, used for storing toiletries. This exemplifies how astronauts creatively utilize space within the confines of the ISS, highlighting the need for personal spaces in future missions.
Learning from Orbit: Lessons for the Future
SQuARE’s findings offer valuable insights for designing future space habitats:
Understanding Unanticipated Usage: SQuARE demonstrates the constant evolution of spaces, how intended uses can shift, and how unforeseen spaces become essential for astronauts’ well-being.
Importance of Personal Space: The study underscores the importance of providing sufficient personal spaces within future space habitats. This is crucial for ensuring astronauts’ comfort and mental well-being during prolonged missions.
- Adaptability is Key: SQuARE emphasizes the need for flexibility in future space habitat design. Architects must anticipate and accommodate the dynamic needs of astronauts, allowing for personalized adaptations and evolving usage patterns.
A Legacy in Orbit: Looking Ahead
SQuARE marks a pivotal moment in space exploration, showcasing the potential of archaeology beyond Earth. The findings offer a unique perspective on human behavior in space, providing crucial data for future missions.
The ISS holds a special place in space exploration—a testament to international collaboration and scientific ingenuity. However, its retirement in 2030 marks a significant transition. While the ISS will eventually become a relic, its legacy will continue to influence future space exploration.
This is where SQuARE’s contribution becomes even more critical. Its findings offer valuable lessons for future space habitats, and guide future missions like the Lunar Gateway, a planned lunar space station, which aims to establish a semi-permanent human presence on the Moon.
The archaeological work on the ISS will soon transition into more traditional archaeology, delving into the history of this groundbreaking structure. As we move forward, SQuARE’s insights will play a vital role in shaping the future of human exploration in space.
In Conclusion:
Space Station Archaeology, as exemplified by SQuARE, represents a groundbreaking shift in archaeological research. It underscores the importance of understanding how humans adapt to and shape their environment, even within the extraordinary context of space. This interdisciplinary approach not only provides valuable insights for future space habitat design but also highlights the enduring human drive to explore and adapt, even in the extreme and unforgiving vastness of space.
