The structure of the International Space Station relies heavily on a series of trusses engineered to withstand compression, tension, torsion and shear forces the station may encounter in low-Earth orbit.
The International Space Station’s integrated truss structure
acts as a backbone. The truss supports the solar arrays and
radiators. The solar arrays provide electrical power for the space
station, and the radiators help remove heat that accumulates.
The integrated truss structure contains 10 segments which
supports 16 solar array panels. The total length of the integrated
structure is equal to the length of a football feld, including the
end zones.
The truss structures are made of triangle shapes for strength.
They are covered in panels to shield the utility cables from
impacts with space debris, radiation from the Sun and the
harmful environment of space. In addition, the integrated truss
segment has a rail cart called the mobile transporter. The cart
can act as a base for moving the robotic arm.
The truss is designed and engineered to support the station’s
large mass. Even though the space station operates in
the microgravity of space, it is still designed to withstand
compression, tension, torsion and shear forces acting upon it.
In this lesson, student teams will explore how different shapes
hold up to forces. Using their knowledge, they will build models
of a truss structure and test their designs by adding weights.
Grade Level: 6-8
Time Required: 50 minutes
Next Generation Science Standards:
MS-ETS1-4
Engineering Design: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
