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Glossary term: Station spatiale

Description: Une station spatiale est un vaisseau spatial en orbite pour une période de temps conséquente qui fournit un habitat à long terme pour les humains dans l'espace. Plus précisément, elle offre des conditions de vie adéquates, de l'air respirable à une température ajustée. Jusqu'à présent, toutes les stations spatiales dépendent de livraisons régulières de nourriture et d'eau. Elles sont ou ont été en orbite terrestre basse, la Station spatiale internationale orbitant, par exemple, à environ 420 kilomètres d'altitude. Une station en orbite est en chute libre, les astronautes, les équipements et la station spatiale subissant tous la même accélération due à la gravité terrestre. Comme les astronautes et l'équipement intérieur de la station spatiale accélèrent à la même vitesse et dans la même direction que leur environnement dans la station spatiale, ils éprouvent la sensation d'apesanteur, même s'ils ne sont pas réellement en apesanteur. Cette sensation est souvent appelée microgravité, bien que ce nom puisse prêter à confusion car l'attraction terrestre reste importante sur la station spatiale, les astronautes et l'équipement. Les stations spatiales sont principalement utilisées pour la recherche, notamment sur les effets de la microgravité sur les êtres humains, une préparation importante pour les étapes suivantes de l'exploration spatiale.

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Term and definition status: The original definition of this term in English have been approved by a research astronomer and a teacher
The translation of this term and its definition is still awaiting approval

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Related Media


International Space Station

Station spatiale internationale

Caption: La station spatiale internationale (ISS) est en orbite autour de la Terre. Différents équipages composés de personnel de nombreux pays y travaillent en permanence depuis 2000. L'ISS est un laboratoire qui offre un environnement de microgravité pour des expériences dans les domaines de l'ingénierie, de la science et de la médecine. L'ensemble de la structure mesure plus de 100 mètres de long et vole à une altitude d'environ 400 kilomètres au-dessus du sol.
Credit: NASA credit link

License: PD Public Domain icons


A cartoon showing an astronaut some foodstuffs used in space and information on how they are prepared in Arabic

What and How Do Astronauts Eat in Space?

Caption: Part of the Simplifying Astronomy for Arabic Speakers project, this infographic explains how astronauts eat in space and the special requirements for their meals. How Do Astronauts Eat in Space? In microgravity, traditional meals don’t work. Food must be specially prepared to stay edible, easy to consume, and free from floating crumbs that could damage equipment. Instead of plates and cutlery, astronauts eat from sealed packages using special utensils. Key Characteristics of Space Food ✔ Tasty & Varied – To keep astronauts satisfied. ✔ Compact & Lightweight – Saves storage space and reduces payload weight. ✔ Mess-Free – No crumbs that could float and cause issues. ✔ Long Shelf Life – Must last for extended missions. Types of Food in Space 1. Fresh Food – Fruits & vegetables (eaten quickly). 2. Natural Food – Nuts, dried fruits. 3. Freeze-Dried – Rehydrated before eating. 4. Oil-Coated – Helps preserve freshness. 5. Dehydrated – Water is removed, then re-added. 6. Thermostabilized – Packaged for long-term use. How Astronauts Prepare Food 1. Rehydration – Adding hot water to dried meals. 2. Heating – Using small ISS ovens. 3. Careful Opening – Prevents food from floating away. Space Food Menu on the ISS Steak – High-protein for muscle maintenance. Scrambled Eggs – Nutritious and easy to prepare. Juices – Sealed to prevent floating. Chocolate Pudding – A favorite treat. Tortillas – Preferred over bread to avoid crumbs. Who Prepares Space Food? Food scientists design and test meals on Earth to meet safety and nutrition standards before they are sent on missions. Final Thoughts Eating in space is a challenge, but innovative food technology keeps astronauts healthy and energized. Every meal is carefully planned to support long-duration space exploration!
Credit: Ali Al-Edhari

License: CC-BY-4.0 Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) icons

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