First Archaeological Expedition Aboard the International Space Station

This study highlights a significant discrepancy between expected and actual usage, providing valuable insights for future space stations, especially considering the planned decommissioning of the ISS in 2031.

Archaeology in Space: A New Frontier

Typically associated with ancient ruins and dinosaur fossils, archaeology is proving its relevance in space. Justin St. P. Walsh, a professor of art history, archaeology, and space studies at Chapman University, has pioneered the first archaeological study aboard the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts reside.

Examining Daily Life in Space

Since 2022, a team of archaeologists has been utilizing a novel approach to study life aboard the ISS. Their method involves regular monitoring of five specific areas within the station, uncovering hidden aspects of daily life. The findings provide invaluable insights for designers of future space stations, particularly highlighting challenges related to storage and privacy.

The Reality of Life Aboard the ISS

Initial “dig” sites have exposed a chaotic layout aboard the station. Professional tasks overlap with leisure and hygiene activities, blurring the lines between different living spaces, and privacy is almost non-existent. A notable example is a wall that serves no specific purpose but is used to store everything from experimental equipment to personal belongings of astronauts.

Understanding to Enhance

This mismatch between intended and actual use aboard the ISS raises critical questions about the design of space habitats. By understanding astronauts’ daily lives and needs, future habitats can be designed for greater comfort for the next generations of space explorers. Indeed, this pioneering space archaeology study has laid the groundwork for research into how humans interact with their zero-gravity environments. With the ISS scheduled for decommissioning in 2031, the urgency of this research cannot be overstated.