The International Space Station Archaeological Project (ISSAP) is an innovative research initiative seeking to understand the cultural, social, and material aspects of life aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Led by Dr. Justin Walsh of Chapman University and Dr. Alice Gorman of Flinders University, ISSAP represents the first ever archaeological study conducted in space.
Continuously occupied since November 2000, the ISS serves as an extraordinary record of human adaptation to space. Over its 20+ years of operation, the station has hosted crews from 19 different countries working together across 5 international space agencies on one of humanity’s largest and most complex projects ever undertaken.
By taking an archaeological perspective focused on how crew members interact with the spaces and objects around them, the ISSAP team aims to uncover new insights about patterns of behavior, gender roles, conflict and cooperation, and the effects of microgravity on social structures. Their research has implications for future mission planning, space habitat design, and even analogous situations on Earth like Antarctic research stations.
Methods
Since the researchers cannot physically access the ISS to directly observe its occupants, ISSAP relies on studying historical photographs and images showing life aboard the station. Over 358 photos were collected documenting 5 specific meter-square archaeological “test sites” aboard the ISS, which were marked off by the crew and photographed daily at the same time over a period. This allows the team to analyze how usage of these spaces changes over time.
The researchers treat the images as archaeological archives, digitally “excavating” them to catalog objects, built environments, and crew activities visible in the scenes. As Dr. Walsh notes, “Space archaeology seemed like something that was more theoretical than practical for a long time. And then I realized that the astronauts on the ISS have been taking pictures for decades and there are more photos of the space station than any other previous space habitat.”
Findings
So far, analysis of the images has uncovered intriguing insights about how astronauts adapt spaces and objects to suit their needs. For example, makeshift “hack solutions” were frequently observed, with duct tape, binder clips, and velcro strips creatively employed to customize items in microgravity. The team also documented gendered differences in living quarters decor, variations in leisure activities across nationalities, and adaptations of ISS modules for exercise, hygiene, and religious rituals.
These rich cultural details in the “mini world” of the ISS reflect and inform broader social dynamics of life in confinement for groups undertaking dangerous missions in extreme environments. As such, the research has clear applications for improving future space habitats as well as analogous sites on Earth.
Impact
Since its inception, ISSAP’s groundbreaking work has received global attention and accolades. Their research has been covered by major media outlets like CNN, NPR, Scientific American, and Popular Science while receiving praise and awards from professional academic organizations.
The team has directly worked with NASA and current ISS crew members to conduct their archaeological test site photography and experiments. Astronaut Kayla Barron personally helped set up the first on-orbit archaeological squares in January 2022, marking an expansion of the field into the space domain.
Looking Ahead
The ISS will be deorbited in the 2030 timeframe – ISSAP provides a critical record of humanity’s first permanent foothold in space. But the researchers also hope their work can help shape future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Findings about crew adaptation and culture as well as improved methodologies for studying habitats remotely could aid designers and planners of long-duration exploration vehicles and surface settlements.