Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31016: Chasing Microgravity: How Scientists Track Disruptions on the ISS

Microgravity is one of the most valuable and unique features of the International Space Station (ISS), enabling a wide range of scientific discoveries that simply aren't possible on Earth. But microgravity isn’t always perfect. Minor disturbances—from astronaut movements to equipment operations—can disrupt this delicate environment. That’s where the experiment led by Anatoli Likhoded of the Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TSNIIMASH) comes in.

This long-running study, spanning dozens of expeditions, aims to pinpoint and understand what causes disruptions in microgravity aboard the ISS. It's not just about finding the culprits—it’s about understanding the dynamics so that experiments dependent on stable microgravity can be designed more effectively.

Over the course of the ISS program, every movement—be it a fan turning on, a toilet flushing, or a crew member drifting from one module to another—can slightly disturb the weightlessness environment. These changes, often measured in micro-Gs (millionths of Earth's gravity), can affect sensitive scientific equipment and skew results. This is especially critical for physics and biology experiments that rely on undisturbed microgravity conditions.

Through detailed monitoring, the research team uses accelerometers and onboard sensors to record every vibration and shift. The collected data provides a “disturbance map” that helps mission planners and researchers understand which areas and activities generate the most interference. This allows scientists to optimize the scheduling and placement of experiments.

Why does this matter? The ISS isn’t just a laboratory; it’s a living, working spacecraft. Balancing daily life with delicate science is complex. By identifying patterns of disturbance, this research helps ensure that cutting-edge studies—like protein crystal growth or fluid dynamics—are conducted in the most stable conditions possible.

Over time, this work has influenced ISS operations, leading to better isolation of sensitive experiments, revised maintenance schedules, and even design improvements for future space stations. It has laid the groundwork for managing microgravity environments on upcoming platforms like the Lunar Gateway or commercial space labs.

This study reminds us that even in space, where astronauts seem to float effortlessly, physics is still at play. Every ripple in the stillness counts—and understanding those ripples brings us one step closer to mastering space as a research environment.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.