Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32427: Keeping Spacecraft in Shape: The Structural Health Monitoring System on the ISS

In space, a small crack or structural defect can quickly escalate into a major hazard. To ensure the safety and longevity of spacecraft, engineers need tools that can detect and monitor structural issues in real time. That’s the goal of the STP-H5 Structural Health Monitoring experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), led by principal investigator Derek Doyle from the Air Force Research Laboratory.

This project explores advanced methods for detecting vibrations, stress, impacts, and other signs of structural degradation in space vehicles. By embedding sensors into spacecraft materials or attaching them to key structures, the system can monitor their health over time. These sensors are designed to operate in the extreme conditions of space, including temperature swings, microgravity, and radiation.

On Earth, structural health monitoring is already used in bridges, aircraft, and skyscrapers. Translating this technology into space brings additional challenges—but also immense benefits. Real-time data from the sensors help mission planners and engineers detect potential failures early, avoiding catastrophic breakdowns. In space missions, especially those far from Earth, early warning systems are essential.

One of the key innovations tested in this experiment is the use of acoustic emission sensors. These sensors pick up tiny vibrations or ‘acoustic signals’ generated by stress within the material—much like how a doctor listens to your heartbeat to diagnose internal health. By interpreting these signals, engineers can identify stress hotspots or emerging cracks before they become visible or severe.

The technology tested on the ISS could be vital for future space stations, lunar habitats, and deep-space spacecraft. It could also support commercial space stations and even space tourism ventures, where long-term structural integrity is paramount.

In educational contexts, this experiment introduces students to topics like materials science, aerospace engineering, and sensor technology. It illustrates how engineering solutions are adapted for unique environments and how predictive maintenance works in space. Students might even explore how data analytics and machine learning could enhance sensor interpretation.

Ultimately, the STP-H5 Structural Health Monitoring system brings proactive safety to the frontlines of space exploration. By helping spacecraft ‘listen to their own bodies,’ we’re making long-term missions safer, more reliable, and better equipped to explore the unknown.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in 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.