By studying things in microgravity, we can learn why things behave the way they do. By using that knowledge, we can make life better on Earth. Any time we answer a question with research, we always find more questions facing us. Every bit of knowledge comes one step at a time. The station is the next step in the journey of discovery, and is a giant leap in our ability to do research in space.
Electrical power is necessary for many science experiments.
Soon the station's enormous solar arrays will supply 60 times more power than Mir. The station will also have a lot more space inside. Scientists will explore basic questions in biotechnology, biomedicine, fluid physics, biology, materials science, combustion science, fundamental physics, earth science and space science. The station will also be a springboard for further exploration of space. We will learn how the human body responds to long-term stays in space, and how to best prepare for the next major human steps into the solar system.