I came across an online article about "the International Space Station(ISS) deterioration" and would like to share some of interesting points here. The first module was launched in 1998, so the ISS is well over 28 years old at this point. It is the biggest space construction in human history that NASA, JAXA, ESA, Roscosmos and CSA have joined. It plans to shut down operations in January, 2030 and drop into Pacific Ocean. The biggest problem in the deterioration is a crack on the service module. It reported "air leak" in 2019 and the leak increased in 2021. NASA and Roscosmos dealt with it by filling those leaks with resin, but they still haven't found solutions. On top of that, other tiny cracks have been found in 2022 to 2024 and seem impossible to fix completely. The solar battery arrays, which provide ISS with power, has been running much longer the original designed lifespan. The output efficiency dropped by 60 to 70% compared to the design. NASA installed the new "Roll-Out Solar Arrays(iROSA) to increase power generation ability of about 20 kilo watt, but this is just a quick fix. The ISS also has many other issue with thermal insulation, plumbing and so on. As for the successor model for ISS, NASA won't construct or have it on their own in the future. Instead, they pivoted to purchasing service provided as one of customers for orbit platform run by private companies. Private providers take care of design, construction, launch and operation for space station. NASA will join the system that buy astronaut's stay time, research and technology verification service. In my opinion, various cost also can go down as those kind of private companies such as space-X increase. That's why I expect people go on a space trip with affordable price one day.

I’m heading to my part-time job now. It ends around 10:00 p.m., but after that I have to work on my college assignments. I’m really dreading it. I almost want to blame my past self for not getting them done. But I’m glad that tomorrow’s classes don’t start until the second period, so I’ll have a little more time. I’m looking forward to hanging out with my friends after class tomorrow. We haven’t decided what to do yet, so I’m going to try to figure that out today. I have a lot to do today, but I’m going to do my best.

Bonjour french learners, here is a Quick quiz !!!

Phrasal verbs from A to Z #day10 - J

I was pretty tired this week, so I stayed home all day today. I was able to really take it easy and relax, and I feel refreshed now. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be back to a busy schedule of part-time work and college, so I’m going to refocus and give it my all. I have a part-time shift starting at noon tomorrow, so I plan to work out at the gym before heading in. Since tomorrow is the middle of a three-day weekend, I expect a lot of customers, so I’m going to do my best. I’ve let my college assignments pile up a bit, so I plan to get those done as well.

Today, I went to Hottarakashi Onsen with my coworkers. There were fifteen of us. Everyone gets along well, from high school students to full-time employees. We left after our part-time jobs and ate ramen on the way. Then, we drove to Yamanashi Prefecture to see the sunrise. Many things happened during the trip, but everything was so much fun. After enjoying the hot springs, we visited a famous pond. The scenery was beautiful and amazing. After that, we played volleyball together at a nearby place. I had a wonderful time with everyone. I want to go on another trip with them someday!

30-day Grammar Challenge (B2) #day26