An archaeological approach modified for space utilized daily photographs to uncover how astronauts utilize various sections of the International Space Station (ISS) and to highlight the disparities between actual and intended usage. Justin Walsh from Chapman University in California and his team shared these insights in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on August 7, 2024.
Over 270 individuals from 23 nations have traveled to the ISS over the past two decades. Interviews with crew members can shed light on how they adjust to this unique environment—characterized by isolation, confinement, and microgravity—which is quite different from the conditions in which humans have evolved. However, such interviews may miss critical information that could be uncovered through alternative methods.
To gain deeper insights into the “microsociety” of the ISS, Walsh and his colleagues initiated the International Space Station Archaeological Project. This project employs an archaeological approach to examine the materials used by the station’s crew as artifacts.
In their initial work on the ISS, the researchers modified a conventional archaeological technique known as the shovel test pit. This traditional method involves digging small holes across a site to evaluate artifact distribution before selecting areas for more detailed excavation. Instead of digging, the astronauts were tasked with documenting six specific locations around the station by taking daily photographs over a 60-day period in 2022.
The article discusses findings from the first two out of the six identified locations: one for equipment upkeep and the other situated near the restroom and exercise area. By analyzing the photos taken in these spots through a new open-source image analysis tool created by the research team, they identified 5,438 instances of “artifacts” used for various functions, such as writing instruments, sticky notes, and an augmented reality headset.
When they compared the photographs with reports detailing astronaut activities, the researchers discovered that the space near the exercise equipment and restroom, although not assigned a specific purpose, had been utilized for storing toiletries, resealable bags, as well as a seldom-used computer. In the area designated for equipment maintenance, the primary use was for storage, with maintenance tasks being infrequently conducted.
The results showcase how traditional archaeological methods can be effectively adapted to investigate remote or extreme environments. These findings may also contribute to the design and planning of future space habitats.
The authors emphasize: “This experiment marks the first instance of archaeology conducted beyond Earth. By applying a traditional sampling technique to an entirely novel archaeological context, we reveal how the ISS crew utilizes different sections of the space station in ways that deviate from original designs and mission objectives. Architects and planners of upcoming space stations can derive important insights from this research.”
