Approximately how often does the International Space Station (ISS) complete one orbit around Earth?
Answer
Roughly every 90 minutes
The orbital mechanics of the International Space Station (ISS) dictate the viewing schedule for the Milky Way. The station travels at a velocity that causes it to complete a full circuit around the Earth in approximately 90 minutes. This rapid orbital period results in astronauts experiencing a phenomenon equivalent to about 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets within a standard 24-hour period. This rapid cycle means that extended periods of deep night, which are necessary for optimal Milky Way viewing, are frequently interrupted by periods dominated by daylight or twilight conditions, significantly constraining the total observation time available.
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Milky Way Galaxy as seen from SPACE (4K) - YouTube
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