So a few things have happened in the last six months and the ISS
has only two aboard who barely have time for routine operation
and maintenance and are completely dependant upon Russian lift
capability for resupply, transport and emergency return to Earth.
Why? Because NASA apparently felt it couldn't take the chance of
not being able to reactivate ISS after demanning and a shut-down!

And now another blow for ISS, particularly its crew: SOHO (the
Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) is malfunctioning!

'So what' you ask? Well the ISS, being in LEO (Low Earth Orbit),
does not have the protection of Earth's atmosphere and when dear
old Sol decides to toss a fit, and its a major one, anyone on ISS has
to dive for the cellar and remain there until the magnetic storm is
over or risk receiving a high dose of radiation.

SOHO is positioned to give warning whenever one of these storms
is headed toward Earth and the ISS! Without SOHO's early warning
... Big problems aboard ISS!

Read all about it: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3006110.stm

:m: :cool: :m: