Overview
• Name: International Space Station (ISS)
• Type: Habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit
• Launch: First module launched in 1998, completed in 2011
• Operators: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, CSA
• Purpose: Scientific research, technology development, and human spaceflight
Structure
• Mass: Approximately 450,000 kilograms (1 million pounds)
• Length: 72.8 meters (239 feet)
• Width: 109 meters (357 feet)-
• Height: 20 meters (66 feet)
• Pressurized volume: 15,696 cubic meters (554,000 cubic feet)
• Modules: 14 pressurized modules, 2 unpressurized modules, and several external components
Orbit
• Altitude: 400-450 kilometers (250-280 miles)
• Inclination: 51.6 degrees
• Orbital period: 90 minutes
• Speed: 27,400 kilometers per hour (17,000 miles per hour)
Crew
• Crew size: 6-7 astronauts/cosmonauts
• Crew rotation: Every 5-6 months
• Total crew time: Over 100,000 hours
Scientific Research
• Experiments: Over 2,500 conducted to date
• Fields: Astrophysics, biology, Earth science, physics, and more
• Equipment: Telescopes, laboratories, and other specialized instruments
Notable Features
• Solar arrays: 4 sets generating 84 kilowatts of power
• Radiators: 2 sets for heat dissipation
• Robotic arms: 2 (Canadarm2 and Dextre)
• Docking ports: 6 (for spacecraft and modules)
Milestones
• First module launched: November 20, 1998 (Zarya)
• First crew arrived: November 2, 2000 (Expedition 1)
• Completion: May 25, 2011 (final module installed)
• Continuous human presence: Over 22 years
Interesting Facts
• The ISS is the largest human-made object in space
• It has been continuously occupied since November 2000
• The ISS has traveled over 3.5 billion kilometers (2.2 billion miles)countrie
• It has hosted astronauts/cosmonauts from 15 different countries
