About the International Space Station

Humanity's home in space

Overview

The International Space Station (ISS) is a modular space station in low Earth orbit. It is a multinational collaborative project involving five participating space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).

Specifications

  • Mass: ~450,000 kg (990,000 lbs)
  • Length: 73 m (239 ft)
  • Width: 109 m (356 ft)
  • Altitude: ~408 km (254 miles)
  • Speed: 7.66 km/s (17,500 mph)

Orbital Characteristics

  • Orbital Period: ~92 minutes
  • Orbits per Day: ~15.5
  • Inclination: 51.6°
  • Orbital Decay: ~2 km/month
  • Reboost Frequency: Monthly

Research & Purpose

The ISS serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory where scientific research is conducted in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, physics, and other fields. It's also used for testing spacecraft systems and equipment required for missions to the Moon and Mars.

Key Milestones

1998

First Module Launched

Zarya module launched, marking the beginning of ISS assembly.

2000

First Crew Arrived

Expedition 1 crew arrived, beginning continuous human presence in space.

2011

Assembly Complete

Final major pressurized module installed, completing the station's assembly.

Track ISS Location