International Space Station (ISS)
- Title
- International Space Station (ISS)
- Description
International Space Station (ISS)
The International Space Station (ISS) is a modular, habitable space station in low Earth orbit that serves as a unique microgravity research laboratory.
Key Facts
- International Collaboration: Managed jointly by NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).
- Launch & Assembly: Assembly began in 1998, and the first long-term residents arrived in November 2000.
- Orbit Specifications: Orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately $400$ km and a speed of $28{,}000$ km/h, completing one full orbit every $\sim 90$ minutes.
- Human Presence: Continuously inhabited since November 2000, representing the longest uninterrupted human presence in low Earth orbit.
- Scientific Purpose: Host to thousands of experiments in astrobiology, human biology, physics, meteorology, and materials science.
- Future Plans: Slated for retirement and controlled deorbit by 2030, transitioning low Earth orbit activities to commercial space stations.
- Category
- Space
- Year of Discovery/Development
- 1998
- Key Person/Organization
- NASA / Roscosmos