Several other modules that were planned have been cancelled for a variety of reasons, such as the retirement of the US Space Shuttle program. Several new modules have been planned, with modules scheduled for 20, delays having prevented earlier integration of the new modules. The ISS also provides a means to integrate persons from other countries into the realm of space travel (cultural outreach) as well as inviting students from around the world to submit experiments that may be performed on the station.īy 2015, the ISS consisted of 14 pressurized modules, with the ability to discard and replace modules as needed. The ISS or follow on space stations may serve as a way station for further forays into deep space, perhaps as a staging base for trips to the Moon or Mars. The ISS provides a platform for conducting a wide range of space related experiments and research, as well as monitoring weather patterns on the Earth and observing outer space. The International Space Station on as seen from the departing Space Shuttle Atlantis during STS-132 Russian and American talks of a replacement program are taking place out of the public eye at this time. The ISS weighs just under a million pounds, and is expected to be in service until at least 2024.
(The previous record was held by the Soviet space station Mir at almost 10 years,) The massive dimensions of the ISS are a length of 239 feet, a width of 356 feet, and a height of 66 feet. The ISS is the longest running manned space station ever, continuously manned since November 2, 2000, over 15 years. Zarya was chosen over the US built Lockheed Bus 1 because of price, $220 million compared to $450 million. Weighing in at 21 tons, Zarya is 41 feet long and 13.5 feet wide. Zarya was paid for and owned by the United States as part of the American contribution to the ISS, but was built in Russia and launched from Kazakhstan. Designed for only 6 to 8 months of orbit on its own, Zarya was forced by delays in the ISS project to fly autonomously for 2 years until the next segments of the space station were launched. Called a Functional Cargo Block, this segment of the ISS was originally used to provide electricity, storage, propulsion and guidance during the early stages of construction of the ISS. Zarya (sunrise in Russian), was designed by the Russians for use with their Mir space station. Still in use, the ISS can actually be seen by the naked eye from Earth. List of ISS-related Extravehicular Activities is provided.On November 20, 1998, a huge step in the history of space exploration took place when the Zarya segment of the International Space Station (ISS) was launched, the first part of the largest man-made object to orbit the Earth. List of crew members of current, past, and future expedition mission is provided. List of ISS-related flights and future schedule is provided. The primary purposes of ISS are to provide a facility where we can conduct experiments and research for a long term by utilizing environment peculiar to the space, to promote science and technology by utilizing the results of such research, and to contribute to daily lives and industries on the Earth. ISS is intended to be utilized for more than 10 years after its completion.
While it circles around the Earth at a speed of 17,700mph (or 90 minutes per orbit), Earth and star observation, or experiments and research are being conducted. The International Space Station (ISS) is a huge manned construction located about 400km above the Earth.
The International Space Station (after STS-134 mission Credit: NASA)