Space Missions

International Space Station

A habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit

International Space Station

About International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is a modular space station in low Earth orbit. It serves as a microgravity laboratory where scientific research is conducted.

Scientific Facts

The ISS orbits Earth at 408 km altitude at 28,000 km/h. It completes an orbit every 90 minutes. It has been continuously occupied since November 2000.

Interesting Facts

The ISS is visible from Earth with the naked eye. It has the size of a football field (109 meters). 5 space agencies (NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, CSA) operate it.

Fun Facts

More than 270 astronauts from 21 countries have visited the ISS. Astronauts see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day.

Discovery

First module launched in 1998. First crew arrived in 2000.

Quick Facts

Category Space Missions
Distance from Earth 408 km
Size 109 m × 73 m
Temperature Internally 22°C; externally ±120°C