ISS: International Space Station
The International Space Station
Versatile permanently inhabited research institute in Low Earth Orbit
The International Space Station is a versatile research institute and a large observation platform in outer space for scientific research and applications. It also serves as a test centre to facilitate introduction of new technologies. This permanently human occupied outpost in outer space should also serve as a stepping stone for further space exploration.
| Dimensions and mass | |
|---|---|
| Width | 108 m |
| Length | 74 m (~88 m incl. ATV or Progress) |
| Height | 45 m |
| Pressurized volume | 1200 m3 |
| Total mass at completion | ~450 000 kg |
| Configuration | |
|---|---|
| On launch | |
| Launched in components on different launch vehicles | |
| provided by 4 of the 5 participating partners. Station assembled in orbit. | |
| 1st launch | 20 November 1998 |
| Assembly complete | 2010 |
| On orbit | |
| Orbital altitude | 370-460 km |
| Orbital inclination | 51.6° |
| Orbital velocity | 7.7-7.6 km/s (~27 500 km/h) |
| Available launch vehicles |
|---|
| European Ariane-5 launcher |
| Japanese H-IIA launcher |
| Russian Proton launcher |
| Russian Soyuz launcher |
| United States Space Shuttle |
| Available transport vehicles for crew and/or supplies | |
|---|---|
| European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) | Servicing and logistics vehicle |
| Japanese HII Transfer Vehicle (HTV) | Servicing and logistics vehicle |
| Russian Soyuz spacecraft | Manned spacecraft that accommodates upto 3 cosmonauts |
| Russian Progress vehicle | Servicing and logistics vehicle |
| US Space Shuttle | Manned spacecraft for up to 7 astronauts |
| Equipped with the Multi Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), the Un-pressurized Logistics Carrier (ULC) | |
| or other Space Station structural parts in its cargo bay |
| Partners |
|---|
| Canada, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) |
| Europe, European Space Agency (ESA) representing 10 of the 18 Member States |
| Japan, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) |
| Russia, Roscosmos |
| USA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
Last update: 6 November 2009
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