Node-1 ('Unity') in the Space Station Processing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center being prepared for launch aboard the Space Shuttle on 4 December 1998 as the first US element of the International Space Station (ISS). It was attached in-orbit to the 'Zarya Russian-built and -launched first element on 7 December. Unity will serve as a connecting node with other ISS modules, including the US laboratory and habitation modules, via the six hatches. ESA is responsible for providing Nodes-2 and -3. [Image Date: 25-06-97] [98.08.003-001]