Minerva
ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti's second mission to the International Space Station
20 JUL. 2001
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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 introduce new technologies. This permanently occupied human outpost in outer space also serves 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 launch vehicles provided by participating partners and assembled in orbit. |
First launch | 20 November 1998 |
Assembly complete | 2010 |
On orbit | |
Orbital altitude | 370-460 km |
Orbital inclination | 51.6° |
Orbital velocity | 7.6-7.7 km/s (around 27 500 km/h) |
Launch vehicles |
|---|
European Ariane-5 |
Japanese H-IIA |
Russian Proton |
Russian Soyuz |
United States Space Shuttle |
United States Falcon |
United States Antares |
Transport vehicles for crew or supplies | |
|---|---|
European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) | Servicing and logistics |
Japanese HII Transfer Vehicle (HTV) | Servicing and logistics |
Russian Soyuz spacecraft | Manned spacecraft for up to three astronauts |
Russian Progress vehicle | Servicing and logistics vehicle |
US Space Shuttle (retired) | Manned spacecraft for up to seven astronauts |
US Dragon | Servicing and logistics |
US Cygnus | Servicing and logistics |
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) |
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Where is the International Space Station?
Where is the International Space Station?
International Space Station Benefits for Humanity
ISSBenefits
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