What is the International Space Station?
It’s one of the most ambitious engineering projects ever built, created by a partnership of space agencies from around the world.
The International Space Station (ISS) is a living lab orbiting above our heads. It’s one of the most ambitious engineering projects ever built, created by a partnership of space agencies from around the world.
Orbiting Earth roughly every 90 minutes, the ISS is a place where astronauts live, work, and perform experiments that push the boundaries of science and technology.
Construction and Modules
The ISS was assembled in orbit, piece by piece, starting in 1998. Modules launched separately on rockets were connected in space to form a larger structure. Today, it includes living quarters, labs, solar panels, and robotic arms.
Each module serves a purpose. Some are used for scientific research, others for life support or storage. The station also has docking ports for visiting spacecraft that bring supplies or new crew members.
Scientific Research
Thousands of experiments have been performed aboard the ISS, ranging from biology to materials science. One focus is understanding how space affects the human body, which is critical for planning missions to Mars or deep space.
Other studies look at things like how plants grow in microgravity, how fluids move, or how fire spreads. These insights can improve life on Earth and lead to new technologies in medicine, energy, and manufacturing.
Conclusion
The ISS represents decades of collaboration and innovation. It’s more than just a spacecraft—it’s a platform for discovery, teaching us how to live and work in space while inspiring the next generation of explorers.
