How It Works - The International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative project involving multiple countries. It operates as a large, habitable spacecraft orbiting Earth at an average altitude of about 400 kilometers (250 miles). The ISS serves as a research laboratory, where scientists and astronauts conduct experiments in various fields, including physics, biology, astronomy, and Earth sciences.

The ISS is made up of several interconnected modules that provide living and working quarters for astronauts. These modules include scientific laboratories, living quarters, communication centers, and more. The station's solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, which powers its systems and equipment.

Astronauts and cosmonauts from different nations work together on the ISS, performing experiments, conducting research, and advancing our understanding of space, technology, and human endurance in microgravity. Supplies, equipment, and new modules are regularly sent to the ISS by resupply missions conducted by various space agencies.

The station's orbit is carefully maintained to prevent it from falling back to Earth. This is achieved by periodic boosts from onboard thrusters or visiting spacecraft. The ISS provides valuable insights into long-duration space travel and serves as a stepping stone for future missions beyond Earth's orbit, such as those aimed at exploring Mars and beyond.