International Space Station

Front

What is the speed of the International Space Station?

Back

The ISS travels at 17,150 mph.

Front

How large is the International Space Station compared to a common object?

Back

The International Space Station is about the size of a football field.

Front

In which year did the construction of the International Space Station begin?

Back

The construction of the International Space Station began in 1998.

Front

What is the primary source of power for the International Space Station?

Back

The primary source of power for the International Space Station is solar energy.

Front

Why do astronauts on the ISS need to exercise for 2 hours each day?

Back

Astronauts aboard the ISS are required to exercise for 2 hours per day to avoid losing too much muscle and bone.

Front

What is the purpose of the International Space Station?

Back

The ISS serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory where scientific research is conducted in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, physics, and other fields.

Front

How many countries are involved in the International Space Station program?

Back

The ISS program involves five participating space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (European Space Agency), and CSA (Canada).

Front

What is the altitude range of the International Space Station's orbit?

Back

The International Space Station orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 220 to 260 miles.

Front

What are the main modules of the International Space Station?

Back

The main modules of the ISS include the Zarya Functional Cargo Block, Unity, Zvezda Service Module, Destiny Laboratory, and Columbus Laboratory.

Front

How does the International Space Station maintain its orbit?

Back

The ISS maintains its orbit through a balance of gravitational pull from Earth and its high speed, which creates a continuous free-fall condition.