Science & Life Skills

Learn how the International Space Station was built piece by piece in space!

We learned that the ISS is the largest man-made structure in space, built in pieces and assembled in orbit starting in 1998.

We learned the ISS is used for science experiments, has 6 astronauts, orbits Earth in 92 minutes, and needs periodic reboosting to stay in space.

We learned about the main parts of the ISS including the truss structure, solar arrays, pressurized modules, and how modules were launched by different rockets.

We learned about the first modules including Zarya, Unity, Zvezda, and how astronauts began living continuously on the station starting in November 2000.

We learned about the integrated truss structure being built, including the Canadarm2, Quest airlock for spacewalks, and various laboratory modules from different countries.

How does the International Space Station work?