The International Space Station Explained

The International Space Station is a research facility in low Earth orbit. Five partner space agencies operate it together.

Measuring 109 meters with solar arrays, the station matches a full-sized soccer field. Its pressurised volume rivals a Boeing 747.

The International Space Station has hosted people continuously.

Crews arrive via Soyuz or Crew Dragon. Eight docking ports handle visiting vehicles like Progress and Cygnus craft.

Researchers conduct experiments in astrobiology, astronomy, and materials science. The station provides power, data, cooling, and crew.

Expedition 1 arrived on 2 November 2000. Crews fly expeditions of several months' duration.

Since 2 November 2000, humans have lived aboard without interruption. As of August 2025, 290 individuals visited from 26 countries.

Operations continue until the end of 2030. After that, the station is planned to be de-orbited.