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| International Space Station. The International Space Station (ISS) is a remarkable human-made structure in space. Here are some facts about the ISS: 1. International Collaboration:- The ISS is a multinational collaborative project involving space agencies from the United States (NASA), Russia (Roscosmos), Europe (ESA), Japan (JAXA), and Canada (CSA).2. Orbit and Speed:- It orbits the Earth at an average altitude of approximately 420 kilometers (261 miles) and travels at a speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour).3. Modular Structure:- The ISS is composed of multiple interconnected modules, including laboratories, living quarters, and solar arrays. These modules were launched and assembled in space.4. Microgravity Laboratory:- It serves as a microgravity laboratory where scientific research is conducted in various fields, including physics, biology, astronomy, and materials science.5. Crew and Expeditions:- The ISS is typically home to a rotating international crew of astronauts and cosmonauts. Crew members live and work on the station for several months at a time.6. Weightless Environment:- Due to its orbit, the ISS provides a microgravity environment, allowing researchers to conduct experiments that would be impossible on Earth.7. Communication and Control:- Communication with the ISS is maintained through a network of ground stations around the world. Mission control centers in different countries coordinate the station's activities.8. International Docking System Standard (IDSS):- The ISS has a standardized docking system to allow spacecraft from various countries to dock with it. This facilitates the exchange of crew, supplies, and scientific instruments.9. Long-Term Presence:- The ISS has been continuously inhabited by humans since the arrival of Expedition 1 in November 2000, marking over two decades of continuous human presence in space.10. Visible from Earth:- The ISS is often visible from Earth, appearing as a bright moving object across the night sky. It reflects sunlight, making it visible to observers on the ground during certain times. |