On Nov. 2, 2000, the human species moved into their first home in space, the International Space Station, proving that it is indeed possible for culturally divergent nations who once warred with each other, to put aside their differences and work together for the common good. NASA, the Russian Federal Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the European Space Agency (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom), all representing a total of sixteen countries, have collectively constructed a human residence in space the size of a five bedroom house, in which humans have spent the last five years observing the planet Earth below them, conducting zero-G experiments, and learning to live in space.

As of May 2009, the station became large enough to accommodate a full crew of six. Over the years the Space Station has seen 163 visitors, including astronauts from 16 different countries. Crew members normally stay on the station for six months. The ISS has also hosted six "space tourists" wealthy enough to afford the 25 million dollar fee charged by the Russians.

Current Location of the International Space Station

(In Orbit 220 Miles (350 kms) Above Earth

International Space Station Expedition Crews

Expedition 20: May - November, 2009

For full Expedition 20 info, click here.

Expedition 21: October, 2009 - March, 2010

For full Expedition 21 info, click here.

Expedition 22: December, 2009 - May, 2010

For full Expedition 22 info, click here.

Expedition 23: April, 2010 - September, 2010

For full Expedition 23 info, click here.


Click on diagram below to enlarge



The photo below was captured by Astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour - March 24, 2008
(click to enlarge)

To find out more, go to http://www.nasa.gov/station.

To find out when you can see the International Space Station or the Space Shuttle, or any bright satellite flying over your location, check out Heavens Above.

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