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International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is a permanently crewed space station in low Earth orbit and a multinational research platform.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The International Space Station (ISS) is a permanently crewed space station in low Earth orbit and a multinational research platform. It was assembled through international cooperation and has supported continuous human presence in space since 2 November 2000. It serves as a laboratory, observatory, and testbed for technologies used in space exploration.

History

Assembly began in 1998 with the launch of the first modules, and the station became continuously inhabited in November 2000. It has since grown into the largest human-made object in orbit through staged construction and international cooperation.

Design and operation

The ISS is a modular station made up of connected sections contributed by partner agencies. It is powered by solar arrays and operated jointly as an orbital laboratory and living space for astronauts and cosmonauts.

Scientific role

The station supports research in microgravity, human health, materials science, physics, and Earth observation. It also serves as a test platform for technologies intended for longer space missions.

Future

The ISS is expected to remain in service for a limited number of years before planned retirement and controlled deorbiting. Dates for end of service have been discussed by partner agencies and may change over time.

Key facts

  • The ISS is the largest human-made object ever to orbit Earth.
  • It is a cooperative project involving five space agencies from 15 countries.
  • The station has been continuously inhabited since 2 November 2000.
  • It orbits Earth roughly every 90 minutes at about 28,800 km/h.
  • The ISS is used for scientific research, technology testing, and Earth observation.
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Canadian context

Canada is a partner in the ISS through the Canadian Space Agency, and Canadian astronauts and robotics have played a visible role in its operations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ISS?
The ISS is the International Space Station, a multinational space station in low Earth orbit used as a crewed laboratory and research platform.
How fast does the ISS travel?
It travels at about 28,800 km/h, or roughly 17,500 mph.
How many people are on the ISS?
It typically hosts a crew of seven people, though the number can vary during crew handovers.
How long does it take to get to the ISS?
A spacecraft can reach the ISS in about four to six hours, depending on the mission profile and launch conditions.
Can you see the ISS from Earth?
Yes. It is often visible to the naked eye as a bright, fast-moving point of light, especially near dawn or dusk.
Who owns the ISS?
No single country owns it. The station is a multinational partnership, and the modules remain owned by the partner agencies that contributed them.

References

  1. NASA — https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/space-station-facts-and-figures/
    Supports: International partnership, crew size, orbital speed, and orbit period.
  2. NASA — https://www.nasa.gov/reference/international-space-station/
    Supports: Largest human-made object in orbit, crew range, and basic station facts.
  3. European Space Agency — https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/International_Space_Station/ISS_International_Space_Station
    Supports: ISS as a research platform and cooperative international programme.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/International-Space-Station
    Supports: Assembly timeline, continuous habitation since 2 November 2000, and station purpose.
  5. Space.com — https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/international-space-station
    Supports: Not owned by one nation; partner ownership of contributed parts and crew size.
  6. NASA — https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/for-kids-and-students/what-is-the-international-space-station-grades-5-8/
    Supports: Speed, altitude, orbital period, and general description.
  7. European Space Agency — https://www.esa.int/kids/en/learn/Life_in_Space/Space_Stations/The_International_Space_Station
    Supports: Visibility from Earth and speed/orbit facts.