Low Earth Orbit
International Space Station
A permanently crewed orbital laboratory where research, operations, and international cooperation run every day.
Mission context
How the ISS works day to day
A permanently crewed orbital laboratory where multiple agencies run science, technology demonstrations, and long-duration human-spaceflight operations.
What the ISS is
The ISS is a modular station in low Earth orbit assembled over many years by an international partnership led by NASA and Roscosmos with major contributions from ESA, JAXA, and CSA. It serves as both a science platform and an operational testbed for deep-space mission planning.
What crews do onboard
- • Microgravity research (biology, medicine, fluid physics, materials)
- • Technology demos for exploration systems and life support
- • Maintenance, robotics operations, and occasional EVA/spacewalks
- • Earth observation and educational outreach
Operations rhythm
Crew rotations, cargo deliveries, and timeline planning are coordinated from multiple control centers. Mission planning balances science time, hardware reliability, visiting vehicle traffic, and crew health constraints.
Quick facts
Orbit type
Low Earth orbit
Typical altitude
~400 km
Orbital period
~90 minutes
Partners
NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, CSA