The International Space Station
⭐ MasteredThe ISS is a large laboratory orbiting Earth about 400 km up, built by many countries. Astronauts live there for months doing experiments. It circles Earth every 90 minutes.
The ISS can sometimes be seen from Earth as a bright moving dot.
All about The International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) is a large laboratory orbiting Earth about 400 kilometres above the surface. It was built by many countries working together and has been continuously occupied since the year 2000. It circles Earth about every 90 minutes.
Astronauts live on the ISS for months at a time, doing experiments in biology, physics and medicine. Because the station is in microgravity, some experiments can be done that are impossible on Earth. The ISS is also used to test technology for future space missions.
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Real-life uses of The International Space Station
- Studying how the body and plants respond to space
- Testing technologies for future missions
- Observing Earth and monitoring climate and weather
Frequently asked questions about The International Space Station
Can you see the ISS from Earth?
Yes. It can be seen as a bright moving point of light in the night sky, especially shortly after sunset or before sunrise.
How fast does the ISS travel?
About 28,000 kilometres per hour, which is roughly 7.7 kilometres per second.
How many people can live on the ISS?
Usually around seven people at a time, although the number changes with each crew rotation.