The ISS was originally intended to be a laboratory, observatory, and factory while providing transportation, maintenance, and a low Earth orbit staging base for possible future missions to the … 展开

The ISS functions as a modular space station, enabling the addition or removal of modules from its structure for increased adaptability. 展开

Life support
The critical systems are the atmosphere control system, the water supply system, the food supply facilities, … 展开

Living quarters
The living and working space on the International Space Station is larger than a six-bedroom house (complete with seven sleeping quarters, two bathrooms, a gym, and a 360-degree view bay window).
Crew activities 展开

Manufacturing
The International Space Station is a product of global collaboration, with its components manufactured … 展开

Expeditions
Each permanent crew is given an expedition number. Expeditions run up to six months, from launch until undocking, an 'increment' covers the … 展开

Altitude and orbital inclination
The ISS is currently maintained in a nearly circular orbit with a minimum mean altitude of 370 km (230 mi) and a maximum of 460 km (290 mi), in the centre of the thermosphere, at an inclination of 51.6 degrees to Earth's … 展开