The International Space Station

The International Space Station is called the ISS for short. It is a giant building in space where astronauts live and work. It flies around Earth very fast. People from many countries helped build it. Astronauts do science there that they cannot do on Earth.

How It Was Built

The ISS was built piece by piece high above Earth. The first part went up in 1998. Rockets carried the parts into space. Astronauts put the parts together like a big puzzle. Many countries worked as a team. The United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, and Europe all helped. It took more than ten years to finish the main parts.

Life On The Station

Astronauts float inside the ISS because there is no gravity. They must strap down to sleep so they do not drift away. They drink water from special bags. Their food comes in packs. They must exercise every day to keep their muscles strong. Astronauts look out the windows and see Earth from far above.

Fun Facts

• The ISS zooms around Earth about 16 times every day.
• It is as big as a football field with its solar panels.
• Astronauts on the ISS see 16 sunrises and sunsets each day.

Did You Know?

The ISS travels at about 17,500 miles per hour, which is super fast!