International Space Station Facts

Did you know that over 290 people have occupied the International Space Station since the year 2000? The International Space Station has more room than a six-bedroom house and contains two bathrooms, a gym, and a bay window. The Space Station contains a gym because astronauts are required to work out at least two hours a day. The human body will lose muscle and bone mass in zero gravity.

The International Space Station travels at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour and orbits the Earth every 90 minutes. Due to the its rate of travel, those on the International Space Station see 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours. To run the Space Station for a year it takes six crew 365 days which is equivalent to 52,560 crew hours.

Here is a list of other facts you should know about the ISS or the International Space Station from NASA.gov:

Size

The dimensions of the completed ISS research facility are approximately 356 feet (109 meters) by 240 feet (73 meters), or slightly larger than a football field. The ISS has an internal pressurized volume of 32,333 cubic feet and weighs 930,000 pounds (32,333 cubic feet is the equivalent of 7.9 semi-trailers).

How Long Can You Stay?

The ISS missions, called expeditions, usually last about six months. There are six (2 crews of three) crewmembers on board for each expedition.

Use and Eventual Abandonment

NASA uses the station to learn about living and working in space. These lessons will help NASA explore space. NASA will eventually abandon the ISS due to cost around 2030.

How You Can Spot The Station From Your Town

Visit: spotthestation.nasa.gov to find and explore sighting opportunities in your area. The station is only visible at dawn or dusk, when the Earth is dark but the station is illuminated by the sun.

Due to ever changing technology, those aboard the International Space Station are now able to email and call their family and friends while in space, making it just a little easier to be away. While we covered a few of the main facts, there is still much more to be learned about the International Space Station! If you are looking to learn even more be sure to visit NASA’s website for more information: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html or https://www.nasa.gov/feature/iss-facts.