You are here

International Space Station

An orbiting outpost for scientific, medical, and engineering experiments. Construction began in 1998. The last American component of the station was delivered in 2011. Crews of three spend several months aboard the station, with two crews inhabiting the station simultaneously. International partners in the project include the United States, Russia, Europe, Canada, and Japan.

Radio Programs

Laying a Foundation Laying the foundation for a space station November 20, 2023

NICER Scanners Scanning dead stars and living people May 11, 2023

NICER Astronomy A “nicer” way to study a neutron star May 10, 2023

Dodging Bullets Dodging bullets in space March 11, 2022

20 Years in Space The start of a 20-year mission November 2, 2020

NICER A “nicer” kind of satellite February 21, 2017

Featured Images

nicer, an x-ray telescope, operating from the international space station

Nicer Astronomy May 10, 2023
antimatter-hunting instrument aboard international space station in earth orbit

Anti-Hunter August 18, 2021
International Space Station in 2000 (left) and 2018

Then and Now November 2, 2020
Lighting seen from the International Space Station

Colorful Lightning June 29, 2019

Moonrise July 5, 2018
Melotte 111 star cluster from international space station

Counting Stars May 10, 2018
Nighttime view of Florida from the International Space Station

Bright Nights March 12, 2017
NICER X-Ray Telescope Attached to International Space Station

A 'Nicer' View of the Sky February 21, 2017
Canopus, the second-brightest star in the night sky, from the space station

Stellar Beacon February 24, 2015
A brilliant aurora from the International Space Station

Fiery Sky January 21, 2015