In 1998 the International Space Station began being assembled and will not be completed until 2010. The United States is leading the project and is getting assistance from 16 other nations, including Russia, Canada, Japan, Brazil, and 11 nations of the European Space Agency.
The International Space Station is a research facility that measures 290 feet in length and 356 feet in width. It weighs more than 1 million pounds. It orbits 250 miles above the earth and can be seen in the night sky. Scientists are able to study the earth and its environment. They can see changes that are occurring on land, at sea, and with our weather.
The sun provides the electrical power for the International Space Station. This energy is collected on solar panels. The power is necessary to run the six laboratories on board.
Space vehicles travel to the station bringing scientists and supplies. Scientists are studying how different fluids, metals and other materials respond in space without the effect of gravity. These studies could help them better understand viruses, proteins and enzymes. Hopefully, these studies will one day lead to possible new treatments for many diseases and conditions, including cancer. Scientists are also striving to achieve more accurate measurement than is possible on earth, more efficient ways of producing materials, and a more complete understanding of the Universe.
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