ISS

ISS stands for International Space Station.  It is an engineering and technological marvel.

The ISS has been circling the Earth for about 17 years and continuously manned the last 15..  Of course, it has grown larger while it has been in orbit.  New material, parts and astronauts are ferried to the station regularly.  Most of the crew are scientists of some sort carrying on test and experiments.  Most of the experimenting is directed at discovering long term space travel techniques.

There is a nine member crew.  Right now only one is American.  Station crew have come from 15 nations of the world.  Russians take most of the flights up to the station to bring supplies and new crew.

I'll give you some statistics in relation to our largest commericial aircraft - the Boeing 747.   Right now the ISS orbits at about 250 miles above Earth.  A 747 cruises at under 7 miles above Earth.  ISS travels at 17,100 mph while a 747 cruises at 555 mph.  That speed takes the ISS around the Earth 15-1/2 times a day.  It's orbit is irregular so you will not be able to see it every day.

I watch the ISS every chance I get.  It is so large it is visible to the naked eye.  NASA will send you notice when you can watch.  Go to spotthestation.nasa.gov and sign up.  NASA will send you an e-mail the day before it is visible in your area and tell you exactly where to look and when.

^O^