APOD
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
The International Space Station from Above
Explanation: The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest human-made object ever to orbit the Earth . Last August, the station was visited and resupplied by space shuttle Discovery . The ISS is currently operated by the Expedition 13 crew , consisting a Russian and an American astronaut. After departing the ISS , the crew of Discovery captured this spectacular vista of the orbiting space city high above the Caspian Sea . Visible components include modules , truss es, and expansive solar arrays that gather sunlight that is turned into needed electricity .
| Date | May 16, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Credit: STS-114 Crew , NASA |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |