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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.

See Explanation. Clicking on the picture will download the highest resolution version available.

The Newly Expanded International Space Station

Explanation: What does the developing International Space Station (ISS) look like now? After delivering and deploying a crucial first backbone-like component last week, the Space Shuttle Atlantis took an inspection lap around the space station . The newly installed truss is visible toward the center of the above image . Also visible are many different types of modules , a robotic arm , several wing-like solar panels , and a supply ship. Construction began on the ISS in 1998 and the core structure should be in place before 2005.

Date April 23, 2002
Credit Credit: STS-110 Shuttle Crew , NASA
Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U.