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 . The ISS is so large that it can be seen drifting overhead with the unaided eye , and is frequently imaged from the ground in picturesque fashion . Last month, the station was visited again by space shuttle , which resupplied the station and added a new module . The ISS is currently operated by the Expedition 22 crew , now consisting five astronauts including two supplied by USA's NASA , two by Russia's RKA , and one by Japan's JAXA . After departing the ISS , the crew of the space shuttle Endeavour captured the above spectacular vista of the orbiting space city high above the clouds, waters, and lands of Earth. Visible components include modules , truss es, and expansive solar arrays that gather sunlight that is turned into needed electricity .
Quiz: Can anyone identify the landscape behind the space station?
| Date | March 3, 2010 |
|---|---|
| Credit | Credit: STS-130 Crew , NASA |
| Authors & editors: | Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP) |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |



