The ISS (International Space Station) is currently the only manned spacecraft in orbit around the earth at an altitude of 214 miles (343 km). Its main mission is to provide an environment for scientists to conduct experiments while in microgravity. The station was originally designed to operate until 2015, but after a thorough review of the spacecraft’s condition, scientists concluded that the ISS’s life could be extended to 2024 without risking the lives of the few scientists and astronauts onboard.Â
The station completes one full orbit around the Earth in 90 minutes (16 times in 24 hours), which means you could potentially see the station several times within a few hours period, provided you are on the night side of the planet and know where to look.
I have been an amateur astronomer for years. So glad to find this site!
I’m very elated to have this opportunity and am grateful to all who made it possible. Thanks to science and NASA