The International Space Station Celebrates 15 Years in Orbit Around Earth

The International Space Station, or ISS, celebrated its 15^th birthday on Wednesday. The space station was launched into orbit on November 20^th, 1998 by the Russian Space Agency. The Russians launched the space station in an attempt to create and international cooperation in space that would advance the human race. The ISS has been a success in all regards and has been a joint effort by all of the countries involved.

Bob Cabana, the Kennedy Space Center Director, told SpaceFellowship.com, "It's hard to believe it's been 15 years since we joined Unity and Zarya in orbit and laid the cornerstone for the International Space Station. It is a testament to what we can accomplish when we all work together."

The ISS, which is the largest manmade structure in orbit of Earth, can be seen with the naked eye if the timing is right. The ISS is also the most expensive manmade structure of all time. The crew members on board are tasked with conducting experiments in biology, physics, astronomy, meteorology, and human biology. The station is also equipped with the necessary tools to embark on a mission to mars or to the Moon if need be.

There have been several "space tourists," or people who pay for their own way onto the ISS, who have visited the space station for personal reasons. The first woman to enter the space station by way of her own funds was Anousheh Ansari, an Iranian woman who was well versed in medicine and microbiology. She stayed on the space station for 10 days and conducted experiments.