SOLAR SYSTEM

Detailed explanation-1: -It would have been impossible to build the Space Station on Earth and then launch it into space in one go-there is no rocket big enough or powerful enough. To get round this problem the Space Station was taken into space piece-by-piece and gradually built in orbit, approximately 400 km above the Earth’s surface.

Detailed explanation-2: -The International Space Station was taken into space piece-by-piece and gradually built in orbit using spacewalking astronauts and robotics. Most missions used NASA’s space shuttle to carry up the heavier pieces, although some individual modules were launched on single-use rockets.

Detailed explanation-3: -This occurs through the use of a docking mechanism between the space shuttle and ISS. This mechanism consists of two pieces: the Orbital Docking System (ODS), which is connected to the space shuttle (see Figure 1), and the Pressurized Mating Adaptor (PMA), which is permanently mounted on the ISS (see Figure 2).

Detailed explanation-4: -The first rudimentary station was created in 1969 by the linking of two Russian Soyuz vehicles in space, followed by other stations and developments in space technology until construction began on the ISS in 1998, aided by the first reusable spacecraft ever developed: the American shuttles.

Detailed explanation-5: -An international fleet of space vehicles launches ISS components; rotates crews; provides logistical support; and replenishes propellant, items for science experi-ments, and other necessary supplies and equipment. The Space Shuttle must be used to deliver most ISS modules and major components.