Step Inside the International Space Station (POV Tour)

Step Inside The International Space Station Columbus Laboratory Module Europe’s contribution to the station offers a variety of research facilities for the crew to study materials science, fluid physics, and the effects of microgravity on the body.

Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” Japan contributes life science research, external demonstrations, satellite deployments, a robotic arm, and other key research facilities.

Science on all sides Multipurpose research shelving units called EXPRESS Racks support as many as 100 experiments at a time.

Harmony Module Known as Node 2, Harmony connects international science labs and houses four crew quarters for astronauts to sleep and work in while aboard station.

Destiny Laboratory Module Station’s main U.S. laboratory, Destiny enables a wide variety of experiments that improve life on Earth and help prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Unity Module Known as Node 1, Unity provides living and working space for crew members, including a kitchen and dining area.

Cupola The space station’s “window to the world” offers views of Earth from seven different windows.

Quest Airlock Astronauts have conducted many spacewalks throughout station’s life to upgrade capabilities and install platforms to study Earth and the universe.

Enhanced Spaceflight Diet Scientists are studying how dietary improvements affect immune function, the gut microbiome, and nutritional status to improve human adaptation to spaceflight.

Pressurized Mating Adapters This Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA 1) connects the U.S. and Russian segments of the space station and also serves as a storage area.

Zarya Module The first space station component launched, Zarya orbited Earth alone for 16 days before space shuttle Endeavour arrived to install the Unity modul Zvezda Service Module The first fully Russian contribution to the space station, Zvezda was an early cornerstone of human habitation aboard the station.

Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module The Multipurpose Laboratory Module is named Nauka, the Russian word for “science,” and serves as a science facility, docking port, and spacewalk airlock.

Poisk Research Module Poisk provides a docking port for the crewed Soyuz spacecraft and the Progress cargo spacecraft, and it also is a place for cosmonauts to prepare for spacewalks.

International Partnership A collaboration of five space agencies from 15 countries operate the space station.

Environmental Control and Life Support System The station’s life support system recycles essential resources like air and water, and can recover up to 98% of the water used in the U.S. segment.

Crew Earth Observations Astronauts photograph the Earth from their unique vantage point to document human impacts, record weather patterns, and monitor major natural events like hurricanes.

Research Results Since November 2000, more than 4,000 investigations have been conducted aboard the space station, generating more than 4,500 research papers and countless benefits to humanity.

The Ride to Station SpaceX’s Dragon can carry crew and cargo to the space station and is one of several spacecraft currently supporting station operations.

Producer: Nicole Rose Editor: Devin Boldt Nicole Rose Videographer: Samantha Cristoforetti Kjell Lindgren Nicole Mann Oleg Novitsky Image Credit: ESA (European Space Agency) JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) NASA Roscosmos Music Courtesy of Universal Production Music Learn more at nasa.gov/iss-science