Astronomy Picture of the Day 11-03-02

NASA ^ | 11-03-02 | Robert Nemiroff and Jerry Bonnell

[petuniasevan]

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.

2002 November 3

The International Space Station Expands Again
Credit: STS-112 Shuttle Crew, NASA

Explanation: The developing International Space Station (ISS) has changed its appearance yet again. Last month the Space Shuttle Atlantis visited the ISS and installed the third of eleven pieces that will compose the Integrated Truss Structure. The new S-1 Truss is visible on the right, below the extended solar panels across the top. The world's foremost space outpost can be seen developing over the past few years by comparing the above image to past images. Also visible above are many different types of modules, a robotic arm, several wing-like solar panels, and a supply ship. Construction began on the ISS in 1998 and the core structure should be in place before 2005. Yesterday, the ISS celebrated its second anniversary of continuous human habitation.

[petuniasevan]

They should rename this conglomeration "The U.S.A. Space Station With A Few Imported Parts". We're doing 95% of the work, and supplying the majority of the modules/trusses/systems. Several nations have not come through on their end of the bargain, and several more are running way behind or have cut back on their contribution.

"If you want something done right do it yourself".

[petuniasevan]

[BradyLS]

The previous picture shows the ISS without the third module. But both Soyuz capsules are still sucking the same teats!