The International Space Station (ISS) is a large spacecraft that orbits Earth, serving as a unique laboratory for scientific research and international cooperation. Launched in 1998, it is a joint project involving space agencies from the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. Astronauts aboard the ISS conduct experiments in microgravity, contributing to advancements in various fields such as biology, physics, and astronomy. The ISS travels at an average altitude of about 400 kilometers (approximately 248 miles) and orbits the Earth approximately every 90 minutes. It plays a crucial role in preparing for future missions to the Moon and Mars, making it a vital asset for humanity's exploration of space.