The International Space Station (ISS) is a large spacecraft that orbits Earth, serving as a home and workplace for astronauts from various countries. It was launched in 1998 and is a collaborative project involving space agencies like NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA. The ISS provides a unique environment for scientific research in microgravity. The station travels at a speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour) and orbits Earth approximately every 90 minutes. It features laboratories, living quarters, and solar panels for energy. The ISS plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space and life sciences.