The International Space Station (ISS) is a large spacecraft that orbits Earth, serving as a home and workplace for astronauts. It was launched in 1998 and is a collaborative project involving multiple countries, including the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, and several countries in Europe. The ISS provides a unique environment for scientific research in microgravity. The station travels at a speed of about 17,500 miles per hour, completing an orbit around 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 conducting experiments that benefit life on Earth.