International Space Station turns 15 - ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, November 20. / ITAR-TASS /. International Space Station / ISS / 15 years old.

“The International Space Station in orbit will last at least until 2020, it is an excellent resource. Already we can say that the next step in space exploration – interplanetary flights – will be made based on the experience gained on the ISS” – told Itar-Tass Cosmonaut Training Center / CPC / them. Gagarin Cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev honored.

“The value of the ISS for all the inhabitants of the earth is large, as many high-technology designed for space or have it tested in space,” – said Krikalev. In addition, ISS provides the foundation for advanced scientific research, said the head of the CPC.

Photos from the ISS to help cope with disasters and to farm, educational programs inspire future scientists, engineers and space explorers.

station, revolving around the earth, covered the distance of 3.5 billion kilometers. ISS – the largest man-made object in space, and the most expensive scientific project in history.

idea of ??creating large objects in orbit was born in the Soviet Union 40 years ago and was embodied in the long-term station “Salyut” and “Peace”.

ISS has incorporated the most advanced technology of modern civilization and rich experience in the Russian space activities.

now orbiting the watch crew of the 38th long-term expedition consisting of cosmonauts Oleg Kotov, Sergei Ryazan, Mikhail Tyurin, NASA astronaut Michael Hopkins and Richard Mastracchio, and the Japanese Space Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata JAXA.

Total

on the ISS for 15 years, visited by more than 200 earthlings from 15 countries.

“in 1998, went into orbit the first ISS module – Functional Cargo Block” Dawn. “In the same year, the shuttle” Endeavour “docked to the module” Zarya “American module” Unity “, – reminded Krikalev. – From this moment International cooperation has moved from theory to practice – laid the foundation for the international space station “.

“Through international cooperation we were able to pass through some critical moments. For example, the U.S. side has refused life support system, and we supported them, as well, and we have experienced any problems, and we support the foreign party,” – told Krikalev .

its 15 years of operation of the ISS rapidly developed and being completed. “We started with a small station, which included only two modules, but with the international cooperation it has expanded considerably. Previously, the space station could work two or three people, and now – six or even nine. Previously, the station had a little power, and Now it is an international multi-purpose space research facility, “- said Krikalev.

“It’s not a competition, and a huge exchange of experience. Already there is no space race, to bear the orbital station” watch “the astronauts from around the world, constantly exchanging experiences. And despite the fact that the ISS today is 15 years old, her resource will last for many years “, – said the astronaut honored.