The International Space Station represents the largest scientific and
technological cooperative program in history, drawing on the resources
of thirteen nations. The early stages of construction will involve si
gnificant participation from the Russian Space Agency (RSA), numerous
nations of the European Space Agency (ESA), and-the space agencies of
Canada (CSA), Japan (NASDA) and the United States Space Agency (NASA).
Its purpose is to place a unique, highly capable laboratory in lower
orbit, where high value scientific research can be performed in microg
ravity; In addition to providing facilities where an international cre
w of six astronaut-scientists can live and work in space, it will prov
ide important laboratory research facilities for performing basic rese
arch in life science, biomedical and material sciences, as well as spa
ce and engineering technology development which cannot be accomplished
on Earth. The Space Station will be comprised of numerous interlockin
g components which are currently being constructed on Earth. Space Sta
tion will be assembled in orbit over a period of time and will provide
several experimentation modules as well as habitation modules and int
erfaces for logistic modules. Including the four extensive solar rays
from which it will draw electrical power, the Station will measure mor
e than 300 feet wide by 200 feet long. This paper will present an over
view of the various phases of construction of the Space Station and th
e planned science thought will be performed during the construction ph
ase and after completion.