| Review: |
The International Space Station, still under construction, circles the earth every 90 minutes. It is the result of collaboration between 16 nations. By the end of 2001 the structure already weighed over 150 tonnes, making it the largest artificial structure ever to orbit the Earth. By its completion, some time after 2006, it will be 109 m across and 88 m long, and comprise over 100 separate components. The four main modules contain the engines, living quarters and life-support systems. The rest of the station will be assembled around these. This book tells the story of the conception, design and building of this spacecraft. It goes on to explain how the craft will accommodate the 6 or 7 crew plus all their essential life supplies. Finally the author looks at the prospects and the future for the Space Station. |