LowEarth

How the ISS was built

Over a dozen years and more than 40 flights, the International Space Station was assembled in orbit from modules built on three continents. Press play to watch it come together, module by module.

Press play to assemble the station. Pressurized modules appear on their real launch dates; the layout is a schematic representation, not a CAD model.

Assembly order

  1. Nov 1998ZaryaRussian segmentThe first ISS module — the station’s original power, propulsion and control block, now used mainly for storage.
  2. Dec 1998UnityUS segmentThe first US module — a connecting node linking the Russian and US segments.
  3. Jul 2000ZvezdaRussian segmentThe Russian service module — early life support, propulsion, and the first permanent crew quarters.
  4. Feb 2001DestinyUS segmentThe primary US research laboratory — the hub of American science on the station.
  5. Jul 2001QuestUS segmentThe US segment’s airlock — enables spacewalks in both US and Russian suits.
  6. Sep 2001PirsRussian segmentA former Russian docking compartment and airlock — deorbited in 2021 to make room for Nauka.
  7. Oct 2007HarmonyUS segmentA connecting node and utility hub — the berthing point for Columbus, Kibō, and visiting US crew vehicles.
  8. Feb 2008ColumbusUS segmentEurope’s primary research laboratory on the station.
  9. Mar 2008KibōUS segmentJapan’s laboratory complex — the largest single ISS module, with a unique exposed external platform.
  10. Feb 2010TranquilityUS segmentA connecting node housing the station’s main life-support systems, exercise gear, and the Cupola.
  11. Feb 2010CupolaUS segmentThe station’s seven-window observation dome — used for Earth viewing and robotic-arm operations.
  12. May 2010RassvetRussian segmentA Russian module used for docking and storage, delivered (unusually) by US Space Shuttle.
  13. Feb 2011LeonardoUS segmentA permanent storage module — originally an Italian-built reusable cargo carrier, later left attached.
  14. Apr 2016BEAMUS segmentAn experimental expandable (inflatable) module testing soft-shell habitat technology.
  15. Dec 2020BishopUS segmentThe first commercially owned ISS module — a robotic airlock for deploying payloads and satellites.
  16. Jul 2021NaukaRussian segmentThe newest Russian laboratory module — research space, an oxygen generator, and the European Robotic Arm.
  17. Nov 2021PrichalRussian segmentA spherical Russian docking node with up to six ports for future expansion.