Journal 111 - International Space Station

International Space Station (ISS) is a large, inhabited Earth satellite. It has built by more than 15 nations in space. The first part of the station was launched in 1998. The station consists of about 8 cylindrical sections called modules. Each module lunched from Earth separately; astronauts and cosmonauts connected the sections in space. The ISS orbits Earth at an altitude of about 250 miles.
The USA and Russia are providing most of the modules and other equipment. Canada built a mobile robot arm; it was installed in 2001. In this undertaking participated Japan and the European Space Agency (many members). Brazil provides equipment. This country signed a special separate agreement with the United States; it has permission to send a Brazilian astronaut to the station.