Figure 23.28: American space shuttles visited Mir several times during the 1990’s. This
picture was taken by Russian cosmonauts from their Soyuz spacecraft, as they flew around
Mir and the Space Station to check on the space station. ( 32 )
The International Space Station
Early space exploration was driven by competition between the United States and the Soviet
Union. However, since the end of the Cold War, space technology and space exploration have
benefited from a spirit of cooperation. The International Space Station, shown inFigure
23.29, is a joint project between the space agencies of the United States (NASA), Russia
(RKA),Japan(JAXA),Canada(CSA)andseveralEuropeancountries(ESA).TheBrazilian
Space Agency also contributes.
The International Space Station is a very large station with many different sections. It is
still being assembled. The first piece was launched in 1997. The first crew arrived in 2000,
and the station has had people on board ever since. American space shuttles carry most
of the supplies and equipment to the station, while Russian Soyuz spacecraft carry people.
The primary purpose of the station is scientific research, especially in biology, medicine, and
physics.
Space Shuttles
The spacecraft that NASA used for the Apollo missions were very successful, but they were
very expensive, could not carry much cargo, and could be used only once. After the Apollo
missionstotheMoon, NASAwantedanewkindofspacevehicle. Theywantedthisvehicleto