Although science fiction has been at the forefront of space exploration, there are many real life successes that have helped to build a strong space program. These space successes are in the form of multiple space stations built by various countries. On May 14, 1973 Skylab was launched with the goals of observing the Earth, the atmosphere, and its space surroundings in addition to performing multiple medical experiments. Skylab remained in orbit successfully for 9 months, and Skylab [Courtesy of NASA] set many precedents for space travel because it was the first space station of its size ever. Also, the crews remained in space longer than any other crews before their time. Skylab had been in orbit for a period of 11 days when the first crew was sent up to operate the station. The first crew was on board the station for 28 days before returning to earth. The second crew remained on Skylab for 59 days and the final crew stayed an incredible 84 days aboard the station. The three crews evaluated what life in a microgravity environment would be like and returned to earth with a plethora of new information. This information would help scientists to design future space stations that could remain in space for a longer time. The very first space station ever put into orbit was the USSR's Salyut 1. This station was launched in April of 1971 and remained in orbit for 6 months. Salyut 1 was manned for only 22 days and sadly the three-man crew died upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. This station, however, was only the first of a series and with each new mission the time spent in space grew to more than six months. The need for extra docking ports were needed on Salyuts 6 and 7. Perhaps the greatest success in space stations thus far is the Russian Space Station Mir. Mir's core module was launched on February 19, 1986. This module contained all of the station Mir space station [Courtesy of NASA] controls and living area. On July 30, 1987 the first group of men reached Mir and remained in space a record 366 days. Many more missions have been sent to Mir to continue research and learning about life in a microgravity environment. Research on Mir has focused into two main areas: human life in space and space technology development. The research is aimed at learning how biological life reacts in a microgravity (weightless) environment and development of new ways to lengthen the time spent in space. Mir also has conducted experiments in "fluid mechanics, combustion, material sciences and processes, and biotechnology," all in attempt to create new technologies. Perhaps the most exciting step in space stations is the upcoming International Space Station. The International Space Station [Courtesy of NASA] This space station is an international project that is set to launch its first component in the fall of 1998. It is to be the first station in history with international collaboration. The station has had a series of names in the past such as Space station Freedom which provided "blueprints" for the ISS era. Freedom, while never actually built, was a valuable prerequisite for ISS. NASA began a newsletter in 1989 called Station Break that explored in detail the idea of a "living" station is space. The newsletter ended in 1993 when the plan to build the station became to expensive too build by the United States alone. NASA proposed a "cheaper" version named Space Station Alpha, but this idea to fell through with the lack of sufficient funding. NASA branched out to other countries for help in building the station. If the station is successfully built and maintained, the research and collaboration involved will be an unprecedented accomplishment in space history. Crew, trainers, mission planners, and flight controllers in two nations are preparing to start the largest, international cooperative space venture in history. In late 1998 the first two components of the International Space Station (ISS), a space laboratory collaboratively designed by different countries, will be launched. Functional Cargo Block [Courtesy of NASA] The Functional Cargo Block, a Russian module known by the acronym FGB, will be first component. A Russian Proton rocket will put the 20 ton FGB into orbit in November. FGB is an independent module that will generate and distribute electrical power for the first stages of station construction. It will provide ground communications and will serve as the docking location for the next stages of the station and for service modules. FGB will also control the motion and maintain the altitude of the space station. After the initial construction phases, FGB will be used for cargo storage. It will spend no less than 15 years in orbit, if all goes well. The second step to construction of ISS is set to be lauched two weeks later in December. The American Unity Node will be launched into space on the U.S. orbiter STS-88. Unity Node is a connecting passageway to living and work areas of the International Space Station. Unity Node will have two Pressurized Mating Adapters. PMA 1 connects to FGB, and it also serves as a passageway to the U.S. laboratory module, U.S. habitation module, and an airlock. PMA 2 allows the Space Shuttle to dock. A total of six hatches serve as docking ports for other modules. Stay updated with the construction of the International Space Station by visiting its Web site. The launch point for your information is at http://207.86.88.39/station/assembly/flights/1ar.html In the past several years, the United States has proposed the construction of the first International Space Station (ISS) and since has looked to other countries for assistance. This station will be able provide long-term (more than 30 days) exposure to microgravity for humans, animals, and plants. The ISS will also allow for routine stays of six months to one year in space. The overall goal of Life Sciences Division ISS Program is to develop "an international, multidisciplinary research laboratory with state-of-the-art capabilities for systematic, long duration biological and medical research." In the beginning the International Space Station was just going to be a United States effort. To obtain the desired goal, however, the United States has looked to many other countries to share the expense of such an ambitious undertaking. Several countries have already consented in helping the United States obtain this mission. Canada, Russia, Japan, and Italy have sent word to the United States on exactly what they will and can provide. The United States is excited at such participation but will continue to welcome other countries' support. The International Space Station will accommodate researchers all over the world with interests in science, technology, and commercial applications.