International Space Station: Assembly and Operations

This lecture covers the history of the International Space Station (ISS), from its inception in 1998 to its full assembly in 2011, detailing the contributions of various space agencies and the key modules added over the years. It also explores the scientific research conducted on the ISS, including life sciences, Earth observation, and material science, as well as the physical challenges faced by astronauts during long-duration missions. The lecture concludes with a glimpse into the future of space stations, mentioning China's plans for a modular space station in the 2020s.