International Space Station (ISS) Timeline

As the largest research facility ever to be assembled in space, ISS has been in construction since 1998. With a proposed date of completion set for sometime in 2010, space agencies around the world are currently working on planning, building and getting ready to launch the remaining modules (self-sustaining units) for ISS. 

ISS Modules in Space

As of the end of 2007, seven of the 14 total modules that will make up ISS have already been assembled. With their inclusion to ISS, this permanently manned spacecraft can sustain three crewmembers with its:
  • docking stations (hubs where other spacecraft can connect and transfer goods to ISS)
  • life support systems (including air and water supplies)
  • living quarters
  • power supply
  • research facilities
  • storage room.
The following table lays out the currently agreed upon projected timeline for the assembly of the rest of ISS' planned modules. It displays the date upon which the remaining ISS modules are to be launched into space and then incorporated into ISS. Keep in mind that the ISS timeline is always subject to change due to component malfunctions, funding difficulties and other factors.
 

Expected Launch Date

ISS Module

Launch Vehicle

Mission's Goal(s)

February 2008

 Columbus

Atlantis

· to serve as the European Space Agency's (ESA's) primary research lab and living quarters

· to supply ISS with a non-deployable module in which to conduct experiments.

March 2008

 Kibo

Endeavor

· to serve as the Japanese Exploration Space Agency's (JAXAs) primary research lab and living quarters.

April 2008

Kibo's RMS

Discovery

· to assemble Kibo's Remote Manipulator System, the foundation for a research area entirely in a space environment but controlled from Kibo's pressurized module.

September 2008

Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM)

Endeavor

· to serve as further living quarters, storage area, power supply and research facilities for ISS crew.

NOTE: ISS partners have yet to set the dates for the following ISS-related missions (However, they are listed in the order in which they will occur).

N/A

European Robotic Arm (ERA)

Discovery

· to enhance the Columbus' research capabilities by giving crew an "arm" into space.

N/A

Kibo's Exposed Facility (EF)

Russian Proton Rocket

· to serve as a research area entire within the environment of space, rather than within the pressurized environment of ISS.

NOTE: The following missions will make ISS capable of sustaining its full capacity, six crewmembers.

N/A

MPLM

Discovery

· to serve as further living quarters, storage area, power supply and research facilities for ISS crew.

N/A

Node 3 with Cupola

Discovery

· to complete essential power supplies and life support systems for ISS crew.

N/A

Research Module

Russian Proton Rocket

· to provide ISS with the supplies it needs to complete its research facilities.

 
Note that the above outline of the current ISS timeline only focuses on the missions in which main components are being launched into space and assembled to the International Space Station. Between many of the above listed missions are a number of other, smaller missions in which NASA, ESA and various other ISS partners and international space agencies venture to ISS to bring more supplies, make crew changes and do anything else that is necessary at the time.
 
While ISS is projected to be complete by 2010, it is expected to be a functioning research station until 2016.
 
Resource
 
NASA (2008). ISS Launch Schedule. Retrieved February 14, 2008, from the NASA Web site.