3.8 APOD

In this shot we see the International Space Station. Last month, the the space shuttle Atlantis added another piece to the ISS, the Columbus Science Library. This picture was taken by the crew of Atlantis as it returned to Earth. The ISS, which began contruction in 1998, has grown a lot in recent years. The ISS now has a supply ship, a robotic arm, and solar panels, all recent additions. According to the ISS, it is "the largest and most complex international scientific project in history." The orbit of the ISS is at a perfect angle to allow ships from the member countries to reach it with new technology, supplies, and crew members. It's angle also allows it to make good observations of Earth. Over 85% of the planet, housing over 95% of the world's population, can be observed from the ISS.