« Back to OverviewInternational Space Station Quiz What do you know about the International Space Station? Take the Quiz!How well do you know the International Space Station (ISS)? Blast off into low Earth orbit with this quiz all about the orbiting laboratory. Test your knowledge and learn interesting new facts. 1 / 261. In what year did assembly of the ISS begin? 1979 1991 1998 2000The first module of the ISS was launched in 1998, 14 years after President Reagan’s 1984 State of the Union Address in which he directed NASA to build an international space station.The first module of the ISS was launched in 1998, 14 years after President Reagan’s 1984 State of the Union Address in which he directed NASA to build an international space station. 2 / 262. In what year was assembly of the ISS completed? 1998 2000 2007 2011Initial construction was completed in 2011, but new modules and platforms, such as the Russian Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module and the Prichal Docking Module, continued to be added to the orbiting laboratory through November 2021.Initial construction was completed in 2011, but new modules and platforms, such as the Russian Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module and the Prichal Docking Module, continued to be added to the orbiting laboratory through November 2021. 3 / 263. How many assembly flights did it take to construct the ISS? 27 42 39 35It took 42 assembly flights to construct the ISS. The U.S. space shuttles Endeavor, Discovery, and Atlantis completed 37 assembly flights to deliver the large modules and other pieces of the ISS, and five additional construction missions used Russian Proton and Soyuz rockets.It took 42 assembly flights to construct the ISS. The U.S. space shuttles Endeavor, Discovery, and Atlantis completed 37 assembly flights to deliver the large modules and other pieces of the ISS, and five additional construction missions used Russian Proton and Soyuz rockets. 4 / 264. Since 1998, how many spacewalks have been conducted from the ISS? 240-249 250-259 260-269 270+More than 270 spacewalks have been conducted for the assembly, maintenance, and upgrade of the ISS since 1998.More than 270 spacewalks have been conducted for the assembly, maintenance, and upgrade of the ISS since 1998. 5 / 265. If the ISS were on Earth, what would the entire structure weigh in pounds? 525,000 pounds 750,000 pounds 935,000 pounds 1,250,000 poundsAccording to NASA, it would weigh approximately 935,000 pounds, anywhere from 880,000 to 990,000 pounds depending on the precise mass at any given time. That is the equivalent of about 230 average-sized cars!According to NASA, it would weigh approximately 935,000 pounds, anywhere from 880,000 to 990,000 pounds depending on the precise mass at any given time. That is the equivalent of about 230 average-sized cars! 6 / 266. How often does the ISS orbit the Earth? Every 60 minutes Every 4 hours Every 128 minutes Every 92 minutesThe ISS orbits Earth every 92 minutes (1 hour 32 minutes), which allows astronauts to see as many as 16 sunrises and sunsets a day.The ISS orbits Earth every 92 minutes (1 hour 32 minutes), which allows astronauts to see as many as 16 sunrises and sunsets a day. 7 / 267. On average, the ISS orbits how many miles above the Earth? 100 miles 250 miles 290 miles 375 milesThe ISS orbits approximately 250 miles above the Earth, ranging from a minimum of 174 miles to a maximum of 285 miles. The ISS is in “low Earth orbit,” which means it travels relatively close to the Earth’s surface.The ISS orbits approximately 250 miles above the Earth, ranging from a minimum of 174 miles to a maximum of 285 miles. The ISS is in “low Earth orbit,” which means it travels relatively close to the Earth’s surface. 8 / 268. The ISS has been continually inhabited since what year? 2000 1998 2011 2007Humans have had a continual presence in space onboard the ISS since the year 2000.Humans have had a continual presence in space onboard the ISS since the year 2000. 9 / 269. Which U.S. astronaut has spent the longest time (cumulative) onboard the ISS? Scott Kelly Butch Wilmore Mark Vande Hei Peggy WhitsonPeggy Whitson has spent the most time onboard the ISS. By April 2025, she had spent a total of 675 days onboard the ISS across multiple missions.Peggy Whitson has spent the most time onboard the ISS. By April 2025, she had spent a total of 675 days onboard the ISS across multiple missions. 10 / 2610. What is the overall length of the ISS in feet? 356 332 296 281The ISS is 356 feet long, which is the equivalent of a standard professional football fiThe ISS is 356 feet long, which is the equivalent of a standard professional football fi 11 / 2611. How many space agencies contributed to building the ISS? 3 5 7 9Five space agencies contributed to the construction of the ISS: NASA, Roscosmos (the Russian Space Agency), the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, and JAXA (Japanese Space Agency).Five space agencies contributed to the construction of the ISS: NASA, Roscosmos (the Russian Space Agency), the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, and JAXA (Japanese Space Agency). 12 / 2612. How many times has the Olympic Torch been on the ISS? 0 1 2 3The Olympic Torch has been onboard the ISS one time — unlit, of course, for safety reasons. Two Russian cosmonauts took the Olympic Torch onboard the ISS in November 2013 during the lead up to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.The Olympic Torch has been onboard the ISS one time — unlit, of course, for safety reasons. Two Russian cosmonauts took the Olympic Torch onboard the ISS in November 2013 during the lead up to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. 13 / 2613. What was the first module of the ISS called? Destiny Zvezda Unity ZaryaLaunched on November 20, 1998, Zarya, which means “sunrise” or “dawn” in Russian, was the first ISS module. It provided electrical power, storage, propulsion, and guidance to the ISS during the initial stage of assembly.Launched on November 20, 1998, Zarya, which means “sunrise” or “dawn” in Russian, was the first ISS module. It provided electrical power, storage, propulsion, and guidance to the ISS during the initial stage of assembly. 14 / 2614. How many main solar arrays does the ISS have? 6 8 16 32The ISS has eight main solar arrays, which generate between 75 to 90 kilowatts of power, enough to provide electricity to 40 homes. In 2021, six Roll-Out Solar Arrays were added to the existing solar panels to boost the power provided to the ISS. NASA plans to install the final two Roll-Out Solar Arrays in 2025.The ISS has eight main solar arrays, which generate between 75 to 90 kilowatts of power, enough to provide electricity to 40 homes. In 2021, six Roll-Out Solar Arrays were added to the existing solar panels to boost the power provided to the ISS. NASA plans to install the final two Roll-Out Solar Arrays in 2025. 15 / 2615. How many pressurized modules does the ISS have? 11 13 16 22There are 16 pressurized modules on the ISS: eight were provided by the U.S., six by Russia, one by Japan, and one by Europe.There are 16 pressurized modules on the ISS: eight were provided by the U.S., six by Russia, one by Japan, and one by Europe. 16 / 2616. In miles per hour, how fast does the ISS travel? 1,000 6,000 7,500 17,500The ISS travels at 17,500 miles per hour. In a 24-hour period, it travels the distance it would take to go to the Moon and back.The ISS travels at 17,500 miles per hour. In a 24-hour period, it travels the distance it would take to go to the Moon and back. 17 / 2617. To mitigate the loss of muscle and bone mass in the human body, how long per day at a minimum do astronauts onboard the ISS need to work out? 1 hour per day 2.5 hours per day 30 minutes per day 90 minutes per dayAstronauts onboard the ISS need to work out at least 2.5 hours per day. In the microgravity environment of space, they experience about 89% of the gravity we experience on Earth, and the weightlessness can lead to significant muscle and bone loss over time if precautions are not taken.Astronauts onboard the ISS need to work out at least 2.5 hours per day. In the microgravity environment of space, they experience about 89% of the gravity we experience on Earth, and the weightlessness can lead to significant muscle and bone loss over time if precautions are not taken. 18 / 2618. How many spacecraft can be connected to the ISS at one time? 4 5 8 10Eight spacecraft can be connected to the ISS at one time.Eight spacecraft can be connected to the ISS at one time. 19 / 2619. What is the 55-foot robotic arm on the ISS called? Americarm Canadarm2 Soyuz BishopThe 55-foot robotic arm on the ISS is called Canadarm2. It has seven different joints and two end-effectors, or hands, and is used to move entire modules, deploy science experiments, and even transport spacewalking astronauts.The 55-foot robotic arm on the ISS is called Canadarm2. It has seven different joints and two end-effectors, or hands, and is used to move entire modules, deploy science experiments, and even transport spacewalking astronauts. 20 / 2620. There are two main components of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) on the ISS: The Oxygen Generation System (OGS) and the___________. Crew Communication System (CCS) Refuse Recycling System (RRS) Water Recovery System (WRS) Crew Fitness System (CFS)The Water Recovery System (WRS) recovers sweat, liquid waste (urine), and excess water from the interior of the ISS and runs it through a purification process for reuse. This system reduces the need for water delivered by a cargo spacecraft by 65%.The Water Recovery System (WRS) recovers sweat, liquid waste (urine), and excess water from the interior of the ISS and runs it through a purification process for reuse. This system reduces the need for water delivered by a cargo spacecraft by 65%. 21 / 2621. After launching from Earth, what is the soonest a spacecraft can arrive at the ISS? In as few as 4 hours In as few as 30 minutes In as few as 7 hours In 3 daysA spacecraft can arrive at the ISS in as few as 4 hours, but the time for spacecraft to reach the ISS varies significantly depending on the type of spacecraft, the launch window, and the purpose of the mission.A spacecraft can arrive at the ISS in as few as 4 hours, but the time for spacecraft to reach the ISS varies significantly depending on the type of spacecraft, the launch window, and the purpose of the mission. 22 / 2622. On average, how long is a typical astronaut mission onboard the ISS? 6 days 1 year 2 months 6 monthsThe typical astronaut mission onboard the ISS is 6 months, and there are typically three to six crew members on the spacecraft at a time.The typical astronaut mission onboard the ISS is 6 months, and there are typically three to six crew members on the spacecraft at a time. 23 / 2623. How many experiments have been sent to the ISS? 1,400-1,999 2,000-2,799 2,800-2,999 3,000+More than 3,000 experiments have been sent to the ISS. The majority have been related to biology and biotechnology, while others have investigated the physical sciences, Earth and space science, and technology development.More than 3,000 experiments have been sent to the ISS. The majority have been related to biology and biotechnology, while others have investigated the physical sciences, Earth and space science, and technology development. 24 / 2624. How many lines of code are used to support the ISS? 4.5-7.9 million lines 8-9.9 million lines 10-14.9 million lines 15 million lines+Over 15 million lines of code are used both in space and on the ground to support the ISS. All of this code is essential for the complex operations, life support systems, scientific experiments, and communication required to keep the ISS functioning safely and effectively.Over 15 million lines of code are used both in space and on the ground to support the ISS. All of this code is essential for the complex operations, life support systems, scientific experiments, and communication required to keep the ISS functioning safely and effectively. 25 / 2625. In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the ISS as what? A government agency A company A National Laboratory A museumIn 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the ISS as a National Laboratory for improving life on Earth, advancing STEM education, and fostering relationships among NASA, other federal agencies, and the private sector.In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the ISS as a National Laboratory for improving life on Earth, advancing STEM education, and fostering relationships among NASA, other federal agencies, and the private sector. 26 / 2626. How many ISS National Lab research projects have been sent to the ISS since 2011? 50-100 101-150 151-200 200+More than 200 research projects have been sent to the ISS since 2011. From improving quality of life for cancer patients to developing innovative treatments for osteoporosis, identifying potential solutions to address climate change, improving robotics systems, and even manufacturing artificial tissues in space, ISS National Lab research is helping to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.More than 200 research projects have been sent to the ISS since 2011. From improving quality of life for cancer patients to developing innovative treatments for osteoporosis, identifying potential solutions to address climate change, improving robotics systems, and even manufacturing artificial tissues in space, ISS National Lab research is helping to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Your score isShare with your friends. LinkedIn Facebook VKontakte 0% Restart quiz
« Back to Overview
What do you know about the International Space Station? Take the Quiz!
How well do you know the International Space Station (ISS)? Blast off into low Earth orbit with this quiz all about the orbiting laboratory. Test your knowledge and learn interesting new facts.
1 / 26
1. In what year did assembly of the ISS begin?
The first module of the ISS was launched in 1998, 14 years after President Reagan’s 1984 State of the Union Address in which he directed NASA to build an international space station.
2 / 26
2. In what year was assembly of the ISS completed?
Initial construction was completed in 2011, but new modules and platforms, such as the Russian Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module and the Prichal Docking Module, continued to be added to the orbiting laboratory through November 2021.
3 / 26
3. How many assembly flights did it take to construct the ISS?
It took 42 assembly flights to construct the ISS. The U.S. space shuttles Endeavor, Discovery, and Atlantis completed 37 assembly flights to deliver the large modules and other pieces of the ISS, and five additional construction missions used Russian Proton and Soyuz rockets.
4 / 26
4. Since 1998, how many spacewalks have been conducted from the ISS?
More than 270 spacewalks have been conducted for the assembly, maintenance, and upgrade of the ISS since 1998.
5 / 26
5. If the ISS were on Earth, what would the entire structure weigh in pounds?
According to NASA, it would weigh approximately 935,000 pounds, anywhere from 880,000 to 990,000 pounds depending on the precise mass at any given time. That is the equivalent of about 230 average-sized cars!
6 / 26
6. How often does the ISS orbit the Earth?
The ISS orbits Earth every 92 minutes (1 hour 32 minutes), which allows astronauts to see as many as 16 sunrises and sunsets a day.
7 / 26
7. On average, the ISS orbits how many miles above the Earth?
The ISS orbits approximately 250 miles above the Earth, ranging from a minimum of 174 miles to a maximum of 285 miles. The ISS is in “low Earth orbit,” which means it travels relatively close to the Earth’s surface.
8 / 26
8. The ISS has been continually inhabited since what year?
Humans have had a continual presence in space onboard the ISS since the year 2000.
9 / 26
9. Which U.S. astronaut has spent the longest time (cumulative) onboard the ISS?
Peggy Whitson has spent the most time onboard the ISS. By April 2025, she had spent a total of 675 days onboard the ISS across multiple missions.
10 / 26
10. What is the overall length of the ISS in feet?
The ISS is 356 feet long, which is the equivalent of a standard professional football fi
11 / 26
11. How many space agencies contributed to building the ISS?
Five space agencies contributed to the construction of the ISS: NASA, Roscosmos (the Russian Space Agency), the European Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, and JAXA (Japanese Space Agency).
12 / 26
12. How many times has the Olympic Torch been on the ISS?
The Olympic Torch has been onboard the ISS one time — unlit, of course, for safety reasons. Two Russian cosmonauts took the Olympic Torch onboard the ISS in November 2013 during the lead up to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
13 / 26
13. What was the first module of the ISS called?
Launched on November 20, 1998, Zarya, which means “sunrise” or “dawn” in Russian, was the first ISS module. It provided electrical power, storage, propulsion, and guidance to the ISS during the initial stage of assembly.
14 / 26
14. How many main solar arrays does the ISS have?
The ISS has eight main solar arrays, which generate between 75 to 90 kilowatts of power, enough to provide electricity to 40 homes. In 2021, six Roll-Out Solar Arrays were added to the existing solar panels to boost the power provided to the ISS. NASA plans to install the final two Roll-Out Solar Arrays in 2025.
15 / 26
15. How many pressurized modules does the ISS have?
There are 16 pressurized modules on the ISS: eight were provided by the U.S., six by Russia, one by Japan, and one by Europe.
16 / 26
16. In miles per hour, how fast does the ISS travel?
The ISS travels at 17,500 miles per hour. In a 24-hour period, it travels the distance it would take to go to the Moon and back.
17 / 26
17. To mitigate the loss of muscle and bone mass in the human body, how long per day at a minimum do astronauts onboard the ISS need to work out?
Astronauts onboard the ISS need to work out at least 2.5 hours per day. In the microgravity environment of space, they experience about 89% of the gravity we experience on Earth, and the weightlessness can lead to significant muscle and bone loss over time if precautions are not taken.
18 / 26
18. How many spacecraft can be connected to the ISS at one time?
Eight spacecraft can be connected to the ISS at one time.
19 / 26
19. What is the 55-foot robotic arm on the ISS called?
The 55-foot robotic arm on the ISS is called Canadarm2. It has seven different joints and two end-effectors, or hands, and is used to move entire modules, deploy science experiments, and even transport spacewalking astronauts.
20 / 26
20. There are two main components of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) on the ISS: The Oxygen Generation System (OGS) and the___________.
The Water Recovery System (WRS) recovers sweat, liquid waste (urine), and excess water from the interior of the ISS and runs it through a purification process for reuse. This system reduces the need for water delivered by a cargo spacecraft by 65%.
21 / 26
21. After launching from Earth, what is the soonest a spacecraft can arrive at the ISS?
A spacecraft can arrive at the ISS in as few as 4 hours, but the time for spacecraft to reach the ISS varies significantly depending on the type of spacecraft, the launch window, and the purpose of the mission.
22 / 26
22. On average, how long is a typical astronaut mission onboard the ISS?
The typical astronaut mission onboard the ISS is 6 months, and there are typically three to six crew members on the spacecraft at a time.
23 / 26
23. How many experiments have been sent to the ISS?
More than 3,000 experiments have been sent to the ISS. The majority have been related to biology and biotechnology, while others have investigated the physical sciences, Earth and space science, and technology development.
24 / 26
24. How many lines of code are used to support the ISS?
Over 15 million lines of code are used both in space and on the ground to support the ISS. All of this code is essential for the complex operations, life support systems, scientific experiments, and communication required to keep the ISS functioning safely and effectively.
25 / 26
25. In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the ISS as what?
In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the ISS as a National Laboratory for improving life on Earth, advancing STEM education, and fostering relationships among NASA, other federal agencies, and the private sector.
26 / 26
26. How many ISS National Lab research projects have been sent to the ISS since 2011?
More than 200 research projects have been sent to the ISS since 2011. From improving quality of life for cancer patients to developing innovative treatments for osteoporosis, identifying potential solutions to address climate change, improving robotics systems, and even manufacturing artificial tissues in space, ISS National Lab research is helping to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
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