ISS: International Space Station

Certain symbols are monumental not only to aviation and space exploration but to all of society as well. The International Space Station, or ISS, is one of those symbols. This second installment of a three-part series reveals how the ISS continues to be a breakthrough in both international relations and space exploration technology, forever changing what was thought possible.

A brainchild between the United States and the USSR's space programs after years of animosity between the two countries, the ISS continues to be an example of collaboration amid international tensions. Starting with just two countries, over thirty countries have now joined the effort to put more stations into space.

However, the ISS isn't just a beacon of diplomacy. Before the ISS, no one would have even imagined astronauts living in space. Now, there are talks of sending civilians out there —something that wouldn't seem possible without the success of the ISS.

Many of us have wondered what day-to-day living is like for an astronaut. For example, how do they deal without gravity, and how does space affect their bodies and health? Since the ISS was first launched, we have had years of data to better understand how exactly humans can live in space and which challenges to watch out for.

By reading ISS: International Space Station, you'll not only gain a deep understanding of how past breakthroughs made today's space travel possible — you will also take a peek into the fascinating life of astronauts living in space.

Here are a few highlights you can expect:

• The history and origins of the ISS, including its diplomatic and technological significance.
• What life is like living in zero-gravity.
• The surprising role of the ISS in health research, such as Alzheimer's disease.
• Social impact of the ISS and programs for the next generation.
• Major technologies that were made possible by the ISS, like the Lighting Imaging Sensor (LIS), as well as sustainability, communication, and navigation systems.
• The future of space stations beyond the ISS, such as the Lunar Gateway.
• Dangers and risks of living in space and how they're dealt with.
• Roles of people who work behind the scenes to make living on the ISS possible.
• Future missions and developments, such as Reimagine Our Future in Space.
• A bonus chapter, Strange Facts About the ISS, with fun tidbits and stories that further bring the ISS to life.

The author, R. T. Kagels, is an experienced commercial pilot who brings his knowledge and expertise to this subject. His goal for this book is to cover key events in aviation and aerospace that will inspire readers to learn more.

ISS: International Space Station gives you a full picture of how monumental the ISS was (and is) to all aspects of space exploration. It spearheaded life in space and became the headquarters for research and technologies that could only be discovered by living in space. As a team effort between NASA and Roscosmos, it is also a symbol of hope and collaboration in times of international tension. It's easy to see how the ISS shaped both the past and continues to inform the future of space stations.

Whether you're seeking to learn about key events in aeronautical history or are fascinated by how astronauts live in space, you'll want to read ISS: International Space Station.