The International Space Station from Orbit

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest human-made object ever to orbit the Earth . Late last month and earlier this month, the station was visited and resupplied by space shuttle Discovery . The ISS is currently operated by the Expedition 11 crew , consisting a Russian and an American astronaut. After departing the ISS, the crew of Discovery captured this spectacular vista of the orbiting space city . Visible components include modules , truss es, and expansive solar arrays that gather sunlight that is turned into needed electricity .