The International Space Station from Above

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest human-made object ever to orbit the Earth . Last August, the station was visited and resupplied by space shuttle Discovery . The ISS is currently operated by the Expedition 13 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 high above the Caspian Sea . Visible components include modules , truss es, and expansive solar arrays that gather sunlight that is turned into needed electricity .