Space Station at 10: Much Teamwork, Less Science

Irene Klotz, Discovery News

Nov. 20, 2008 -- When Russia launched the first component of what would become the International Space Station 10 years ago, NASA expected to finish construction in eight years, spend about $30 billion and fund hundreds of experiments in fields ranging from fluid physics to materials sciences to medical research.

Up to seven people would live on the outpost, which would be regularly resupplied by the space shuttle and other ships. The crew would have its own habitation module, with a kitchen, bathroom, shower, sleeping quarters and a medical station.

It hasn't all happened according to plan.

From a one-room foundation, the station has expanded to the size of a five-bedroom house, with 10 modules owned by the United States, Russia, Japan and Europe now permanently linked in orbit. The cost has blossomed to more than $100 billion and NASA says it will need another two years to finish assembly.

More at dsc.discovery.com