The ISS serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory where scientific experiments are conducted in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, physics, and other fields. The station is known for testing the spacecraft systems and equipment required for possible future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. It is the largest artificial object in space and the largest satellite in low Earth orbit, regularly visible to the naked eye from Earth’s surface. It orbits Earth with an average altitude of 250 miles (400 km) with reboost maneuvers using the engines of Service Modules or visiting spacecraft. The ISS circles the Earth in roughly 92 minutes, completing 15.5 orbits per day. 
The diagram above shows the major station sections in ISS. The ISS is a third-generation modular space station. Modular stations can allow modules to be added to or removed from the existing structure, allowing greater flexibility. 
To celebrate 20 years of the International Space Station, LEGO recently released the latest version of the orbiting legend. Having already purchased and assembled the Saturn V and Apollo 11 lander LEGO models, I decided on this fantastic latest entry in the Lego Ideas series. 
This model comes with 864 pieces and is recommended for ages 16 and up, but this could be assembled by children working with an adult to help. 
The model pieces come in several bags and the instruction manual also has details and information about ISS’s mission and even the history of the LEGO model and its designers. 
Both my son and I worked on the model together. You see him here working on assembling Space Shuttle Atlantis, the one that we saw in-person back in late 2018 while visiting Cape Canaveral. .
What’s great about this LEGO model is that it naturally causes questions about the various structures and hardware used on the (real) ISS. As it takes shape you start to see the various component structures that makeup ISS (as shown in the aforementioned diagrams further above). On the model, you see that the (real) ISS has a large number of external components with the largest of these being the Integrated Truss Structure (ITS), to which the station’s main solar arrays and thermal radiators are mounted. This is shown above as the LEGO model’s construction continues. 
The model’s designers put a lot of creative energy into depicting the various crewed sections of ISS. Well-known crewed modules such as Destiny, Quest, Columbus, Harmony, Qubo, and Tranquility are easily identifiable not just on the model but match up with relative accuracy to the preceding NASA ISS diagram (further above). 
The various spacecraft that dock with ISS was well depicted. Along with Shuttle Atlantis, you see identifiable Soyuz and Salyut (Russian Federation) spacecraft that can be connected and undocked to the main model. 
The earlier-mentioned ITS structure serves as a base for the station’s primary remote manipulator system, called the Mobile Servicing System (MSS), which includes Canadarm2, the largest robotic arm on the ISS. It is used to dock and manipulate spacecraft and modules on parts of the station, and hold crew members and/or equipment in place during EVAs (aka. External Vehicle Activities or “Space-Walks”). This is shown on the LEGO model near the crewed quarters and lab sections. 
The solar panels used to provide electric power to the station went together easily and the model helped to show where on the ITS they go and how they are positioned to collect the needed power. 
The model took several hours to complete, and you see the final result above. Shuttle Atlantis is perched on the model’s pedestal, and other spacecraft such as Cygnus and Boeing’s Starliner are displayed next to the small ISS plaque at the base. 
The overall visual comparison of the completed model to real-life space images show the uncanny similarity. It also helps that the model decals resemble features seen on the station. 
For those who like playing with the model like a standard LEGO toy (although I’d recommend EXTREME caution), it’s easy to replicate images seen from and around the station such as the Russian Federation spacecraft, Columbus module, and Shuttle Atlantis docking. 
My son and I highly recommend this model for those that are dedicated Lego builders and especially those that are fond of the space program such as us. The greatest thing this model has you take with it is the questions about ISS, how it works, and what it’s ultimate missions are. NASA has a great page dedicated to ISS mission and current projects here at www.nasa.gov. This model is exclusive to LEGO stores but can also be bought online direct from LEGO.com or others like Amazon, eBay, and others. We did the LEGO-online version and in a twist of irony was done the same day that we were told ISS would fly directly over Phoenix (and directly in between the view of Venus and star-cluster Pleiades!). Not the best picture here (rushed with my camera), but an image of it passing just the same. 
© Ben Faltinowski and The Great Galactic Space Gimmick, 2020, authorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Ben Faltinowski and The Great Galactic Space Gimmick with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
DISCLAIMER: The images used here are strictly for educational purposes and promotion of the International Space Station and it’s human space flight duties. This article further promotes the LEGO model of ISS and gives a positive review of the model. No royalties were collected or sought for this article or product endorsements, and this article is free to the public and written voluntarily. It is believed that this constitutes fair use.