The ISS in its present configuration, photographed from Shuttle Discovery on December 19th, 2006 during the STS-116 mission. An incredible view from some 220 statute miles above our big blue marble.

Since construction of the ISS has resumed in full after the setbacks suffered by the Shuttle program (e.g. Columbia accident, previous issues with foam shedding from the external tank), I’d wanted to beef up on my knowledge of the Station and what’s in store between now and 2010 when the existing orbiters are scheduled to be retired. As a result, I’d planned over the weekend to pick up a new book in the Apogee series on space in order to brush up on all the the pertinent details. While the folks at NASA probably weren’t reading my mind, it’s a neat coincidence that yesterday they published a comprehensive online reference manual detailing all things ISS, which appears identical to the book linked above. It’s available in a sequence of .pdf files linked below (Adobe Reader is required for viewing) — and, please note that these files are pretty sizable, so dial-up users should avoid them and opt for the hard copy.

· Introduction / Table of Contents
· Assembly Stages
· Elements
· Transportation / Logistics
· Systems
· International Facilities and Operations
· Missions
· Interesting Facts
· Appendix
· Partners / Contacts

It should also be noted that with upcoming additions to the Station including new solar arrays, the ISS should become brighter and brighter in the night sky, making for a particularly appealing target for we amateur astronomers. Apparently nobody’s yet sure of what visual magnitude the platform will reach, but rest assured it will become increasingly prominent toward its completion. You won’t require any serious optical equipment in order to view the International Space Station; all you need are your eyes and suitably dark observing conditions. In order to see when ISS will pass overhead in your area, surf over to Heavens Above and check out the pass predictions listed.