In January 2000, a Russian capsule will bring a three-person crew to the station, and from that point on the station will be permanently inhabited. Research work in a U.S. laboratory module is also scheduled to begin at that time. According to NASA, the Space Shuttle and two types of Russian rockets will conduct 45 missions to launch and assemble the more than 100 elements that will comprise the completed International Space Station. The United States, however, is providing the lion's share of funding, including paying for the Zarya module. But despite its critics, multiple delays, and continued cost overruns, the project survives.
Discovery delivers integrated truss structure, other components, and crew begins truss construction.
Atlantis delivers thermal radiator solar arrays and another truss segment. From this point on, the station will be permanently inhabited. Discovery delivers supplies. Italian multipurpose logistics module Leonardo and Canadian-built mechanical arm delivered by Atlantis added to station. Japanese and the European Space Agency labs, centrifuge module for experiments requiring gravity, and U.S.-built habitation module for crew of seven added.