The first four crews to live and work aboard the ISS are actively training. Early next year, an international crew of three will begin living and working aboard the International Space Station, starting permanent human presence aboard the outpost. Avoids consuming propellant delivered by the Shuttle or Progress. Airlock enables spacewalks without the Shuttle present. US Lab Destiny sets the stage for research.
Robotic arm marks the initial Canadian contribution.
Three-person crews rotate about every 90 days. Emergency crew return is available using the Soyuz spacecraft. Renewable electric power is provided by the first of four giant solar arrays.