Zarya Control Module
Launched on Nov. 20, 1998 by a Proton Rocket, the 21-ton Zarya Control Module was the first ISS component to be sent in orbit. It is the fledgling station's primary link with Earth, as well as its only source of power, propulsion and control. As assembly progresses, Zarya's roles will be assumed by other station elements and it will be used primarily as a passageway, docking port and fuel storage site. "Zarya" is a Russian word for "sunrise".
Zvezda Service Module
Zvezda will provide the very first ISS living and lab quarters for station dwellers. The 42,000-pound module will have flight control, data processing and communications systems -- as well as water and power. Its guidance and propulsion systems will take over those functions from Zarya. A Russian Proton rocket will boost the module into orbit from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. But delays have hit Zarya, and its November launch date has been pushed back to December 1999, or as late as February 2000. The U.S. Navy has prepared their own module that could be launched in Zvezda's place. Zvezda is the primary Russian contribution to the ISS.
Soyuz Rocket -- The Escape Vehicle
The Russian Soyuz rocket, which has transported crews and supplies into space for more than 25 years, will stay docked to the station and serve as a crew-return vehicle in case of emergency. Every six months, a different Soyuz will assume this duty. However, the craft will be modified version of the original Soyuz with lower weight and a greater payload capacity. The craft is scheduled to be sent up in March of 2000. It will carry the first crew -- a three-person "expedition" -- marking the beginning of the station's continuous human presence.
Docking Compartment-1
The first docking compartment is scheduled to be launched in September 2000 by a Russian Soyuz rocket. It will provide a location for spacewalks and a Soyuz docking port.
Science Power Platform
This Russian-built platform has four solar arrays which will give the station additional electric power. It is scheduled to be launched by the U.S. Space Shuttle in November 2001.
Universal Docking Module
To be launched in June 2002 by a Proton rocket, this module will provide docking locations for Russian research modules. It will also give the station life-support systems capabilities.
Docking Compartment 2
The second docking compartment is scheduled to be launched in July 2002 by a Soyuz rocket. It will provide an improved Russian airlock.
Docking and Stowage Module
This module, to be launched in July 2003 by a Proton rocket, will be mounted to Zarya's nadir port and will provide additional on-orbit stowage as well as a docking location for the Soyuz rocket. It is similar in size and shape to the Zarya module.
Research Module 1 and 2
These modules will deliver the first of two Russian laboratories for experiments and research. Ukraine is expected to build one of the service modules. The first is scheduled to be launched in March 2004, and the second in August 2004. Both will be launched by a Soyuz rocket.
[source: NASA]
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