This book will be the first comprehensive review of the historical background, rationale behind, and events leading to the construction and commissioning of the ISS. The authors describe the orbital assembly of the ISS on a flight-by-flight basis, listing all the experiments planned in the various laboratory modules and explain their objectives. They also provide an account of the long-term stresses and strains of building the ISS on the US/Russia relationship, especially after 1997. By offering a comprehensive mix of operational work, microgravity science and future plans, the book should satisfy both the space enthusiast, eager for a detailed review of the missions, and the specialist wishing to read about the science research programme.