How many miles above the Earth is the International Space Station?

Most of the time, the International Space Station (ISS) is orbiting the Earth at an altitude of approximately 220 miles (354 km), which places it in low Earth orbit (LEO). This distance can change, however, and has varied from 205 miles (330 km) to a planned maximum of 248 miles (400 km). read more

The International Space Station is the largest spacecraft ever built, and its assembly has been ongoing for two decades. Its first component, the Russian Zarya control module that provided the station's initial propulsion and power, was launched Nov. 20, 1998. International crews have continuously occupied it since 2000. read more