Space Rockets Gallery

International Space Station

International Space Station (ISS). Artwork of the International Space Station in orbit over Earth with a number of solar power panels arrayed. At lower centre the European Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) has just docked with the space station. The ISS is comprised of several different modules; the cylindrical European Columbus Orbital Facility or Attached Pressurised Module is in the background at centre right. Beneath the ATV is the Russian Research Module (brown). It is planned that the ATV, launched by an Ariane 5 rocket, will deliver logistical supplies on a regular basis to the ISS. The ISS should commence operation with a crew of six in June 2002

© David Ducros/Science Photo Library

Sergei Korolev, 1961

Sergei Korolev (1907-1966), pioneering Soviet rocket scientist, during the launch of Vostok 1, the first manned space mission, in April 1961. After developing an interest in rocketry, Korolev formed the Moscow Group for the Study of Reactive Motion who, in 1933, launched the USSR's first liquid-fueled rocket. During Stalin's purges he was arrested but, his importance being recognised, he was allowed to continue researching. After the Second World War he was released and set to work developing rockets, both for space exploration and for military use. Vostok 1, although a great achievement on its own, was the first stage in his failed plan to land a cosmonaut on the Moon

© RIA NOVOSTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Space Shuttle launch

Space Shuttle launch, computer enhanced image. This is mission STS-99, flown by the Space Shuttle Endeavour. It launched on 11 February 2000. Space Shuttles, flown by NASA since 1981, are reusable spacecraft launched with an external fuel tank (orange) and two booster rockets (white) on either side of the external tank. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuel from the external tank is used to run the Shuttle's main internal engines (blue exhaust gases). Most of the thrust is from the two booster rockets that use an explosive solid fuel mixture. The external tank is discarded, but the booster rockets parachute back to Earth and are reused. An ascent takes about 9 minutes. The Shuttle uses its wings to glide back to Earth after it has re-entered the atmosphere

© DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY