From The Archives: ISS Finally Manned As Challenges Abound

Our journalist Craig Covault reported in the Nov. 6, 2000 issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology how, after years of International Space Station (ISS) delays, the project was finally manned, and, despite coordination of U.S.-Russian ground operations, remains as difficult as the work in space. 

On page 30, read Craig Covault's article. He wrote: "The first U.S./Russian long-duration crew to the ISS has embarked on the equivalent of a complex 17-week aircraft flight-test program at 235-mi. altitude, following the successful docking of their Soyuz spacecraft with the 80-ton outpost on Nov. 2."

"A manned international station is what Werner von Braun was pointing toward when the space program began more than 40 years ago," said Jesco von Puttkamer, NASA manager for manned flight strategic planning and a von Braun protege. 

Read more and see images of the 163 ft. Soyuz launcher and another of the crew. 

Additionally, on the World New & Analysis page of the magazine, you can read the article; ISS Crew Must Merge U.S./Russian Systems.

Enjoy unlimited access to the complete Aviation Week Archive which has over 100 Years of Aviation Week — at your fingertips.

Every issue, every page, every article we have ever published. Your subscription includes full access to the archives, plus current Aviation Week & Space Technology articles (both digital and print packages available).