The International Space Station project has three phases, each designed to maximize joint space experience and permit early utilization and return on our investment. Explore the highlights of the phases in the areas below.

Phase 1 is currently underway with operational successes that lay the groundwork for Phase 2 and Phase 3. During Phase 1, Shuttle-Mir joint missions provide flight experience to reduce Space Station assembly and operations risks. There are a total of 11 Shuttle-Mir docking missions beginning with STS_71 (June 95) and ending with STS 91 (May 98). In Phase 1, Americans and Russians will work together in laboratories on the Mir and the Shuttle. They will conduct joint space walks and practice space station assembly by adding new modules to Mir