How far is the Space Station from Earth, where in space is it actually located and how fast does the Space Shuttle go when it takes off?
The International Space Station (ISS) is usually about 200-250 miles above the Earth. The ISS is orbiting around the Earth at approximately 17,500 mph, about 5 miles/second at an inclination of approximately 56.1 degrees. So, we are continually flying around the Earth as the Earth is rotating below us. That is why we are able to see so much of the Earth. We experience 16 sunrises and sunsets per day. The Space Shuttle takes off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch is timed such that the ISS flies over KSC and then the Shuttle takes off so it can rendezvous with the ISS. It accelerated to a speed close to 17,500 mph and at times a bit faster so it can “catch up” to the ISS. The Shuttle flies “faster” than the ISS at a slightly lower altitude to get in front of the ISS. Then it climbs to the same altitude as the ISS to rendezvous.
