Unity (ISS module)

Unity

Unity as pictured by Space Shuttle Endeavour
Module statistics
COSPAR ID	1998-069F [1]
Launch date	4 December 1998, 08:35:34 UTC
Launch vehicle	Space Shuttle Endeavour
Docked	6 December 1998
Mass	11,612 kg (25,600 lb)
Length	5.47 m (17.9 ft)
Diameter	4.57 m (15.0 ft)
Configuration
This image of the International Space Station (ISS) was taken when Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-106) approached the ISS. At the bottom is the Russian Progress supply ship that is linked with Zvezda module. The Zvezda is connected with the Zarya module. The U.S. built Unity module is seen at the top.

The Unity connecting module, also known as Node 1, is the first U.S.-built component of the International Space Station (ISS). It connects the Russian and United States segments of the station, and is where crew eat meals together.

The module is cylindrical in shape, with six berthing locations (forward, aft, port, starboard, zenith, and nadir) facilitating connections to other modules. Unity measures 4.57 m (15.0 ft) in diameter, is 5.47 m (17.9 ft) long, made of steel, and was built for NASA by Boeing in a manufacturing facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Unity is the first of the three connecting modules; the other two are Harmony and Tranquility.