Launch Vehicle
Proton-K
Heavy-lift launch vehicle
The three-stage Proton-K launch vehicle placed the Zarya and Zvezda modules into orbit, establishing essential elements of the International Space Station.
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Rockets & Launch Vehicles
Explore the launch systems that carried major International Space Station components into orbit. Each profile covers the vehicle, its engineering, its assembly missions, and its place in spaceflight history.
5 published engineering profiles
The vehicles behind station assembly
Compare expendable Proton launch vehicles with NASA's reusable Space Shuttle orbiters. Open any profile for engineering diagrams, vehicle facts, and documented mission connections.
Launch Vehicle
Proton-M
Heavy-lift launch vehicle
Proton-M carried the Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module into orbit in July 2021 for expansion of the International Space Station Russian segment.
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Space Shuttle
Space Shuttle Atlantis
Reusable crewed spacecraft and launch system
Space Shuttle Atlantis delivered the Destiny U.S. laboratory on STS-98 and the Columbus European laboratory on STS-122, expanding ISS research capability.
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Space Shuttle
Space Shuttle Endeavour
Reusable crewed spacecraft and launch system
Space Shuttle Endeavour helped assemble the ISS by delivering Unity, Canadarm2, Kibo hardware, Tranquility, and Cupola on separate missions.
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Space Shuttle
Space Shuttle Discovery
Reusable crewed spacecraft and launch system
Space Shuttle Discovery delivered the main Kibo Pressurized Module on STS-124 and Leonardo as a permanent station module on STS-133.
View engineering profileConnected to the International Space Station
These five launch vehicles and orbiters supported key stages of ISS assembly. Their engineering profiles connect launch hardware with the missions and station modules it helped deliver.
Explore related missions