In fact, it has required tracking 25 billion particles, commandeering the payload of the last-ever shuttle flight and the construction of a laboratory 250 miles above our heads.

A typical shuttle flight ferries seven visitors to the outpost.

Satellite imagery in the long term can help enhance the shuttle flight landing procedure.

This position tracks the payloads activities, and manages changes to the shuttle flight plan based upon the payload user requirements.

Only four shuttle flights remain.