<P> The ISS is maintained in a nearly circular orbit with a minimum mean altitude of 330 km ( 205 mi ) and a maximum of 410 km ( 255 mi ) , in the centre of the thermosphere , at an inclination of 51.6 degrees to Earth 's equator , necessary to ensure that Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome may be safely launched to reach the station . Spent rocket stages must be dropped into uninhabited areas and this limits the directions rockets can be launched from the spaceport . It travels at an average speed of 27,724 kilometres per hour ( 17,227 mph ) , and completes 15.54 orbits per day ( 93 minutes per orbit ) . The station 's altitude was allowed to fall around the time of each NASA shuttle mission . Orbital boost burns would generally be delayed until after the shuttle 's departure . This allowed shuttle payloads to be lifted with the station 's engines during the routine firings , rather than have the shuttle lift itself and the payload together to a higher orbit . This trade - off allowed heavier loads to be transferred to the station . After the retirement of the NASA shuttle , the nominal orbit of the space station was raised in altitude . Other , more frequent supply ships do not require this adjustment as they are substantially lighter vehicles . </P>
<P> The ISS is maintained in a nearly circular orbit with a minimum mean altitude of 330 km ( 205 mi ) and a maximum of 410 km ( 255 mi ) , in the centre of the thermosphere , at an inclination of 51.6 degrees to Earth 's equator , necessary to ensure that Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome may be safely launched to reach the station . Spent rocket stages must be dropped into uninhabited areas and this limits the directions rockets can be launched from the spaceport . It travels at an average speed of 27,724 kilometres per hour ( 17,227 mph ) , and completes 15.54 orbits per day ( 93 minutes per orbit ) . The station 's altitude was allowed to fall around the time of each NASA shuttle mission . Orbital boost burns would generally be delayed until after the shuttle 's departure . This allowed shuttle payloads to be lifted with the station 's engines during the routine firings , rather than have the shuttle lift itself and the payload together to a higher orbit . This trade - off allowed heavier loads to be transferred to the station . After the retirement of the NASA shuttle , the nominal orbit of the space station was raised in altitude . Other , more frequent supply ships do not require this adjustment as they are substantially lighter vehicles . </P>
what height does the international space station orbit
what height does the international space station orbit
a minimum mean altitude of 330 km ( 205 mi ) and a maximum of 410 km ( 255 mi )
a minimum mean altitude of 330 km ( 205 mi ) and a maximum of 410 km ( 255 mi )