WASHINGTON -- The International Space Station is now accessible in cyberspace. On Thursday, NASA launched its Interactive Space Station Reference Guide, a new tool that features an in-depth look inside and outside of the orbiting laboratory that has never before been seen. It is available online at:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

The guide provides an up-to-date interactive overview of the station's complex configuration, design and component systems. It includes a video introduction and narration by NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, who lived aboard the station for six months as an Expedition 9 science officer and flight engineer.

Other features on NASA's new interactive guide include:

- How space station crews live in space: how they eat, sleep and exercise while in orbit.

- How the station complex is built and operates, including a reference guide for learning about each of the station's components.

- A 360-degree tour of the station with a view of each of the station's pressurized modules.

- A library of printable fact sheets providing up-to-date information about the station.

The station's assembly and maintenance in orbit, long-duration spaceflight experience gained aboard the complex, and research into the effects of long spaceflights contribute to NASA's plans for future missions to return to the moon and travel beyond.

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov