Zarya

The Zarya module was the first component of the International Space Station launched into orbit, marking the beginning of the station’s assembly in space. Built to provide early power, storage, propulsion, and guidance support, Zarya played a critical role in establishing the foundation for what would become a permanently inhabited laboratory in orbit. Its importance goes beyond its technical functions, because it represents the starting point of one of the most significant international partnerships in space exploration, helping connect the earliest stages of the station’s development to the larger mission of scientific research and global cooperation. All the patches from all astronaut missions are placed on this module.