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Most of the time, the International Space Station (ISS) is orbiting the Earth at an altitude of approximately 220 miles (354 km), which places it in low Earth orbit (LEO). This distance can change, however, and has varied from 205 miles (330 km) to a planned maximum of 248 miles (400 km).
Confidence votes 292. The International Space Station is in a low Earth orbit between 199 mi and 216 mi. To maintain this orbit, the space station has to travel at a speed of about 17,500 miles per hour.onfidence votes 292. The International Space Station is in a low Earth orbit between 199 mi and 216 mi. To maintain this orbit, the space station has to travel at a speed of about 17,500 miles per hour.