Zarya was the first module launched for assembly of the International Space Station, reaching orbit in November 1998.
Russia built Zarya, also called the Functional Cargo Block, with United States funding. A Proton-K rocket launched it from Baikonur on 20 November 1998. The module supplied early propulsion, electrical power, storage and attitude-control functions while the station was being assembled.
The second major component, NASA’s Unity module, joined Zarya in orbit during Space Shuttle Endeavour mission STS-88 in December 1998. Later additions supplied living space, laboratories, solar power systems and long-term propulsion support.
Zarya was initially designed for the Soviet space station Mir, but the project was adapted for the international station. Its name means “dawn” in Russian, reflecting the beginning of the station’s construction rather than a scientific instrument or crew compartment.