The Greatest Project in Space: The Story of the International Space Station

Discover the incredible story of how the world came together to create an orbiting laboratory in space in this absorbing book energized by striking, stylish illustrations.

On a clear night, if you’re lucky, you can look up at the sky and spot what looks like a star moving very fast. It is hard to fathom, but this is actually the International Space Station, traveling at twenty times the speed of sound, circling the earth once every ninety minutes. One of humankind’s greatest inventions for exploring and living in space, the ISS is packed with some of the most technologically sophisticated equipment and facilities ever invented. In this follow-up to Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover, readers learn how the ISS was launched piece by piece and constructed in orbit; how astronauts live on the station (playing music in zero gravity, running marathons, reading to children on Earth); and how the groundbreaking experiments conducted onboard are changing life on our planet. This compelling picture book celebrates the wonders of space while reminding us that when we work together, there is no limit to how far we can go.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs