The Ascension Space Station (Russian: Станция Вознесение) is the only current space station, and the largest that humanity ever constructed. The first section was launched into Earth orbit in 1968, and more sections were added up over the years. In fear of possible attacks or infiltrations by other nations, the Soviet government put weapons on the space station. It currently has two cannons, a heavy machine gun, a rocket launcher, and an armory full of AK-47 assault rifles and Makarov semi-automatic pistols. The space station is largely self sustaining, and has a crew of about 19 cosmonauts.