NASA is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the International Space Station (ISS), a landmark program that fosters international collaboration in space exploration. On December 6, 1998, the first two modules of the ISS, Zarya and Unity, were joined during the STS-88 mission of the space shuttle Endeavour. The Canadarm robotic arm of the shuttle captured Zarya and attached it to the Unity module. Since November 2, 2000, humans have continuously inhabited the ISS, conducting over 3,300 research and educational investigations for the benefit of humanity.
To mark the occasion, NASA shared before-and-after pictures of the ISS, illustrating its growth and development over the years. The ISS has become a symbol of international cooperation, hosting flight crews from 21 countries and serving as a platform for scientific research and experiments. NASA stated that the ISS will continue to function as a laboratory and outpost in orbit until at least 2030.
The space agency highlighted the station’s role in preparing for future human explorations to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The ISS was officially approved by US President Ronald Reagan in 1984, and its construction involved contributions from the United States, Canada, Japan, and Europe. The modular design of the ISS allows for the replacement and augmentation of components as needed, ensuring its continued operation and habitation.
As NASA reflects on the achievements of the ISS over the past 25 years, the space station remains a testament to international collaboration in space exploration and scientific advancement.
