Since November 2000, there has been a human presence in low-Earth orbit, thanks to the International Space Station (ISS). This historic achievement, involving cooperation among countries like the U.S., Europe, Canada, Japan, and Russia, will mark 25 years soon.
However, the ISS is set to be retired in 2030, making way for new developments in space exploration. Plans are in motion for its safe deorbiting into a remote area of the Pacific Ocean.
With over 4,000 experiments conducted onboard, the ISS has advanced knowledge in fields like biotechnology, materials science, and astronomy. Research here has even led to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and understanding weather patterns. For instance, studies aboard the ISS have improved the crystallization processes for essential drugs and deepened insights into thunderstorms.
But as we prepare to bid farewell to the ISS, there are exciting developments on the horizon. NASA is investing in commercial space stations, aiming to maintain a human presence in orbit even after the ISS is gone. This investment, over $400 million, is directed towards fostering new commercial destinations in low-Earth orbit. The idea is to create facilities that can continue scientific research and exploration.
In September 2025, NASA plans to announce partnerships with companies that will develop these new stations. Selected teams will receive funding to support their designs and operations, paving the way for commercial opportunities similar to current cargo transport services for the ISS.
It’s worth noting that while NASA seeks to establish this new era of commercial spaceflight, China’s Tiangong space station is already operational and has been continuously occupied for almost four years. If the ISS ceases to be inhabited, Tiangong will take its place as the longest-standing crewed space station.
As we look to the future of space exploration, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come. The ISS has not only enhanced our scientific understanding but also showcased what countries can achieve when they work together. In the meantime, if you gaze up at the night sky, you might spot the ISS gliding silently overhead—a brilliant symbol of human achievement and ambition.
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