25 years of research in space

HISTORIC MILESTONE REACHED: 25 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS HUMAN PRESENCE IN SPACE On November 2, 2000, NASA astronaut Bill Shepherd and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko made history when their Soyuz spacecraft docked with the International Space Station (ISS), marking the beginning of a quarter-century of human habitation in space. This remarkable achievement has been a testament to international cooperation, scientific ingenuity, and engineering prowess. As one of the most experienced NASA astronauts on board, Mike Fincke, who graduated from MIT in 1989, reflected on this milestone during an interview with our correspondent in September. "Wow, 25 years of constant human habitation in space! It's an accomplishment and a testimony to the teams on the ground and in terms of engineering, science, and diplomacy," he said. The ISS has been a collaborative effort between space agencies around the world, including NASA, Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). The station's design, assembly, operations, and scientific research have all benefited from the expertise of MIT-trained astronauts, scientists, and engineers. Pamela Melroy, a space shuttle astronaut who flew on several missions, including one to the ISS, noted that building the station was an unprecedented challenge. "We understood that building the ISS was significantly more difficult than anything we'd attempted before, with the possible exception of Apollo," she said in a recent interview. The ISS has enabled scientists from around the world to conduct research in microgravity, advancing our understanding of the universe and its many mysteries. From studying the effects of space travel on the human body to exploring the properties of materials in weightlessness, the station has facilitated groundbreaking discoveries that have far-reaching implications for humanity. As the ISS celebrates this milestone, it also looks towards the future. With ongoing upgrades and new modules being added, the station is poised to continue its vital role as a hub for scientific research and international cooperation. The 25-year journey of human presence in space aboard the ISS serves as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and determination. As Mike Fincke aptly put it, "It's a remarkable achievement that will inspire future generations to explore the vast expanse of space." Background: The International Space Station was launched on November 20, 1998. The first crew arrived at the ISS on November 2, 2000. Since then, over 250 astronauts and cosmonauts have lived and worked on board. Additional Perspectives: "The ISS has been a game-changer for space research," said Dr. Maria Zuber, MIT's vice president for research. "It's an incredible example of international cooperation and the power of human ingenuity." "As we celebrate this milestone, we must also acknowledge the dedication and hard work of thousands of individuals who have contributed to the ISS program over the years," added NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Current Status: The ISS continues to operate with a crew of six astronauts from around the world. Ongoing research includes studies on plant growth in space, the effects of microgravity on the human body, and the development of new materials for spacecraft construction. As the ISS looks towards its next 25 years, it remains an iconic symbol of international cooperation and a beacon of hope for humanity's continued exploration of the cosmos. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*