NASA and its international partners are celebrating a significant milestone in 2025: **25 years of continuous human presence** aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This journey began on **November 2, 2000**, when astronaut **Jonny Kim** first posed with the American flag in the ISS’s iconic cupola. Since then, over **290 individuals from 26 countries** have contributed to a vast array of scientific research and technological advancements that have not only benefited life on Earth but also paved the way for future missions, including **Artemis** missions to the Moon and potential journeys to Mars.
The ISS has functioned as more than just a laboratory; it has served as a **cultural bridge**, fostering international collaboration and inspiring generations. Memories shared by employees at the **Johnson Space Center** underscore the station’s role as an engineering marvel and a deeply human endeavor. For example, **Christopher Brown**, an integrator at NASA, has played a crucial role in ensuring astronauts maintain clean air and water through the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). This system recycles carbon dioxide and wastewater, turning what was once yesterday’s coffee into today’s drink. Brown reflects on his proudest moment: commissioning these life support systems and sharing a toast with the crew from mission control.
**NASA astronaut Kate Rubins** has been instrumental in conducting studies such as the **Cardinal Heart study**, which investigates how microgravity affects heart muscle aging. This research has potential implications for developing new treatments for both astronauts and those on Earth. Rubins highlights the importance of maintaining connections to Earth, recalling the moment when an astronaut completed the **Boston Marathon** on a treadmill aboard the ISS, marking the first time the race was run in space.
Art and science have also intersected aboard the ISS. **Liz Warren**, Associate Chief Scientist at the ISS, witnessed the impact of the **Spacesuit Art Project**, which showcased artwork from children battling cancer. During Expedition 52, astronaut **Jack Fischer** wore a spacesuit adorned with these artworks, including contributions from his daughter, a cancer survivor. Warren remarked on the touching connection between art, inspiration, and the resilience required in both human spaceflight and the fight against childhood cancer.
The ISS has been a platform for innovative projects, such as the **RemoveDebris small satellite**, which was deployed to test technologies aimed at cleaning up space debris. **Adam Baker**, an aerospace engineer, emphasized the importance of these initiatives for preserving the orbital environment. His experiences underscore how the ISS fosters unique interactions between astronauts and mission control, including a memorable live chess match with astronaut **Greg Chamitoff** during Expedition 17.
As the **SpaceX Dragon Freedom** spacecraft successfully returned **Crew-9** to Earth on **March 18, 2025**, social media consultant **Mark Garcia** expressed his enthusiasm for sharing the station’s story with the public. The splashdown, marked by dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico, highlighted the ongoing connection between astronauts and audiences back on Earth.
Reflecting on the past 25 years, NASA’s commitment to innovation and collaboration has resulted in valuable lessons that will guide future missions. The achievements aboard the ISS stand as a testament to what humanity can accomplish together, setting the foundation for the next chapters in space exploration. As plans for Artemis missions and future explorations to Mars unfold, the spirit of resilience and teamwork cultivated aboard the ISS will continue to inspire generations to come.
