NASA and its partners have been supporting people living and working in space since November 2000. It is a truly global enterprise, with more than 290 people from 26 countries visiting the International Space Station, as well as various international and commercial spacecraft. The unique microgravity laboratory has conducted more than 4,000 experiments by more than 5,000 researchers from 110 countries. The space station also contributes to the growth of the commercial market in low Earth orbit for research, technology development, and crew and cargo transportation.
After a quarter century of human presence in orbit, the station remains a symbol of international cooperation and a test site for humanity's next giant leap to the Moon and, ultimately, Mars.
The microgravity environment aboard the space station offers opportunities for discoveries that will benefit life on Earth and prepare humans for deep space missions. NASA Human Exploration Program (HRP) is working to understand the changes experienced by astronauts aboard the orbital outpost and to develop measures to maintain crew health before, during and after flight.
Astronauts aboard the station exercise about two hours a day to protect bone density, muscle strength and cardiovascular health, but the longer they are in microgravity, the harder it is for the brain and body to adapt to the pull of gravity. After months in orbit, returning astronauts often describe Earth as heavy, noisy and strangely quiet. Some reacclimatize within a few days, while other astronauts take longer to fully recover.
Through HRP-led research, scientists are tracking these changes and testing solutions—from improved exercise regimens to medical monitoring and nutrition strategies. Results inspire new medical technologies and educate scientists How the human body adapts to long-term space flights— knowledge that will help keep astronauts healthy on future missions.
The space station continues to be an important platform for honing the skills, technologies and understanding that will prepare humanity to return to the Moon as part of NASA's Artemis Campaign and travel to Mars and beyond.
Because space is an entirely new physical environment with a unique set of challenges, the orbiting laboratory is uniquely positioned to support research and training that is not possible on Earth. This includes:
- Learn techniques to perform basic tasks such as drinking water, sleeping, exercising, and handling various materials.
- Developing solutions to problems caused by microgravity and human body problems.
- Testing the robust technologies and self-sustaining ecosystems needed for deep space travel, from life support systems to orbital agriculture and 3D printing of materials.
- Improve methods and procedures for collecting and analyzing data and images.
Read more about how the space station has enabled significant advances on our journey to the final frontier.
The first decade of the space station was a decade of construction. The second decade moved from initial research to full use of the orbiting laboratory. We are now in the midst of a decade of results.
In nearly 25 years of experiments conducted aboard the station, more breakthroughs have occurred than ever before. These scientific discoveries and technological advances benefit humanity on Earth, advance the economy in low Earth orbit, and help prepare for future exploration of the Moon and Mars.
Innovations include:
- Advances in X-ray technology developed to create the space station telescope are helping to unravel the mysteries of our universe while improving medical devices on Earth.
- Temperature change data has been used to reduce heat absorbed by urban surfaces, reduce the risk of fires and help farmers water their fields efficiently.
- Demonstrating robotic technology that can alleviate repetitive motion and other workplace stressors.
- Development of a small ultrasound device for monitoring the health of crew, which was subsequently adapted to provide diagnostic assistance in remote areas of the Earth.
Find out more about the benefits of the space station for humanity. Here.
