International Space Station Celebrates 25 Years of Human Presence
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On November 2nd, 2025, NASA commemorated 25 years of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station. The journey began on November 2nd, 2000, when the Expedition One crew, consisting of NASA astronaut William M.
Shepherd and Roscosmos cosmonauts Yuri P. Gidzenko and Sergei K. Krikalev, launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Upon docking, they activated life support and communication systems, marking the start of a historic partnership in space.
Over the past quarter century, more than 270 spacewalks have been conducted, with significant milestones like Tamara Jernigan becoming the first woman to perform a spacewalk at the station in May 1999, and the first all-female spacewalk on October 18, 2019, by NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir.
The arrival of commercial crew members was marked on May 31, 2020, with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley joining Expedition 63 aboard the ISS via the SpaceX Crew Dragon. Their participation represented a new era of commercial collaboration in human spaceflight.
A pivotal moment in this timeline occurred on September 27, 2023, when NASA astronaut Frank Rubio returned to Earth after a record-setting 371 days in space, the longest single mission by a U.S. astronaut.
This mission provided critical insights into human adaptation to microgravity, supporting six human research studies focused on health and fitness in space. The International Space Station serves as a cornerstone for international cooperation, involving space agencies from NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA.
Together, they have facilitated research and technology development that lays the groundwork for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Over 290 individuals from 26 countries have visited the ISS, underscoring its role as a hub for scientific research and international collaboration.
The station has been fundamental in fostering a low Earth orbit economy and demonstrates how nations can unite to overcome challenges and achieve common goals in space exploration. As the ISS celebrates its 25th anniversary, its legacy continues to inspire future endeavors in the realm of human spaceflight and beyond.