ISS — 25+ Years of Continuous Human Presence

Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 2 min read · By Orbital Radar Newsroom Updated 8 Aug 2026

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), a United Space Alliance technician examines the attachment points for the spars on the exterior of a wing of Space Shuttle Atlantis. Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panels are mechanically attached to the wing with a series of floating joints - spars - to reduce loading on the panels caused by wing deflections. The aluminum and

Image: NASA/KSC

Quick answer · as of 8 Aug 2026

What is the International Space Station?

The International Space Station (ISS) is a modular space station (habitable artificial satellite) in low Earth orbit. It is a joint project involving five participating space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). Since its first module, Zarya, was launched in 1998, the ISS has served as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory where scientific research is conducted in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, physics, and other fields.

Mission and Purpose

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, Center Director Roy Bridges (left), Program Manager of the International Space Station (ISS) Randy Brinkley (second from left) and STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell (right) applaud the unveiling of the name "Destiny" for the U.S. Laboratory module. The lab, which is behnd them on a workstand, is scheduled to be launched on STS-98 on Space Shuttle Endeavour in early 2000. It will become the centerpiece of scientific research on the ISS. The Shuttle will spend six days docked to the Station while the laboratory is attached and three spacewalks are conducted to compete its assembly. The laboratory will be launched with five equipment racks aboard, which will provide essential functions for Station systems, including high data-rate communications, and maintain the Station's orientation using control gyroscopes launched earlier. Additional equipment and research racks will be installed in the laboratory on subsequent Shuttle flights. — KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, Center Director Roy Bridges (left), Program Manager of the International Space Station (ISS) Randy Brinkley (second from left) a · Image: NASA/KSC

The mission of the ISS is to enable long-term exploration of space and provide benefits to people on Earth. It serves as a platform for scientific research that requires one or more of the unusual conditions present in low Earth orbit, such as microgravity, extreme temperatures, and radiation. The ISS also acts as a testbed for the technologies needed for long-duration human and robotic exploration into deep space, including Mars.

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Orbital Characteristics

International Space Station (ISS) · Image: NASA/MSFC

The ISS orbits Earth at an average altitude of approximately 420 kilometres (261 miles) with an inclination of 51.6 degrees. It completes an orbit roughly every 90 minutes, travelling at a speed of about 28,000 kilometres per hour (17,500 miles per hour). The station's NORAD ID is 25544. These orbital parameters allow it to be visible from most inhabited regions of the Earth, and visible passes can be checked on the Orbital Radar pass predictor.

Significance and Legacy

The ISS represents a significant achievement in international cooperation, scientific research, and human spaceflight. It has been continuously occupied since November 2000, marking over 25 years of human presence in space. The station has hosted astronauts and cosmonauts from 19 different countries and has contributed to over 3,000 scientific publications. Its legacy includes advancing our understanding of the effects of long-term spaceflight on the human body, developing new materials and technologies, and fostering international collaboration.

Current Status

As of the latest update, the ISS is home to 11 astronauts from various countries, including Jessica Meir, Anna Kikina, and Zhu Yangzhu. The station continues to operate as a hub for scientific research and international collaboration. The ISS is expected to be operational until at least 2030, after which it may be replaced by commercial space stations or other international projects. For more detailed information about the ISS, its modules, and current missions, refer to the Orbital Radar Satellite Library.

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