For over two decades, NASA and its international partners have maintained an uninterrupted human presence in low-Earth orbit, a feat that will soon mark its 25th anniversary. Since November 2000, astronauts from the United States, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Russia have collaborated aboard the International Space Station (ISS), a symbol of international cooperation in space. However, this chapter in space exploration is set to close in 2030, when the ISS will be deorbited and sent into a remote area of the Pacific Ocean.
The ISS has been a beacon of scientific achievement since its inception, hosting over 4,000 experiments and generating more than 4,400 research publications. These studies have advanced our understanding across various fields, from materials science to biotechnology. Notable breakthroughs include insights into thunderstorms, improvements in drug crystallization processes, and the growth of artificial retinas in space.
The Legacy of the International Space Station
Since the first components of the ISS were launched in 1998, it has served as a unique laboratory for scientific research in the microgravity environment of space. This setting has allowed scientists to explore critical physical, chemical, and biological processes, contributing significantly to advancements on Earth and laying the groundwork for future space exploration.
As an aerospace engineer with over 30 years in the spaceflight community, I have witnessed the ISS’s impact firsthand. The station’s ability to foster international collaboration and scientific discovery is unparalleled, making its impending retirement a poignant moment for many in the field.
Transitioning to Commercial Space Stations
The retirement of the ISS does not signify an end to human presence in low-Earth orbit. Instead, NASA and its partners are paving the way for a new era of commercial space stations. In December 2021, NASA awarded contracts to develop privately owned, commercially operated stations, building on the success of partnerships with SpaceX and Boeing for cargo and crew transportation.
NASA has invested over $400 million to stimulate the development of these commercial stations, aiming to have them operational before the ISS is decommissioned. In September 2025, NASA issued a draft announcement for Phase 2 partnership proposals, inviting companies to demonstrate stations capable of supporting four people in orbit for at least 30 days.
“The success of these commercial space stations will depend on meeting NASA’s stringent safety requirements, allowing the agency to purchase missions and services on a commercial basis,” said a NASA spokesperson.
Global Competition and Future Prospects
As NASA transitions to commercial space stations, China continues to advance its own space ambitions. Chinese astronauts are currently working aboard the Tiangong space station, a three-person facility orbiting approximately 250 miles above Earth. Should the ISS’s continuous occupation end, Tiangong will become the longest continually inhabited space station.
The competition between these space programs underscores the growing importance of low-Earth orbit as a platform for scientific research and international collaboration. The success of commercial space stations will depend on their ability to provide a sustainable and safe environment for research and exploration.
Looking Ahead: The Dawn of a New Space Era
As we look to the future, the transition from the ISS to commercial space stations represents a significant shift in how humanity approaches space exploration. The development of these stations will open new opportunities for scientific research and commercial ventures, potentially transforming our understanding of space and its applications on Earth.
In the meantime, the ISS remains a bright presence in the night sky, a testament to human ingenuity and collaboration. As it gracefully arcs across the heavens, it serves as a reminder of what has been achieved and what is yet to come in the realm of space exploration.
For those who gaze up at the ISS, it is a moment to appreciate the remarkable achievements of the past two decades and to anticipate the exciting developments that lie ahead as we enter a new era of commercial space exploration.
