25 Years of Continuous Human Presence in Space: A Historic Milestone by NASA

Marking 25 Years in Space
NASA is celebrating 25 years of continuous human presence in space. Since November 2000, astronauts have lived and worked aboard the International Space Station (ISS) every day without pause. This milestone highlights the dedication of international teams who have contributed to scientific discoveries and technological innovations.

An International Effort
More than 280 astronauts from 23 countries have visited the ISS. Over 4,000 experiments have been conducted by more than 5,000 researchers across 110 nations. The ISS acts as a unique laboratory in microgravity, supporting advancements in health, materials science, and Earth observation. You can explore more on NASA’s International Space Station page.

A Logo That Reflects the Mission
To mark this achievement, NASA designed a special logo. It features an astronaut representing all who have worked aboard the ISS. Surrounding the figure are 15 stars, symbolizing the 15 partner countries. The space station appears at the edge of the design, and the number 25 is integrated to represent the anniversary. The image of Earth reminds us that the benefits of this work reach everyone on the planet. Learn more about the NASA 25-Year Logo.

Preparing for Deep Space Exploration
The ISS continues to prepare NASA and its partners for future space missions. It is a proving ground for deep space travel, supporting technologies and training essential for missions to the Moon and Mars through NASA’s Artemis program. It also fosters a growing commercial market in low Earth orbit for cargo, crew, and research.

Looking to the Future
As NASA and its collaborators reflect on 25 years of continuous human presence in space, the mission continues. The ISS remains central to long-duration spaceflight, global cooperation, and expanding our understanding of life beyond Earth. The achievements of today will inspire and enable the exploration of tomorrow.