History of the ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative STEM project that's been in the works for over 40 years. If you count a multi-billion floating human habitat as a project, that is. 

The design for the ISS was originally started with President Ronald Reagan in 1984. At that point, it was a joint effort between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). It was in this design stage until 1993, and several parts were made during the 19 years across the globe.

Original Zarya and Unity modules

1993 brought a redesign to the station, and the new Roskosmos Russian space program (founded 1992) was invited to participate in the effort. This was particularly meaningful because the Cold War had ended recently in late 1991 and tensions were still high. Roskosmos worked diligently with NASA to jumpstart the ISS program again, and sent up the first module to be built upon. This module was named Zarya, meaning sunrise, symbolizing the beginning of a new era of international cooperation in space. NASA followed shortly after with the second module, titled Unity. 

Current day ISS

There were two specific phases in the actual building of the ISS. Phase 1 was mostly between NASA and Roskosmos, modifying each other's modules for dual use. Phase 2 was collaborative between all five agencies as individual modules were slowly added to create the football-field sized lab and living space. IN SPACE. Phase 2 construction began in 1998 and was done through robotic arms and human spacewalks (also known as Extravehicular Activity or EVAs). Since the beginning of construction, over 270 spacewalks have been performed at the ISS. Its constantly in a cycle of rebuilding, with pieces wearing out and being replaced year after year. NASA isn’t sure when they’ll retire the ISS, but it will keep working strong until 2030 at the earliest.

The ISS is an incredible international wonder and functioning laboratory, as well as a symbol of unity and learning. While some countries emphasize their specific goals, the ISS has become more about global partnership, benefiting earth and all society, and promoting the next generation of STEM students.

Check out NASA’s page about the ISS for more info! https://www.nasa.gov/reference/international-space-station/