October 31, 2000: The Last Day of Humanity Before Change

On October 31, 2000, the first crew arrived at the ISS, marking the start of continuous human presence in space, a milestone that has supported extensive scientific research. The station faces aging challenges and potential retirement by 2030, while China has launched its own space station, Tiangong, expanding its influence. Growing orbital debris poses significant risks to space operations, prompting efforts to improve debris management and ensure sustainable human activity in orbit.