The ISS: 25 Years of Milestones and an Uncertain Future

The International Space Station (ISS) celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 6, 2021, and NASA is preparing for its eventual retirement. NASA has updated its private proposal request to help deorbit the station when it retires around 2030. The agency is also funding several commercial replacements that would be run by private companies, with NASA as a customer. The goal is to have these vehicles ready by the time the ISS' work is done. The ISS has seen significant changes over the years, accumulating modules from NASA, Russia, Europe, and Japan. Commercial activity on the ISS will allow more countries and private companies to conduct science and technology development in low Earth orbit.