Why the International Space Station?
Laying good footing for a successful venture is the first step in embarking on a long and difficult trip. The International Space Station functions as a national laboratory for human health, biological, and materials research, as well as a technology test bed and a stepping stone for exploration of the solar system beyond. We’ll continue to develop and learn new ways to keep astronauts safe, healthy, and productive while exploring on the International Space Station, and we’ll continue to learn more about how materials and biological systems operate outside of gravity’s impact.
NASA will continue its groundbreaking collaboration with the private sector and expand an entire industry.