International Space Station Marks 25 Years with New Multinational Crew

The International Space Station (ISS) continues to mark milestones in human spaceflight, celebrating 25 years of continuous presence in orbit with the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, which includes India's first astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with astronauts from Poland and Hungary, emphasizing international collaboration and renewed human spaceflight efforts. NASA's Expedition 73 crew has been conducting scientific research and maintenance aboard the ISS, highlighting the challenges of working in microgravity and the importance of meticulous care in such an environment, as shared by astronaut Jonny Kim. Astronauts describe spaceflight as a mixture of profound humility, joy, and a recognition of the rarity and privilege of the experience, with reflections on the emotional and physical effects of space, including perspectives on Earth's fragility and the varied personal impacts of the journey. Former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman emphasizes the value of connection, leadership, and inclusion in space exploration, noting barriers such as space suit sizing that have historically sidelined some astronauts but advocating for building bridges and fostering belonging to enable full participation. Collectively, these insights underscore the ongoing human commitment to space exploration, the scientific advancements aboard the ISS, and the evolving international and social dimensions of living and working in space.