The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique scientific platform that enables researchers from all over the world to put their talents to work on innovative experiments that could not be done anywhere else. Although each space station partner has distinct agency goals for station research, each partner shares a unified goal to extend the resulting knowledge for the betterment of humanity.
In the areas of human health, innovative technology, education and observations of Earth from space, there are already demonstrated benefits to people back on Earth. Lives have been saved, station-generated images assist with disaster relief, new materials improve products, and education programs inspire future scientists, engineers and space explorers are just some examples of research benefits.
With astronauts living and working aboard the International Space Station, NASA is learning a great deal about what it takes to create and test critical systems, efficient communications technologies and protections for the human body for a deep space mission, all of which is critical in their journey to Mars.
A decade ago, the station was also designated as a national lab with some of the research time aboard the orbiting laboratory dedicated to help us here on Earth, as well. Here are 15 ways the space station is benefiting life on Earth shared by Nasa.gov.
Tip! Where is the International Space Station right now? Find out when the International Space Station can be observed from your location at iss.astroviewer.net.
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