The orbital laboratory's evolving mission: what lies ahead for the ISS

Space · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Since the year 2000, the International Space Station has been continuously occupied. As missions progress from the early days of Expedition 1 to future crews, the station's objectives are constantly shifting between scientific research, complex spacewalks, and a growing reliance on commercial resupply spacecraft.

The International Space Station has served as a continuous orbital outpost since the start of Expedition 1 in 2000. Over the course of its operation, the station has hosted more than 270 individuals. As the mission evolves, the focus shifts between various scientific and logistical priorities. For example, during the Expedition 40 and 41 period, NASA prioritized increasing research within the orbital laboratory and scheduled up to five spacewalks, consisting of three U.S. and two Russian extravehicular activities. This period specifically focused on expanding scientific inquiry within the facility. Such efforts are supported by specialized facilities like the Cold Atom Lab, which studies ultra-cold quantum gases in microgravity.

Logistics play a critical role in maintaining the station's functionality. Throughout Expeditions 40 and 41, goals involved receiving the last European supply vessel and launching two American commercial craft: Orbital Sciences' Cygnus alongside SpaceX's Dragon. This reliance on commercial partners is a cornerstone of modern station operations, as seen in the ongoing SpaceX Crew and CRS programs. These logistical efforts ensure that essential hardware and scientific supplies reach the orbiting facility. This process is vital for the success of various commercial resupply services.

Looking toward the future, the station continues to host diverse international crews. Expedition 74 is slated to run from December 8, 2025, through the summer of 2026. Following this, Expedition 75 is scheduled to begin on July 26, 2026, and conclude in the spring of 2027. These upcoming missions will involve complex crew rotations, such as the arrival of SpaceX Crew-13, which includes astronauts from NASA, the CSA, and Roscosmos. These rotations involve diverse international expertise. For instance, the Crew-13 mission includes specialists from the CSA and Roscosmos.

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