International Space Station and its role in the future of space exploration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to: (1) emphasize and evaluate the past and present scientific and societal contributions the International Space Station (ISS) has provided the United States, (2) determine support for NASA and their efforts to stimulate a new interest for future lunar, planetary and deep space exploration, and (3) decide if the continued benefits of U.S. space exploration, including new discoveries and successful research findings, justify the associated financial costs. The ISS plays an important role in human exploration in space and has made significant contributions to the scientific community through research. By taking an in depth look at how the ISS was used in the past, present, and is intended to be used in the future we determine how it has benefited and will continue to benefit the aerospace industry as well as the global population. This will also allow us to identify challenges faced and come up with possible solutions. Additionally, this study will take a look at the funding opportunities and how they can be addressed. This study will focus on the contributions the ISS has provided in the past, the partnerships of countries and opportunities for cooperation it offers, and what it can offer to the future of space exploration and research initiatives, by evaluating the influence and achievements and examining the effects the ISS has had on the aerospace industry, scientific community, and the population of the world.