For the first time in its 27-year history, the International Space Station (ISS) has reached a monumental milestone: all eight of its docking ports are fully occupied. This historic moment coincides with another remarkable achievement—25 years of continuous human presence aboard the orbiting laboratory. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: with seven vehicles docked and seven crew members on board, the ISS is buzzing with activity, supported by a complex web of government and commercial partnerships. And this is the part most people miss: the delicate dance of crew rotations, spacecraft departures, and scientific experiments that keep this microgravity outpost thriving.
Expedition 74 officially began on December 9, following the departure of the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft, which marked the end of Expedition 73. The Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft, launched by Roscosmos on November 27, played a pivotal role in this transition. Aboard were two Russian cosmonauts, commander Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and flight engineer Sergei Mikayev, along with NASA astronaut Christopher Williams. Their mission? To spend approximately eight months conducting critical research and maintaining the Station.
But here’s where it gets controversial: shortly after the Soyuz MS-28 launch, reports emerged of damage at Site 31/6, the only Russian launch pad capable of supporting ISS missions. A maintenance cabin beneath the launch mount collapsed, raising questions about Russia’s ability to access the Station without this crucial facility. Roscosmos claims to have spare parts for repairs, but the situation has sparked debates about the reliability of aging infrastructure. What if repairs take longer than expected? Could this delay future missions? Weigh in below—what’s your take on the risks of relying on a single launch site?
A little over a week after Soyuz MS-28’s arrival, the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft undocked and returned to Earth, carrying Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, along with NASA astronaut Jonny Kim. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endeavour remains docked at the Harmony module, hosting Crew-11, which includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Michael Fincke, Roscosmos’ Oleg Platonov, and JAXA’s Kimiya Yui.
And this is the part most people miss: NASA and Boeing recently announced a reduction in Boeing Starliner missions to the ISS under the Commercial Crew Program. Originally slated for six crewed missions, Starliner now faces an uncertain future due to significant delays and technical issues during its 2024 test flight. The next mission, Starliner-1, scheduled for April 2026, will fly uncrewed. Is this a prudent decision, or a missed opportunity for crewed spaceflight? Share your thoughts!
Beyond crewed missions, the ISS is a hub for cargo resupply. Five cargo vehicles are currently docked, including SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon C211, JAXA’s HTV-X1, and two Russian Progress spacecraft. Northrop Grumman’s NG-23 Cygnus XL was temporarily unberthed for waste collection, showcasing the Station’s logistical complexity.
Science takes center stage aboard the ISS, where crew members conduct experiments that could reshape our understanding of life in space and on Earth. On November 13, NASA astronaut Jonny Kim participated in cardiovascular research, wearing a heart rate monitor while exercising to study the risks of long-duration missions. Meanwhile, Zena Cardman and Michael Fincke performed critical spacesuit maintenance, ensuring safe spacewalks. But here’s a thought-provoking question: as we push the boundaries of space exploration, are we doing enough to address the health risks astronauts face?
Other experiments included stem cell research using a fluorescent microscope, fluid redistribution studies to counteract microgravity’s effects on the body, and orbital reboosts to maintain the ISS’s altitude. NASA’s CIPHER suite, a collection of 14 instruments, is also assessing how the human body adapts to space, from bone density to brain function. Oleg Platonov’s microbial research and Zena Cardman’s work on fluid dynamics further highlight the Station’s role as a scientific powerhouse.
Anniversaries abound in this era of space exploration. The ISS celebrated 25 years of continuous human presence on November 2, 2025, a testament to international cooperation. Michael Fincke, a veteran astronaut, marked 500 total days in space on November 27, having flown on multiple missions, including Expedition 73/74. These milestones remind us of how far we’ve come—and how much farther we can go.
As we marvel at these achievements, one question lingers: What’s next for the ISS and human spaceflight? Will we see more commercial partnerships, or will geopolitical tensions complicate future missions? The ISS is more than a space station; it’s a symbol of what humanity can achieve when we work together. But as infrastructure ages and challenges arise, how will we ensure its legacy endures? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—the future of space exploration depends on conversations like these.
