Page 12 - International Space Station Benefits for Humanity, 3rd edition.

Introduction

Welcome as we share the successes of the International Space Station (ISS) in this third edition of the
International Space Station Benefits for Humanity. The ISS is a unique scientific platform that has enabled
more than 3,600 researchers in 106 countries and areas to conduct more than 2,500 experiments in
microgravity through February 2018—and the research continues.
Since November 2, 2000, the ISS has maintained a continuous human presence in space. Research began
on the orbiting laboratory even before it was occupied. In 2011, when ISS assembly was complete, the focus
shifted to fully utilizing the lab to promote scientific research, technology development, space exploration,
commerce, and education.
The ISS began as an engineering achievement that evolved over a decade. Its components were built
in various countries around the world. The coordination required to accomplish this without testing the fully
assembled structure on Earth allowed us to learn a vast amount about the construction of large, complex
technical systems. This international achievement illustrates the cooperative teamwork required to create
an international partnership that has continued to flourish and serve as a model for international cooperation.
Although each ISS partner has distinct research goals, the unified goal is to extend the knowledge gleaned
to benefit all humankind. The research achievement of the space station has been demonstrated
through the application of its technical capabilities (similar to those in ground-based laboratories) to the
unique conditions of the low-Earth orbit environment, which has consistently achieved meaningful scientific
results. Subsequently, the economic achievement of the space station has been realized through use
of its technical capabilities as well as changes to contracting mechanisms, which have given rise to new
companies, patents, and products.

Value of the Platform

In the first edition of this book, released in 2012, the scientific, technological, and educational
accomplishments of ISS research that impact life on Earth were summarized through a compilation of stories.
The many benefits being realized were primarily in the areas of human health, Earth observations and disaster
response, and global education.
The second edition, released in 2015, included updates on the first edition benefit areas (including new
stories in those areas), plus the addition of two new benefit areas: economic development of space and
innovative technology.
This third edition includes updates to the second edition’s five benefit areas (including new stories in those
areas), plus two new sections on the economic valuation and scientific valuation of space station research.

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