Anyone born since November 2, 2000, has never known a time when humans didn't live in space. Join us in wishing a happy 25th anniversary to the International Space Station. It was #OTD in 2000 that the Expedition 1 crew, Commander American Bill Shepherd and his Russian crewmates Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev, arrived at the ISS aboard Soyuz TM-31. Their mission commenced the first long-term crewed stay on the ISS, initiating continuous habitation that has persisted ever since. The journey to this milestone began with the launch of the first ISS modules in 1998, a joint effort involving the United States, Russia, and other international partners. The Zarya module, launched by Russia, provided power and propulsion, while the U.S. Unity node followed, enabling connections between future segments. After two years of assembly and supply missions, the station was ready to support a permanent crew. The Expedition 1 mission was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on October 31, 2000, docking with the ISS two days later. The arrival of Expedition 1 inaugurated a new era in space exploration, transforming the ISS into a continuously operating research facility. Over the following decades, rotating crews from around the world conducted experiments in biology, physics, Earth observation, and technology testing. The uninterrupted human presence in space has provided invaluable experience for long-duration missions, influencing future plans for lunar bases and crewed Mars expeditions. (fb)

The Florida Wing, Commemorative Air Force, got the opportunity to give one 105-year-old veteran a chance to get back into the skies. Learn more about his legacy and how he is continuing to inspire others through his remarkable service and spirit: https://commemorativeairforce.org/news/show-center-liveairshowtv-to-host-online-air-show (fb)