International Space Station turns 25: Life above Earth through astronauts’ eyes

Expedition 34 crew members pictured in the Unity node of the International Space Station in December 2012. (Image: NASA)

NASA says the International Space Station marks 25 years of continuous human presence, serving as both a scientific laboratory and a shared cultural home while preparing astronauts for future Moon and Mars missions.

How life in orbit built a shared community

Since 2000, 290 visitors from 26 countries have lived aboard. Crews from five international partners formed a unique orbital community. Astronauts shared holiday traditions, music, food and celebrations. Festive socks, costumes and small decorations brightened orbital routines. Crews even marked holidays with candle-less menorahs and mini trees.

Food became an important cultural bridge in orbit. Astronauts often shared special meals from home. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet once brought macarons aboard. Japanese astronauts hosted sushi gatherings in space. NASA says these traditions strengthened international cooperation.

What music and perspective mean in space

Music also played a role in astronaut well-being. The first guitar arrived aboard the station in 2001. Since then, astronauts have played keyboards, saxophones and flutes. Some even brought bagpipes and piccolos.

JAXA astronauts once performed a duet using traditional instruments. Other astronauts played concerts with musicians on Earth. ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano later became the first space DJ. NASA says music helped crews cope with isolation.

Expedition 55 crew members aboard the space station (from left) are NASA astronaut Drew Feustel, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, and NASA astronauts Ricky Arnold and Scott Tingle. (Image: NASA)

Astronauts also described life-changing views of Earth. From the cupola, they saw a fragile planet without borders. Many spoke of the overview effect changing their worldview. They returned to Earth eager to share this perspective.

Expedition 55 crew members aboard the space station (from left) are NASA astronaut Drew Feustel, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, and NASA astronauts Ricky Arnold and Scott Tingle.

NASA astronaut and Expedition 69 Flight Engineer Woody Hoburg plays guitar inside the space station's Kibo laboratory module. (Image: NASA)

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir plays a saxophone in front of the station's Cupola windows. (Image: NASA)

What comes next after 25 years aloft

The station’s cupola provided unmatched views for science. Astronauts captured millions of Earth images over decades. These photographs track storms, fires, glaciers and urban growth. The data supports NASA disaster response efforts worldwide.

The sun shines above Earth’s horizon as the space station orbited 264 miles above the Canadian province of Quebec. (Image: NASA)

The Full Moon is pictured setting below Earth's horizon from the space station. (Image: NASA)

On Earth, mission teams shared milestones with orbiting crews. Engineers marked anniversaries, holidays and mission successes together. NASA celebrated 25 years of habitation on 2 November 2025 with Expedition 73.

NASA astronaut Don Pettit photographs "cosmic colors at sunrise." From 250 miles above, the space station's orbital path covers most of Earth's population, offering valuable data and a great opportunity for shooting photography. (Image: NASA)

Flight controllers at NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston marked 25 years of continuous human presence in space with the Expedition 73 crew aboard the orbital outpost on Nov. 2, 2025. (Image: NASA)

Flight controllers in mission control celebrate the holidays while supporting crews aboard the space station. (Image: NASA)

Former astronaut Nicole Stott also used space to inspire art. She became the first to paint watercolours aboard the station. Her Space for Art Foundation now supports children with cancer. Astronauts have worn artwork inspired spacesuits in orbit.

NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, the first person to watercolor in space, paints aboard the space station. (Image: NASA)

NASA says lessons from the station now guide Artemis missions. The agency believes cooperation, creativity and resilience remain essential. After 25 years, the station continues shaping humanity’s next steps beyond Earth.