The Day Every Human Was on Earth Before Space Exploration Changed

On October 31, 2000, a significant event occurred in space exploration history. The Soyuz TM-31 capsule launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan with three astronauts bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The crew comprised Bill Shepherd from NASA, and Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko from Roscosmos. This mission, known as Expedition One, marked the beginning of a continuous human presence in space, a milestone that endures to this day.

Upon reaching the ISS on November 2, 2000, the crew became the first to inhabit the station permanently. Initially consisting of the Russian Zarya and American Unity modules, the ISS has evolved into a cutting-edge scientific platform supporting various experiments across disciplines. With over 3,000 experiments conducted by astronauts from 108 countries, the ISS stands as a symbol of international collaboration in scientific research.

Despite its success, the ISS faces challenges due to aging infrastructure and rising operational costs. NASA and its partners are planning for the station's retirement by 2030, with a controlled deorbiting likely involving a SpaceX capsule. Meanwhile, China has launched its own space station, Tiangong, signaling its growing influence in space exploration.

The threat of orbital debris poses a significant risk to human spaceflight. Efforts to monitor and manage debris are crucial for the sustainability of space activities. Solutions such as enhanced debris tracking and controlled rocket deorbiting are essential to safeguarding the space environment.

According to the source: Indian Defence Review.