cospar id 1998-067a

Though still tethered to Earth in low-orbit, this day in 2000 marked the last day that there was no enduring human presence in outer space. The Soyuz TM-31 launched on the next day with the first resident crew for the International Space Station,  docking three days later and which has been continuously crewed ever since. The first three joined modules were called Zvezda, Unity and Zarya and were placed in orbit in 1998 (it has presently expanded to an array of fourteen with additional solar cells, inflatable segments and experimental bays) and the station’s mission is expected to last at least until 2030.