Human Activities in Space
Space Stations
Number of People to Reach Orbit Climbs to 600 with Axiom’s Private Mission to ISS


Axiom’s second private astronaut crew arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on May 22, 2023, beginning their eight-day science mission. The four members of the Ax-2 crew join the seven Expedition 69 crew members currently on the ISS.
November Space Council Meetings Could Shape Commercial Regulations


The National Space Council asked for comment on new commercial space systems and how the commercial space sector could be regulated during a pair of online meetings set for November. The council wants input from industry and the public. The move is part of a Biden Administration push to deal with issues including crowded orbits and the safety of space tourists.
2020 TSRQ1 – Economy Insights: Commercial Activity on the International Space Station


This year marks the 20th anniversary of human habitation on the International Space Station (ISS). That sustained success means NASA and the ISS U.S. National Laboratory, which share American resources on the orbiting facility, have transitioned from merely supporting life in space to . . .
2017 – Space Stations
While the International Space Station remained the cornerstone for human activities in space during 2017, companies such as…
2017 – China Space Station – Snapshot
During 2016, China launched its latest space station, Tiangong-2. Chinese taikonauts lived aboard the new space station for 30 days before returning to…
2017 – Bigelow Space Station – Snapshot
The privately owned Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM), launched in 2016, remained attached to the ISS in 2017. NASA originally contracted Bigelow Aerospace to test…
2017 – ISS – Snapshot


The International Space Station (ISS) continued to be an active inhabited space laboratory during 2017. International teams of engineers, researchers, and scientists…
2016 – Space Station Satellite Deployment Log
The ISS and other space stations occasionally deploy small satellites from various launchers, or even by hand. This log monitors the number and type of small satellite deployed from the space stations each year.
2016 – Bigelow Space Stations – Snapshot
In April 2016, the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) was launched and attached to the International Space Station (ISS). During transport, the module was…
2016 – China Space Stations – Snapshot
China launched a new space station laboratory in the middle of September 2016, making China the only nation to have two space stations in orbit, although one appears to no longer be…