On November 20, 1998, the International Space Station (ISS) was launched into orbit, becoming the first ever permanent human presence in space. The ISS was a collaborative effort between the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada, and 10 other nations. In the early days of space exploration, it was thought that having a permanent space station would be an invaluable asset to the world, allowing for new discoveries and research that could ultimately benefit humanity. The ISS was a massive undertaking that required a great deal of planning and cooperation between the various countries involved.

The launch of the ISS was a major milestone in the history of space exploration. It marked the first time that multiple countries had worked together to build a permanent space station. In addition, the ISS was the first space station to be inhabited by humans. This was an important development, as it meant that scientists could now perform experiments and research in space without having to rely on the limited resources of a spacecraft.

In the early days of the ISS, the station was mainly used for scientific research. Experiments ranged from studying the effects of zero gravity on the human body to testing the effects of artificial gravity. The ISS also served as a platform for launching satellites and other spacecraft. This was especially important for communications and remote sensing missions. The station was also used as a platform for spacewalks and other extravehicular activities.

The launch of the ISS was made possible by the cooperation of many countries. Russia provided the core components of the station, including the main modules and propulsion systems. The United States provided the other components, including the solar arrays, communication systems, and other hardware. Japan, Canada, and 10 other nations also contributed to the construction of the ISS.

Since its launch, the ISS has grown in size and capabilities. It now houses six astronauts at a time, and has been visited by over 200 astronauts from 18 countries. The station has also become a tourist destination, with several commercial space tourism companies offering trips to the ISS.

The launch of the ISS was a major step forward in space exploration. The station has enabled scientists to conduct research and experiments in space, while providing a platform for spacewalks and other extravehicular activities. It has also become a popular tourist destination, and has served as an international symbol of peace and cooperation. The ISS continues to be a major source of pride for the nations involved in its construction, and will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the future of space exploration.