Along the way to becoming a space-faring species, humanity has faced enormous challenges. Despite these many initial hurdles, however, the United States has contributed to the progress of human spaceflight by delivering the lunar landings, the space shuttle, and, in partnership with other nations, the International Space Station (ISS). NASA’s rich and successful history has been enabled by, and responsible for, a strong backbone of scientific and engineering research accomplishments. These milestones and future developments are made possible through ongoing advances in life and physical sciences research
