The International Space Station (ISS) remains fully operational in early 2026, with regular crew rotations, cargo deliveries, and ongoing microgravity research by NASA, its international partners, and private companies.[2][3][5]
Recent missions and launches
- In April 2026, Northrop Grumman’s upgraded Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 to resupply the Expedition 74 crew, carrying more than 11,000 pounds of science experiments, hardware, and crew provisions.[3][5]
- The spacecraft was captured by the station’s Canadarm2 robotic arm and attached to the Unity module, continuing the routine pattern of commercial‑resupply flights to the ISS.[5][3]
Crew status and operations
- The current Expedition 74 crew is conducting a full slate of experiments in biology, Earth observation, materials science, and technology demonstrations, building on more than two decades of continuous human presence in orbit.[10][2]
- NASA has also been reviewing options for an earlier return of certain astronauts (for example, Crew‑11) amid isolated medical issues, highlighting the agency’s focus on crew safety as the station ages.[6][9][2]
Outlook and future plans
- The ISS is cleared to operate through at least 2030, with partner agencies planning additional crew and cargo missions while designing future commercial‑space‑station capabilities.[8][2]
- Public‑facing updates, including live‑streamed dockings and spacewalks, are posted regularly via NASA’s ISS blog and the official @Space_Station account on X.[7][3]
Sources
Cygnus XL Cargo Craft Launches to Resupply Expedition 74 Crew Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft sits atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket counting down to a launch targeted at 7:41 a.m. EDT on Saturday to resupply the Expedition 74 crew. Packed with over 11,000 pounds of lab hardware, science experiments, and crew supplies, Cygnus XL is due to arrive at the International Space Station where it will be captured with the Candarm2 robotic arm on Monday. … NASA, Northrop Grumman, and SpaceX...
www.nasa.govStay up-to-date with the latest International Space Station news releases from NASA as we continue research on the orbiting laboratory.
www.nasa.govThe latest news, analysis and opinion on International Space Station (ISS). In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
www.scmp.com: Page 9
www.cbsnews.comThe two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having. NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss. … NASA on Thursday postponed a scheduled spacewalk on the International Space Station due to a "medical concern." CBS News space consultant...
www.cbsnews.com"Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority, and we are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11's mission."
www.space.comInternational Space Station. Read current science articles on the space station, MIR, Skylab, space shuttles and more.
www.sciencedaily.comFind out what's going on at the International Space Station.
www.space.comNASA makes unprecedented decision to bring International Space Station crew home early after medical emergency – first time in 25-year station history.
www.foxnews.com