Space inhabited non-stop for 20 years

In summary, 20 years ago on Halloween, the first long-term crew was launched to the ISS. Since then, the ISS has been inhabited continuously. The US side has the capability to launch crew again thanks to Crew Dragon, Boeing's Starliner is planned to join soon.
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The last day without anyone in space was 31 Oct 2000.
People under 20 have never lived at a time without at least two people in space. Exactly 20 years ago, on Halloween 2000, Soyuz TM-31 launched the first long-term crew towards the ISS to start Expedition 1. They docked 2 November. Since then the ISS has been inhabited continuously.

This was by no means guaranteed. Especially the US side planned to stop the ISS program a few times and faced interruptions in spaceflight - first from the Columbia disaster then from the retirement of the Space Shuttle. The Russian Soyuz stayed available the whole time and provided most crew exchanges. Since this year the US side has the capability to launch crew again thanks to Crew Dragon, Boeing's Starliner is planned to join soon.
ISS timeline

It is planned to run the ISS at least until 2030. By that time Axiom Space wants to have its own section that can survive as independent commercial space station when the ISS program ends. Blue Origin has long-term plans to get more and more people to live and work in space. SpaceX wants to send people to Mars by 2027. The Chinese work on a space station, too.
If nothing catastrophic happens on Earth it's generally expected that we will have many more people living away from Earth in 30+ years, but the time in between is less clear. Will space keep inhabited non-stop? The last time ever where all people were on Earth (or in Earth's atmosphere) might have been in 2000.
 
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It would seem that we have a long term commitment to space exploration and travel with the Artemis project and all that goes with it.
 
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I didn't list Artemis because it's still focusing on individual shorter missions - weeks initially, maybe 2 months around 2030, but no permanent crews anywhere. And it needs a rocket that's so expensive that it will get really hard to justify the costs of that program.
 
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Well, It wouldn't be the first time that the gov't pulled the plug, but would they let China put a base on the moon first?
 

1. How will humans survive in space for 20 years?

Humans will survive in space for 20 years by living and working in a controlled environment, such as a space station. This environment will provide them with oxygen, food, and water, as well as protection from the harsh conditions of space. Additionally, astronauts will undergo extensive training and medical evaluations to ensure their physical and mental well-being during their time in space.

2. What challenges will humans face living in space for 20 years?

Living in space for 20 years poses many challenges for humans, including prolonged exposure to microgravity, which can lead to muscle and bone loss, as well as potential radiation exposure. Astronauts may also face psychological challenges from being in a confined space for an extended period of time. Additionally, the constant need for maintenance and repairs to the space station can also be a challenge.

3. How will humans communicate with Earth during 20 years in space?

Communication with Earth during 20 years in space will be possible through various methods, such as radio waves and satellites. Astronauts will also have access to advanced communication technology, such as video conferencing, to stay connected with their loved ones and receive updates from mission control on Earth.

4. Will humans be able to grow their own food in space for 20 years?

Yes, humans will be able to grow their own food in space for 20 years. The technology for growing plants in space, such as hydroponics, has been developed and successfully used on the International Space Station. This will provide astronauts with fresh produce and help sustain their diet during their time in space.

5. What scientific experiments will be conducted during 20 years in space?

There will be a wide range of scientific experiments conducted during 20 years in space. These may include studies on the effects of microgravity on the human body, as well as experiments on plants, animals, and materials in a space environment. Additionally, research on space technology and exploration will also be conducted to further our understanding of the universe and potential for future space missions.

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