November 4, 2002

The International Space Station marks two years of continuous human presence in space on November 2, 2002.

Already the largest and most sophisticated spacecraft ever built, according to a NASA press release, the space station is continuing to grow in size, weight, and research capacity as new components are added.

For example, NASA said that in the past year astronauts have assembled a transport system for the main truss that consists of a mobile base for the station's Canadian robotic arm and a "hand car" for spacewalkers.

"We are blazing a trail in space and on Earth, through research and international cooperation, which can improve lives and expand exploration," said Bill Gerstenmaier, program manager for the International Space Station at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

A total of 112 astronauts, scientists, engineers, and visitors from six nations have been aboard the station since it was launched two years ago.