The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique laboratory orbiting Earth, where astronauts conduct scientific research in microgravity. Missions to the ISS involve crews from various countries, including the United States, Russia, and Japan, who work together to study topics like biology, physics, and Earth science. Each mission typically lasts several months, allowing astronauts to perform experiments, maintain the station, and collaborate with scientists on Earth. The ISS serves as a platform for future exploration, including potential missions to the Moon and Mars, helping to advance our understanding of space and its effects on the human body.