International Space Station... Why Does it Exist?

Jeff asks why the ISS exists.  It exists for a number of reasons.  By way of background, the ISS is a cooperative effort by 16 nations.  It was initially meant to be a cold war alternative to Russian efforts to establish a permanent orbital space station but with the end of the cold war, the US and Russia decided to collaborate on the creation, management and utilization of the station.                 

The ISS and the nations which support it are driving BASIC research that will lay the foundation for advancements in medicine, technology and science. For example, studies in micro and hyper gravity help researchers  understand its effects on humans and offer insight into physiology. Growing protein crystals in a space environment help researchers create better treatments for numerous diseases that  currently have no cure.  There are a number of "Green" research projects that have been conducted to improve our understanding of the Earth's environment.

The Station also serves as a place study the "off  planet" living. Studies on the long-term effects of weightlessness on the human body and research to understand what adjustments need to be made to current methods before astronauts are sent to Mars and beyond.

Here's a complete list of all current research underway at the ISS.