On Monday, NASA and partner agencies were all celebrating 15 years completion of work, research and exploration at the International Space Station. Since 2nd November, 2000, the ISS has been occupied and has led to many scientific breakthroughs.

Fifteen years back, a crew including American Bill Shepherd reached at the ISS to kick-start the first expedition and since then, there has been continuous presence of humans. The six astronauts and cosmonauts who are currently staying at the ISS said that the work being carried out at the ISS and the 15-nation partnership have pretty much cleared about the level of this orbital post.

NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, the Expedition 45 commander, was of the view that the international partnership is the fundamental and the most important thing that binds this program together. He feels lucky to have this orbital post, owing to which they have learnt many things.

NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden strongly believes that the station should be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. Bolden said, "I believe the station should be considered the blueprint for peaceful global cooperation. For more than a decade and a half, it has taught us about what's possible when tens of thousands of people across 15 countries collaborate to advance shared goals". The current station crew also had a meal together to mark the 15th anniversary.