With its first module launched in 1998, the International Space Station was built to serve as a research laboratory and permanent human presence in low Earth orbit. Since then, the space station has been modified through the addition of Orbital Segments and modules from various space agencies. While the initial purpose of the ISS Program was to conduct unique experiments in near zero gravity, the mandate of the project has expanded over time to include promoting scientific education and cooperation between countries. However, as the project heads towards its de-orbiting in 2031, the program is hampered by political divisions between member countries and has yet to finish many of its scientific missions. Delegates in this crisis-style committee represent astronauts, engineers, space agency officials, and other major players responding to emergencies and steering the project towards completing its goals.
