From Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars, explore the world of human spaceflight with NASA each week on the official podcast of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Listen to in-depth conversations with the astronauts, scientists and engineers who make it possible.
On episode 412, NASA leaders Joel Montalbano and Ryan Landon reflect on 25 years of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station, the milestones that shaped its legacy, and how international cooperation has been essential to the station’s success. This episode was recorded December 15, 2025.
Transcript
Kenna Pell
Houston, We Have a Podcast. Welcome to the official podcast of the NASA Johnson Space Center, Episode 412: Around the World for 25 Years. I’m Kenna Pell, and I’ll be your host today. On this podcast, we bring in the experts, scientists, engineers, and astronauts, all to let you know what’s going on in the world of human spaceflight and more.
For 25 years, humans have continuously lived and worked aboard the International Space Station, transforming it from a vision on paper into a hub of international collaboration, cutting edge science, and a gateway to the future of exploration. This remarkable achievement represents the dedication of thousands of people across the globe who’ve worked together to make low Earth orbit humanity’s permanent home. Today, we’re joined by two people who have been deeply connected to that journey, Joel Montalbano, NASA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate, and Ryan Landon, Manager of the Research Integration Office here at Johnson Space Center as part of the International Space Station Program.
Both have been instrumental in shaping the station’s evolution, Joel through his leadership and operations and partnership, and Ryan through her work, driving groundbreaking science aboard the orbiting laboratory. We’ll reflect on their early experiences with the space station, explore the milestones that have defined the past 25 years, and look ahead to how the station will continue to prepare us for the return to the moon through Artemis and eventually humanity’s first steps on Mars.
Let’s get started.
Kenna Pell
Welcome to Houston We Have a Podcast Ryan and welcome back Joel, you are no stranger to the podcast. You were on a few but one similar to this topi …