Episode•February 20, 2026•41 min

Around the World for 25 Years

NASA leaders Joel Montalbano and Ryan Landon reflect on 25 years of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station and the international cooperation that made it possible. HWHAP 412.

Key Takeaways

1
The ISS as a model for international cooperation
The station demonstrates that no single agency has the resources to achieve such a feat alone.
It has fostered a culture where partners step in to support each other during technical failures or accidents.
The project has successfully maintained a unified mission across five different space agencies for over two decades.
2
Shifting the paradigm of mission success
NASA transitioned from being responsible for every detail of mission success to focusing on safety and requirements.
This shift allows scientists to take ownership of their own mission success, leading to faster iteration cycles.
Payloads can now fly multiple times in a few years, compared to once a decade under previous models.
3
The ISS as a critical testbed for deep space exploration
The station is essential for testing life support systems, such as the 98% water reclamation milestone.
It provides a platform to study human health, including eye, joint, and cardiovascular changes in microgravity.
Technologies like 3D printing and in-situ resource utilization are being perfected for future Moon and Mars missions.

Intro

NASA leaders Joel Montalbano and Ryan Landon reflect on 25 years of continuous human presence aboard the International Space Station and the international cooperation that made it possible.
Joel Montalbano is the NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate. Ryan Landon is the Manager of the Research Integration Office at Johnson Space Center.

– Introduction and Roles

Host Kenna Pell introduces the 25-year milestone of the ISS and welcomes guests Joel Montalbano and Ryan Landon to discuss their roles in operations and research integration.

– Defining Space Operations

Joel Montalbano explains his broad portfolio, which now includes space sustainability, a new focus area for low-Earth orbit and future exploration.

I tell people that we have some of the coolest jobs in the world, working for NASA and working on human spaceflight.
– Joel Montalbano

– Early Experiences and International Roots

Ryan Landon shares her journey from Wyoming to Houston, driven by an interest in the Mir Space Station, and her early work in mission flight operations.

– The Evolution of ISS Operations

Joel discusses his time as a flight director (call sign 'Flash') and his experience living in Russia, emphasizing the unique perspective gained from being on-site for launches and landings.

– Maximizing Research and Collaboration

The conversation shifts to the 'decade of results' and the cultural shift within NASA to prioritize research, including tailoring requirements for individual payloads.

– Impactful Science on Station

Protein crystal growth for pharmaceutical development
Bioprinting human tissues and organs
Quantum science and cold atom research
Retina experiments to restore vision

– Paving the Way for Artemis

The guests explain how the ISS serves as a proving ground for life support, food production, and human health monitoring necessary for the return to the Moon and future Mars missions.

Resources

Topics

International Space StationNASASpace ExplorationArtemisMicrogravity ResearchInternational CooperationSpace OperationsHuman Spaceflight

Related Episodes

Around the World for 25 Years

Key Takeaways

Intro

00:00:00 – Introduction and Roles

00:02:22 – Defining Space Operations

00:04:23 – Early Experiences and International Roots

00:05:59 – The Evolution of ISS Operations

00:13:56 – Maximizing Research and Collaboration

00:23:29 – Impactful Science on Station

00:33:22 – Paving the Way for Artemis