Scientists: ageing ISS crucial to research

[WASHINGTON] It may be 350km above Earth and a place that only a privileged few will ever visit, but the International Space Station (ISS) is crucial to advances in science, health and technology, scientists say.

Earlier this month, NASA said that the life of the US$100 billion ISS would be extended by four years, or until at least 2024, allowing for more global research and scientific collaboration.

John Holdren, a senior White House adviser on science and technology, hailed the space station - mainly built with US money - as a unique facility that offers enormous scientific and societal benefits. "The Obama administration's decision to extend its life until at least 2024 will allow us to maximise its potential, deliver critical benefits to our nation and the world, and maintain American leadership in space."