NASA International Space Station

I have always thought putting a big space station in space was great. As I got older I wonder why are we spending so much money without a return on investment. If NASA was in the private world they would go broke, not producing a product, not curing cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, or any other diseases we have. If they don't show a product they should close it down and forget it. I get tired of seeing them eat drops of water or M&M's.
Space is not a place for mankind. Let's explore the oceans.

This is not a NASA station, it is the INTERNATIONAL Space Station. Nasa is only one participant in it. Typical American arrogance.

jesus christ alright this guy mislabeled the ISS
typical stereotypical european

There is currently plans to launch to establish a American Lunar colony near the Southern pole in the year 2020. This is apart of the reason behind Nasa "bombing" the moon recently. With the discovery of possible water and ice on the moon, and some new designs and technollogies, NASA is feeling very good about the mission at the moment.

They ARE planing to launch to the moon to settle(probably near the southern pole) in the year 2020(assuming all goes well and there arent too many budget cuts...) But station is easier than a base because all you have to do is launch to station and keep it working(also easier to get supplies to), a base needs to be able to substain its self, costs more, and takes more time to establish.

The ISS can't be moved from LEO. Any engine that would be powerful enough to get it through the Van Allen belts fast enough so the radiation doesn't fry all the electronics would tear the station apart.

@newwell1

A moon base is a lot harder to construct than a space station in low earth orbit. A moon base would require massive rockets to haul all the modules from earths surface to the moons surface instead of just to LEO. (think of how big the saturn V was). Additionally, challenges such as radiation from solar flares, developing power sources that work during the weeks of night on the moon (solar won't work) and lunar dust all make it even more difficult.

@Moonseker

Actually the ISS is in its final stage. The plan is to deorbit in 2016, as decided when they started building it; however there could be a chance that it will be extended to 2020. Your claim that 'it will continue to be built apon for many more centuries to come(possible longer)' is laughably incorrect.

Well, some ones in a know-it-all kinda mood. I suppose i shouldjust stop watching NatGeo and the History channle and stop reding scientific maginizenes? According to those sorurces, the creator and designer of the space station originally wanted a white, ringed shaped station that could substain its self and be a symbol of peace and unity. But since, weve realized thats just a bit ahead of our time. And i was not aware of such plans, which could explain my "laughably incorrect claims" but w/e=\

it would be nice if they started a new one though =/ bigger and better and expand etc etc
bc if the iss falls away, humans have practically no 'race for space' anymore at all..
no moon landings since 50 years ago, and now no more iss, that be sad =(