International Space Station turns 20, story of evolution goes on

Twenty years ago, the most ambitious construction project in the history of humanity – the International Space Station (ISS) – began with the launch of a Russian Proton rocket on November 20, 1998.

Two weeks later, NASA followed suit with its own component – Unity.

It is a beacon in the night sky that should already be out of use. But five years after the ISS mission was due to end, it continues to be a stellar success.

The main partners – Russians, Americans and the European Space Agency – have agreed on funding through until 2024.

Al Jazeera’s Alan Fisher reports.