The International Space Station (ISS), a new project made possible by a global partnership of 16 nations, is the direct successor of the Russian MIR Space Station. As the MIR Space Station proved the feasibility of long-duration missions and defined the major areas of work on the development of in-orbit production facilities, the ISS will be the tool for the next engineering, scientific and technological marvels.

In fact the station includes six laboratories and provides more space for research than any spacecraft ever built (the internal volume of the space station will be roughly equal to the passenger cabin volume of a 747 jumbo jet)Work on the International Space Station started in 1993. The construction phase began in November 1998 when the first module (Zarya) was put in orbit. The construction phase will last until 2005, while the exploitation will last until 2015. The first permanent crews are already living on board the Space Station. When the space station is complete an international crew of up to seven will live and work in space for periods of time between three and six months.

The International Space Station also represents a new era for the Omega's longstanding involvement with space exploration. The Omega Speedmaster Professional X-33 a watch developed to NASA's strict requirements with the help of astronauts and professional pilots once again proves its reliability as the official watch of the ISS