∑ a versatile research institute and a large observation platform in space for scientific research and applications in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, human physiology, space sciences and Earth sciences,
∑ an innovative test centre to facilitate and speed up the introduction of new technology, equipment and procedures and space transportation systems,
∑ the first fully international permanently occupied outpost of mankind in space and a stepping stone for any further human space exploration and exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
