It's our birthday of a sort and a happy one for us all. As of this week humanity has managed one thousand continuous days occupying space in our first stable habitat - International Space Station Alpha. This column has devoutly supported the ISS effort and will continue to do so. It's encouraging after the Columbia tragedy to hear such a recommitment of allegiance from all quarters of support, since establishing and maintaining Alpha has always been a task beyond any nation. Without anything better to offer critics and detractors ignore the best contribution of Alpha: it stands - well sorta floats - as a tangible expression of our determination. A practical space elevator would be great, don't get me wrong - but until the ribbon is up shouldn't we keep working?

So far seven Expeditions totaling twenty lucky people have occupied the facilities since first Commander Bill Shepherd "opened for business" in November 02. From its original tiny two-can form Alpha has ballooned in size and capability, with solar arrays able to supply power like never before provided in space. Onboard research explores the effects of space on humans necessary for informing our path on longer treks. The hydroponics experiments serve not only as fascinating science, gorgeous photographs, and yet also lunch! Shuttle-supported and self-originating spacewalks have installed important new features like the Canadarm2 and service-friendly "space railway," tremendously improving the ability of her occupants to repair and improve their home and laboratory.

God willing growth will continue on Alpha for another thousand days and many more. More modules are scheduled to be added increasing living space for future crews as well as increasing the capacity of the station to perform scientific research. (Whatever needs to be done to expand the crew needs to be accelerated. Why give so few all the fun?) During Expedition Five astronaut Peggy Whitson received a pointy-eared promotion to Science Officer in a now prominent and almost permanent position. Constant communication with Terran-based schoolchildren holds the focus of tomorrow's brave space pioneers, and after Dennis Tito the arrival of space tourists commences the grand adventure for the rest of us.

In time humanity will adjust its calendar to acknowledge the awesome import of these days towards the dawn of real history in which we so casually live. As the Metrons say, we are a promising species (as predators go) and maybe in a thousand years or so we'll step into the responsibilities of a civilized species. Easy. Repeat this simple accomplishment 364 more times and we'll be there.