Evolution of the International Space Station maneuvering strategy over the 25 years of its operation. Analysis, comparison, findings

November 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of the launch in orbit for the first element of the International Space Station (ISS). During that time, the ninth station to be launched into orbit in the history of manned spaceflight has grown into the largest space vehicle ever built. An important aspect of maintaining its functionality is maneuvering, and the ISS is undoubtedly a record-breaker in terms of the numbers of completed maneuvers that were different in purpose, magnitude, the type of propulsion system that was used, etc. The paper systematizes all the maneuvers and provides statistical data on various parameters. It reviews the evolution of maneuvering strategy through all the ISS mission phases, starting with the launch of the first module and up to late November 2023. It presents approaches used for meeting trajectory conditions during landings and dockings with quick rendezvous profiles taking into account unplanned orbital debris collision avoidance maneuvers. It provides a quantitative and qualitative comparison of the ISS maneuvering behavior with that of the previous orbital stations, and a prediction of maneuvering parameters for the future Russian Orbital Station.