The International Space Station announced that its lifespan has been stretched for another four years, allowing for 10 more years of voyages and investment before the station returns to Earth.

NASA administrator William Gerstenmaier told the New York Times that the extra four years will provide time for more missions and commercial space opportunities.

On Monday, private commercial space company SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket to boost a satellite into orbit around the Earth. SpaceX and another company called Orbital Sciences Corporation have contracted with the International Space Station to trek more than 200 miles from the Earth for supply deliveries. 

So far, 211 people have traveled to the International Space Station in 15 years. Another ten years means more opportunity to send hundreds of diverse scientists and astronauts to the station. Just 31 women have traveled to the International Space Station.