The world we live in today is filled with some of the most incredible technological advancements and luxurious commodities that are beyond imagination.
From expensive cars to private jets, we’ve seen it all, but there’s still one object that stands out as the costliest in the world – the International Space Station.
The International Space Station
The ISS is a habitable satellite that orbits the Earth 16 times a day, moving at speeds of over 17,000 miles per hour. It is one of the most complex engineering feats of all time, consisting of multiple modules – each serving a different purpose – that are linked together. Launched in 1998, the ISS has been continuously inhabited since 2000 and is now home to astronauts from around the world.
So, what’s the price tag? According to reports, the total cost of the space station adds up to a whopping $150 billion. It’s an astronomical amount, but it’s important to understand why it costs so much.
There are also costs associated with sending supplies, equipment, and crew members to and from the station. In fact, NASA spends around $3 billion annually on the ISS alone.
Firstly, the ISS was not built overnight. It took years of research and development before it was launched into space. The project began in 1984, and after numerous delays and setbacks, it was finally launched in 1998. The ISS is a collaboration between five space agencies – NASA, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency – and it takes money and resources from all of them to keep it operational.
Secondly, building something that can withstand the harsh conditions of space is no easy feat. The ISS was designed to last for at least 15 years, and it has exceeded that lifespan by far. To give you an idea of the conditions it has to endure, here are a few facts. Temperatures in space can range from -250°F to 250°F, and the ISS is bombarded by radiation and micro-meteoroids. The station is equipped with multiple layers of shielding to protect the crew and equipment from these hazards.
Thirdly, keeping the ISS operational requires a significant investment of resources. It requires regular maintenance, upgrades, and repairs to ensure that it remains functional.
Despite its high cost, the benefits of the ISS are numerous. It has contributed to our understanding of space and helped us discover new technological advancements. For example, experiments conducted on the station have led to the development of new cancer treatments, better water filtration systems, and even the creation of a more efficient cooling system for electronics.
In addition to its scientific contributions, the ISS also serves as a symbol of international cooperation. It is a testament to what can be achieved when nations work together towards a common goal. The astronauts on board represent different countries and backgrounds, but they all share a passion for exploring space and expanding our knowledge of the universe.
In conclusion, the International Space Station remains the most expensive thing on earth for good reason. It is a testament to human engineering and our collective aspiration to explore and discover new frontiers. While the cost may seem daunting, the benefits we’ve gleaned from its presence cannot be overstated. Its legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us of what we can achieve when we set our sights high.