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Tech News The most expensive thing ever made by humans, a tech marvel, cost a whopping $100 billion
NASA: International Space Station almost crashes into space junk
When you think of the phrase ‘the most expensive thing ever made', the obvious answers which come to our mind are the Burj Khalifa, the Taj Mahal or perhaps, a jet fighter aircraft. However, you'd be surprised to know that none of these are the right answer. In fact, we are sure you would struggle to come up with the answer if you didn't already know what it is. The most expensive man-made thing in the world surprisingly, does not even exist on the Earth. It is none other than the International Space Station (ISS) and it took more than $100 billion to make. Read on to know more about one of the greatest tech marvels ever.
The ISS is the most expensive thing ever made by humans
This accolade was given by the Guinness World Records. Calling the International Space Station the ‘most expensive man-made object, it noted on its website that the cost of the structure was more than $100 billion. Some other sources also note that it actually took more than $150 billion. But why is the ISS so expensive and what makes it a tech marvel? The story is definitely an interesting one.
The International Space Station
In the early 1980s, NASA decided to launch a modular space station called Freedom. It was supposed to be the counterpart to the Soviet Salyut and Mir space stations. But as the plan was formed, it was realized that it would be beyond the scope of a single nation to build. As a result, the European Space Agency (ESA) as well as Russian space agency Roscosmos, JAXA from Japan, CSA of Canada also joined in.
On November 20, 1998, the ISS was launched into space. Originally, the purpose of the ISS was to be a laboratory, observatory, and factory while providing transportation, maintenance, and a low Earth orbit staging base for possible future missions to the Moon, Mars, and asteroids. While not all of the intended purposes have been fulfilled, ISS continues to serve its role in scientific research, space exploration and educational and cultural outreach.
The modularity of the ISS gives it a great flexibility. At any time, more modules can be added or removed from it to change its structure as per need. Some of the major components on the ISS include a life support system which contains the atmosphere control system, the water supply system, the food supply facilities, the sanitation and hygiene equipment, and fire detection and suppression equipment. They are located in the Zvezda service module. Apart from this, the research center, power control modules as well as communication systems are part of its core components.
Interestingly, the ISS continues to eat through even more money and therefore, becomes more expensive by the year as millions of dollars are spent on maintenance and repairs of this structure up there floating around in the sky.
Certainly! I've got a strong background in space technology and exploration. The International Space Station (ISS) is indeed an extraordinary human achievement, often cited as the most expensive man-made object in history, and it's fascinating to dive into its complexities.
The ISS is a joint effort involving various space agencies—NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA. Its origins trace back to NASA's initial concept of the modular space station called "Freedom" in the early 1980s. Originally planned solely by the U.S., it later evolved into an international collaboration due to the enormity of the project.
Cost estimates for the ISS vary; Guinness World Records labeled it at over $100 billion, while other sources suggest a figure surpassing $150 billion. This astronomical cost encompasses a multitude of elements: research, development, launch, ongoing maintenance, and operation.
Its modular design grants exceptional flexibility. Modules can be added or removed as needed, altering its configuration. Crucial components, housed within the Zvezda service module, encompass life support systems (controlling atmosphere, water, food, sanitation, and fire safety), research facilities, power control modules, and communication systems.
Initially intended as a laboratory, observatory, and factory, the ISS facilitates scientific research, aiding space exploration, and serves as a platform for potential future missions to celestial bodies like the Moon, Mars, and asteroids. Although not all initial objectives have been met, the ISS remains pivotal in scientific endeavors, educational outreach, and cultural exchange.
Its ongoing expenses are substantial, with millions allocated annually for maintenance and repairs. Despite these costs, the ISS persists as a symbol of international cooperation and a cornerstone of space exploration, continuously expanding our understanding of life beyond Earth.
The article you mentioned encapsulates the ISS's significance, highlighting its exorbitant cost and multifaceted role in advancing scientific frontiers while stressing the ongoing financial commitment required for its maintenance and operation.
