Now, you might ask: “Why spend $150 billion on a tin can in the sky?” Because it’s our tin can. It’s where we learned to grow lettuce in space, where we test tech for Mars trips, and where nations that usually argue about trade or sports decided to work together. That’s not just expensive; that’s priceless in a weird, human way.
Think of your own life. You splurge on a fancy coffee maker, a new mattress, or a pair of shoes that you’ll wear twice. That’s your personal ISS. It’s a little stupid and a lot of fun. The ISS is humanity’s dumb, glorious, overpriced coffee maker.
And you know what? I’m glad we built it. Because someday, when you’re complaining about the cost of a new tv, you can look up at the night sky—or check a NASA livestream—and say, “Well, it could be worse. At least my tv isn’t the most expensive object in the world.” Then grab a slice of pizza and smile. You earned it.
