Quote:
Originally Posted by kraznyi_oktjabr
What is so special in ISS? It is basically expanded version of Soviet space stations. First of which was Salyut I in 1971. Ofcourse ISS has more advanced technology but in my opinion it's nothing really revolutionary although certainly evolutionary.
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Evolutionary being the point; where the former orbital platforms (Mir, SKYLAB) were essentially launched as is from the ground, and modified by necessity, they were not truly in-flight assembled platforms from components sent into orbit. Also, the other platforms were not hugely multi-national efforts; ISS is. It's "revolutionary" in that its designed intent is to be as near a permanent orbital station involving crew from many nations, rather than an orbital game of oneupsmanship to prove which nationality is technically superior.