• Question: Which country has benefited the most from the ISS?

    Asked by 299trn28 to Anne, Beth, COLFlight, Jon, Tom on 11 Oct 2015.
    • Photo: Columbus Flight Directors

      Columbus Flight Directors answered on 11 Oct 2015:

      Sergio:
      Hi!

      The ISS uses the geographical return concept: the more a country invests in it, the more possibilities it will have to perform scientific experiments (more capabilities to launch things, more time dedicated by the astronauts, etc.).

      USA and Russia are the two countries who have invested more money and effort in the space station. Because of this, they have performed more science than the other countries and as such I think they have benefited more from it.

    • Photo: Beth Healey

      Beth Healey answered on 13 Oct 2015:

      Like Sergio says the countries which invest more generally get the most benefit.

      Having said that I think that all countries not just those involved have benefited from the research and advances in technology which we have enjoyed as a result of the ISS (including developing countries).

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