What has a human achieved today in astronomical sciences ?

-How might we decide what qualifies as “the ultimate human achievement” in different areas of knowledge? How might we go about deciding? Would expert opinion necessarily influence what we think?

 In what ways might our cultural paradigms shape our response?

According to Professor Brian Cox, presenter of the BBC’s excellent 3-part series Stargazing: LIVE the International Space Station is the ‘ultimate human achievement’. If you watch this episode from 36:25 minutes into the programme, Prof Brian Cox speaks to 3 of the astronauts on board.

More information regarding it:

·         It is the largest artificial satellite that has ever orbited our planet.

·         It travels around the earth at 28,000km per hour and 400km above the earth.

·         There are 6 astronauts currently living on the spaceship; they are the only people currently in space.

·         Astronauts from around the world have been living in zero gravity for the last 10 years and some stay for more than 6 months.

·         It functions as an observatory, laboratory and workshop.