There are several key differences between building the International Space Station (ISS) to be sent out to space and building a large structure that will remain on Earth. Some of these differences include:
1. Environmental conditions: The ISS is exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum, which require specialized materials and designs to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. On Earth, buildings are designed to withstand weather-related events such as wind, rain, and earthquakes.
2. Gravity: The ISS is in a microgravity environment, which affects how materials behave and how structures are assembled. Building structures on Earth relies on gravity to hold materials in place, while the ISS requires additional methods such as bolts and fasteners to hold materials together in a weightless environment.
3. Maintenance and repair: The ISS requires specialized equipment and procedures for maintenance and repair, as spacewalking astronauts are required to perform tasks in a vacuum and in bulky spacesuits. On Earth, buildings can be more easily maintained and repaired with tools and equipment that are readily available.
4. Transportation: Building and launching the ISS into space requires specialized transportation methods such as rockets and space shuttles. On Earth, buildings can be transported using conventional methods such as trucks and cranes.
5. Design requirements: The ISS must be designed to meet the specific requirements of space travel, including size restrictions for launch, power generation and storage, and the ability to dock with other spacecraft. Buildings on Earth have more flexibility in design and do not have the same size and weight restrictions for transport.
These differences require specialized knowledge and expertise to design and build structures for space travel, which sets them apart from structures built for Earth-bound purposes.