HEAD TO HEAD

The ISS is a colossal construct, but how does it measure up to the giant Boeing 747-400? In terms of sheer size the Boeing clocks in at 71 metres (233 feet) in length, just shy of the ISS’ 72.8 metres (239 feet). But the ISS’ width of 108.5 metres (356 feet) dwarfs the airliner’s 64 metres (210 feet). Interestingly, the Boeing has a maximum takeoff weight of 412,769 kilograms, while the ISS’ total mass is 450,000 kilograms.