Most Expensive Things Humans Have Ever Built

When it comes to pushing the limits of science, defense, and exploration, humanity has built some truly remarkable — and astonishingly expensive — creations. From massive military machines to advanced space projects, these undertakings represent decades of innovation, billions of dollars, and global cooperation.

Here are the five most expensive things ever created by humans, ranked from fifth to first.

5. Columbia Class Submarine – $9.5 Billion Each

The Columbia Class submarine represents the future of the United States’ nuclear deterrent program. Currently in development, each submarine is projected to cost around $9.5 billion, making it one of the most expensive military vessels in history.

These ballistic missile submarines are designed to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet and will serve as the backbone of America’s strategic deterrence well into the 2080s. Equipped with cutting-edge stealth technology, advanced sonar systems, and nuclear propulsion, the Columbia Class is built not only for unmatched endurance but also for silent operation — a crucial factor in remaining undetected beneath the ocean’s surface.

Beyond their cost, they symbolize the incredible resources and engineering required to maintain global security in the modern era.

4. James Webb Space Telescope – $10 Billion

Often called the successor to Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is one of the most advanced scientific instruments ever built. With a staggering cost of $10 billion, it took over two decades of planning, delays, and collaboration between NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) to finally launch in December 2021.

The JWST is designed to peer deeper into space and further back in time than ever before, capturing the light of the very first galaxies formed after the Big Bang. Its massive 6.5-meter gold-coated mirror and advanced infrared technology allow it to detect faint signals that previous telescopes could not.

Already, JWST has delivered breathtaking images of distant stars, planets, and nebulae, transforming our understanding of the universe. Its cost may be immense, but its value in reshaping astronomy is priceless.

3. SpaceX Starlink Satellite Constellation – $10 Billion (and Counting)

Space exploration doesn’t always mean looking outward. Sometimes it’s about connecting Earth itself. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has embarked on one of the most ambitious projects in modern history: the Starlink satellite constellation.

With more than 6,000 satellites already launched and thousands more planned, Starlink’s goal is to provide global high-speed internet coverage, even in the most remote areas of the planet. The cost of developing and deploying this network is estimated at over $10 billion, though the figure continues to climb as expansion accelerates.

While critics question the environmental impact and space debris risks, Starlink has already begun transforming internet accessibility. From rural villages to disaster zones, its potential to bridge the digital divide makes it one of humanity’s most expensive — and impactful — ventures.

2. Gerald R. Ford Class Aircraft Carrier – $13 Billion

The Gerald R. Ford class aircraft carrier is the most advanced warship ever constructed and the most expensive military ship in history. The lead ship, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), cost around $13 billion to build, excluding billions more in research and development.

At over 1,100 feet long and displacing more than 100,000 tons, this nuclear-powered carrier can operate for 25 years without refueling. It features electromagnetic launch systems, advanced radar, and greater automation, allowing it to carry more aircraft while requiring fewer crew members compared to older Nimitz-class carriers.

Serving as a floating airbase, the Gerald R. Ford symbolizes both military dominance and technological mastery. Its massive price tag reflects its role as a cornerstone of U.S. naval power for decades to come.

Most Expensive Things Humans Have Ever Built

1. International Space Station – $150 Billion

Topping the list is the International Space Station (ISS), widely considered the most expensive object ever built by humans. With an estimated total cost of $150 billion, the ISS is the result of an unprecedented global collaboration involving the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.

Launched in 1998 and continuously inhabited since 2000, the ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, serving as a hub for scientific research, international cooperation, and technological advancement. From testing the effects of microgravity on the human body to advancing climate research and materials science, the ISS has become a cornerstone of modern space exploration.

Its construction required over 100 rocket launches and spaceflights, countless modules, and contributions from thousands of scientists and engineers worldwide. Despite its colossal cost, the ISS has provided invaluable insights and paved the way for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.