International Space Station belongs to the Common Era — dated here to c. 1998 CE at Low Earth orbit. Dates mark a scholarly centre of gravity (dedication, completion, or iconic phase), not a single foundation day.
A football-field-sized laboratory assembled in orbit by many nations — humans living off-world continuously for decades.
How it amazes the brain
Modules launched separately, berthed robotically, powered by acre-scale solar arrays. Microgravity science is the product.
Why it counts as a wonder
It never needed a contest ballot to scramble the brain: scale, craft, or sheer improbability is enough.
The only wonder you can sometimes see as a moving star at dusk.
On dating
CE means years after the traditional birth of Christ. A monument listed as c. 1998 CE may have been founded earlier, rebuilt later, or become famous only in one phase. Engineering wonders (dams, tunnels, orbiting labs) are dated to opening or assembly.
This is story 29 of 100 in The Trend Ledger’s illustrated desk on world wonders raised after the birth of Christ — the companions to our BCE series.