This page is about in-game space stations. For a list of real life stations, see Space Station/List of real life space stations.
A space station is a spacecraft (or a set of docked spacecraft) that is/are capable of supporting crew members to remain in it for long periods of time. In addition, most space stations are designed for research such as the effect of low-gravity on humans, detecting asteroids that will hit Earth, refueling rockets and other things. Typical space stations are located in low Earth orbit.
A space station usually has no major propulsion or landing systems; most use RCS Thrusters to make minor orbital adjustments, or can be relocated anywhere using propulsion systems.
Space stations can be challenging to new players, so it is advised to use a tutorial.
Components[]
A station usually consists of
- Solar Panels
- Docking Ports
- RCS Thrusters
- Trusses
- Pressurized Parts
- Labs Module
- Cargo Module
- Living Components
- Escape Pods
- Cupola
- Radioisotope thermoelectric generator(s)
Currently, there are no pressurized parts and RTGs (in 1.5 for electricity overhaul) in-game. Most players simulate them with (empty) fuel tanks. Also, big struts are also sometimes considered as trusses.
Purpose/uses[]
A station can be used for the following:
- Interplanetary spaceships
- Orbital outpost
- Refueling station for other spacecraft
- Wet workshop
- Single launch
- Scientific research
- Detecting asteroids
Gallery[]
Space Station 1
Space Station 1 is a space station that is operated by DSA, ESA, JAXA, and CNSA. The space station is meant for international purposes, biological experiments, and others. Its follow-up Space Station 2 was launched and successfully completed all modules.
Space Station 2 with Shenzhou
Trivia[]
- There are two space stations currently orbiting the Earth now, such as the International Space Station and the Tiangong Space Station. Some are long gone such as the Skylab, the Salyut stations, and Mir.
- By the year 2030, the International Space Station will be deorbited. At that time, the only remaining space stations orbiting besides the Tiangong Space Station (planned to be deorbited after 15 years), Bharatiya Antariksh Station (planned to be launched in 2028) and the Russian Orbital Service Station (planned), will be owned by private companies (e.g. Northrop Grumman, Axiom Space, Blue Origin).
- There will also be a space station on the Moon called Lunar Gateway which will orbit the moon at a halo orbit. It will also help with the exploration of Mars.
- In 2028, India is going to build its own space station, known as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. The space station would weigh 52 tonnes and maintain an orbit of approximately 400 kilometres above the Earth, where astronauts could stay for 3-6 months. Originally planned to be completed by 2030, it was later postponed to 2035 due to delays caused by technical issues related with the Gaganyaan crewed spaceflight mission and the COVID-19 pandemic in India. As of December 2023, the first module is expected to be launched in 2028 on an LVM3 launch vehicle, with the remaining modules to be launched by 2035 on the Next Generation Launch Vehicle.