// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM

Space Station

A large spacecraft designed to remain in orbit for extended periods, serving as a habitable base for astronauts to live, work, and conduct scientific research.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A space station is an artificial satellite designed for long-term human habitation and scientific research in Earth orbit, providing a microgravity laboratory and a platform for observing Earth and space, exemplified by the International Space Station (ISS) and China's Tiangong.

BACKGROUND

Axiom Space, Inc., is an American privately funded space infrastructure developer headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Orbital outpost
  • orbital laboratory
  • space habitat
  • ISS

USAGE NOTE

Space stations are critical for understanding the effects of long-duration spaceflight on humans.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Space Station.

  • Axiom Space

    Developing and operating the world's first commercial space station modules and eventually a standalone commercial space station, as well as providing human spaceflight missions to the ISS.

  • Sierra Space

    Developing the Large Integrated Flexible Environment (LIFE) habitat, an inflatable commercial space station module, and a lead partner in the Orbital Reef commercial space station project.

  • Blue Origin

    A lead partner in the Orbital Reef commercial space station project, providing core modules and systems, in collaboration with Sierra Space and others.

  • Voyager Space

    Leading the development of Starlab, a continuously crewed free-flying commercial space station, in partnership with Lockheed Martin and Nanoracks.

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

    Operates the International Space Station (ISS) with international partners and is funding and supporting the development of commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) destinations.

  • China National Space Administration (CNSA)

    Operates the Tiangong space station, China's independently developed modular space station, for scientific research and technology demonstration.

  • Roscosmos

    The Russian state corporation responsible for space activities, a key partner in the International Space Station (ISS) and developing concepts for a future Russian orbital space station.

  • European Space Agency (ESA)

    A major partner in the International Space Station (ISS), contributing modules and systems, and actively involved in future human spaceflight infrastructure concepts, including lunar gateways.

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