Space station
Space Station
A Space Station (pronunciation: /speɪs ˈsteɪʃən/) is a large spacecraft that remains in low Earth orbit for extended periods of time. It is a home where astronauts live and work.
Etymology
The term "Space Station" is derived from the English words "space", referring to the universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere, and "station" which means a place where a particular activity or service is based.
Definition
A Space Station is a structure designed for humans to live in outer space for a prolonged period of time. Unlike spacecraft which are used to travel to space, a space station remains in space for an extended period. A space station is distinguished from other spacecraft used for human spaceflight by its lack of major propulsion or landing facilities — instead, other vehicles are used as transport to and from the station.
Related Terms
- Astronaut: A person who is trained to travel in a spacecraft.
- Orbit: The curved path, usually elliptical, described by a planet, satellite, spaceship, etc., around a celestial body, as the sun.
- Spacecraft: A vehicle designed for travel or operation in outer space.
- Low Earth Orbit: An orbit around Earth with an altitude of 2,000 km (1,200 mi) or less, and with an orbital period of between about 84 and 127 minutes.
- Human Spaceflight: Space travel with a crew or passengers aboard the spacecraft.
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.