Article
Article
Space station
Article By:
Pelosi, James J. Kayser Italia, Aerospace Human Factors Engineering, and Space Life Sciences, Livorno, Italy, Melbourne, Florida, and Houston, Texas.
Last reviewed:August 2022
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.639600
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A complex physical structure designed specifically to serve as a multipurpose platform in low Earth orbit. A space station contains all the structures and mechanisms to operate and maintain the facility and its life-support systems, such as command and data processing; communications and tracking; guidance, navigation, and control; electrical power; and thermal and environmental control. Space stations have evolved together with technology and therefore have steadily increased in scope and complexity; successive programs extend the developments and achievements of their predecessors. The largest and most complex station to date is the International Space Station (Fig. 1). See also: Space; Space biology; Space flight; Space navigation and guidance; Space power systems; Space technology; Spacecraft structure
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