Space Station Designs

A space station is a collection of parts and modules that exist in either Low Earth Orbit (also known as LEO (Low Earth Orbit)), or in this case, must be called Low HOM Orbit, or beyond HOM's orbit.

There are currently two space stations in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) in real life: the International Space Station and the Chinese Tiangong space station (under construction).

There are many ways to construct a space station and each way has its own pros and cons.

Constructing a station in orbit around HOM can prove to be problematic when the station gets longer than 3 or more modules. Perhaps the simplest method of construction in a Sandbox is to separately send each component to a point beyond the orbit of HOM, and connect the modules as they arrive at the construction location. A Station Builder Tug can be very useful during assembly.

The minimal distance from HOM to your station should probably be about 110 units. This is the approximate distance it takes to decelerate fully from escape velocity (Red Bar in the velocity indicator) and successfully maneuver the modules into their desired positions at a safe docking velocity. Many users assemble their stations at a distance of 125 to 200 units, then maneuver the station into its final position after completion.

Some space stations have a large supply of fuel, often stored in a Station Refuel Silo. This allows the station to travel long distances at top speed many times over, or act as a space-based refuel station for other spacecraft.

If a station is constructed for the purpose of exploration, it should have several engines aligned in at least 2 directions. This increases the maneuverability of the ship and its ability to start and/or stop. A large station is difficult to turn or decelerate swiftly unless it has an engine designated for that purpose. A space station that is meant to move should also be balanced, ergo, the mid-life of the ship (from bow to stern) should have symmetry on each side of the mid-line. This prevents the ship from spinning when accelerating forwards.

Each pressured module should also have a path to a functioning oxygen garden or a supply O2 and CO2 scrubbers.

A Space Station can be made for several different applications which include:

• A Refueling Station for other space vessels

• A Recharging Space Station for other space vessels, whose batteries have been depleted

• An Exploration Ship

• A science/research ship
• A military/defense station
• A Habitation Station

Here's an open invitation to all, post your space station pictures here in the comments section. Show us your ideas and get some new ones from others!

Part of a pre-build station schematic

Note: Since the actual construction of your station can be quite time consuming (unless you are using Quick Launches), you may wish to first make your own pre-build schematic, by using this: Space Station Blueprinting or this online app.

It can be a great help in visualizing what you're going to build, before you actually start building it. This helps to avoid construction issues halfway through building.