Space station

A crewed spacecraft designed to remain in orbit for extended periods, supporting habitation, research, or other activities.

Orbital mechanics: The study of how gravity governs the motion of artificial and natural bodies in space. A station stays in orbit by continuously following a trajectory shaped by gravity and its velocity.
Salyut programme: A Soviet series of orbital stations launched between 1971 and 1986 for military and civilian missions. Salyut 1 became the first space station, establishing a model for crewed orbital stays.
Space station research: Scientific investigation conducted aboard crewed orbital stations. Long stays and repeated experiments enable studies of biology, materials, and Earth.
Konstantin Tsiolkovsky: A Russian scientist and pioneer of astronautics who developed theoretical ideas about spaceflight and orbital habitats. His early writing explored the possibility of large human settlements in space.
Spacecraft: A vehicle or device designed to travel or operate in outer space. A station is a spacecraft specialized for extended orbital occupation rather than short transits.
Environmental control and life support system: A spacecraft system that regulates cabin atmosphere, water, temperature, and waste for its occupants. Its recycling and monitoring systems sustain a crew between supply missions.
Skylab: The United States’ first space station, occupied by three crews in 1973 and 1974. Skylab demonstrated extended American stays and extensive scientific work in orbit.
Human spaceflight: The activity of sending people into space and supporting them there. Stations are platforms for sustained human operations beyond Earth.
Wernher von Braun: A German-born American rocket engineer who helped develop the Saturn V and advocated crewed space stations. His proposed orbital stations helped popularize the concept in the United States.
Space capsule: A compact spacecraft designed to carry people or cargo, usually for a limited mission. Capsules typically transport crews to and from stations instead of serving as long-term homes.

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