Space-Station Design Planner

Here are some questions you may want to think about as you plan your imaginary space station.

• Where will your space station be located in the solar system? Will it orbit Earth, some other planet or moon, or the Sun? How far from Earth and from the Sun will it be? How will the station's location affect its design?
• How many people will be living at your station? Will it hold only a small group of astronaut- scientists? Or will there be many people doing many different jobs, as in a city or town on Earth? Will there be people of all ages at your station? Will they live there permanently or only come for short stays? How should you design the station to provide for all of its people?
• What conditions and supplies do you need to live on Earth? What kinds of buildings and services does your community on Earth have? How would you provide for these needs at your space station? Are there other things you'd need in space that you don't need on Earth?
• Will your station produce its own food, water, oxygen, energy, and other supplies? How much will it depend on shipments from Earth? How will these considerations affect the station's design?
• What kinds of scientific research will be conducted at your station? What kinds of laboratories and equipment will scientists need?
• What will people at your station do for fun? For example, will there be sports facilities, performing arts halls, or TV and computer networks?
• If your station is in a stable orbit, it will be in free fall. How will the station's design take this into account?