by Simon Coates
There are a number of spacestations in existence, ranging in size and purpose. Briefly, a spacestation is a man-made artificial satellite that orbits around a celestial object, housing a population of people. Originally, satellites were launched into space that were unmanned for communications and other purposes, but more recently have been built with humans to live on. These satellites are generally huge structures, and are classed beyond 'satellites' and known as spacestations. They have a population of humans living on board who go about their ordinary lives, just like they would on Earth, Mars or the Moon. The main difference is the object is entirely man-made with lack of space compared to living on Earth. The main reason why spacestations exist is to allow the population to move away from Earth, the Moon or Mars so to alleviate the overcrowding there. People who live on spacestations do so for various reasons; some people have employment in industries that allows them to work from home, so to speak, so they can work in their own apartments on board the spacestation. Some people however just like the experience, and some have apartments on a spacestation as a second home. One of the main appealing points of such a home are the amazing views of the celestial object the spacestation orbits, which are quite breathtaking. Some business owners own apartments on spacestations as a way of promoting their business, as having meetings there are sure to impress clients.
Spacestations have different roles to play. The main population stations, the Type 4 and 5 models, which house people, are built to allow them to live a life that is a close to normal as possible, so have shopping and leisure areas. Some stations are specifically designed to be used as research facilities, and some are used as prison ships, collectively known as Jailbirds.
Spacestations feature an artificial gravity system, so the gravitational effect is the same as Earth, and on the larger stations, have separate areas for leisure, with shopping areas and green spaces.
The first ever spacestation in existence was launched on November 21st, 2090, a spacestation named Primus which was set in orbit around the Earth. This spacestation still exists today, proving their longevity. It has a population capacity of 100.
There are a number of spacestations orbiting planet Earth and the Moon, along with a number orbiting Mars. They all have the capacity to move such as when meteors threaten, but once set in orbit round a planet or moon they stay there permanently. They are effectively an entire world which is completely independent of the mother planet or moon, each with their own power stations and other essential services. There are five different types, numbered 1 to 5, depending on how big they are:
Type 1 – a small station, up to one kilometre in length. Used mainly for scientific research. Have one or two main hangars for spaceships arriving and departing with limited living quarters.
Type 2 – between one and three kilometres long. A Type 2 is commonly used for heavy manufacturing such as solar and nuclear powerplants. Relatively dangerous work so risk is minimised for the Earth by having them orbiting in outer space.
Type 3 – between three and six kilometres long. Small self-contained units that are the preferred type for use as prison ships, or Jailbirds.
Type 4 – between six and ten kilometres long. Massive units which are totally self-reliant. Most designed as circular in shape with their own atmosphere and are small moons in their own right. Most are considered as self-contained population centres.
Type 5 – anything over ten kilometres long. Truly massive satellites, with a population over a million with culturally different peoples.
Materials transport
Spacestations have their own fleet of dedicated material carrier spaceships. These ships feature gigantic hulls for maximum storage ability, to supply the needs of the population.
Cleaning ships
Spacestations require frequent maintenance which is undertaken by numerous contractors to ensure the station is sealed against meteor collisions and other hazards. They co-ordinate evasive action with spacestations and satellites if large meteors are detected. Other cleaning machines collect space debris round planet Earth and Mars to avoid objects damaging satellites and spaceships as they orbit the planet.
