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A modular space station having a central enclosed area is erected in earth orbit from modules transported by a reusable space shuttle or an expendable rocket. A plurality of modules are peripherally joined in a pattern enclosing a central interior area. In one embodiment, habitable modules are joine

A modular space station having a central enclosed area is erected in earth orbit from modules transported by a reusable space shuttle or an expendable rocket. A plurality of modules are peripherally joined in a pattern enclosing a central interior area. In one embodiment, habitable modules are joined side by side to form exterior walls enclosing a central area which is usable space for various purposes and capable of supporting life. Other embodiments are disclosed in which modules are joined by panels cooperating to enclose a central area. Adapter modules may be secured to the modules and having various devices such as docking ports for docking space craft to the station and thrust generating or communication device. The modular space stations may be repetitively joined with similar modular space stations to provide increasingly larger space stations.

대표청구항

A space station structure assembled in orbit comprising; a plurality of hollow modules transported into orbit by rocket and peripherally joined in a predetermined pattern to form a complete enclosure about a common interior volume, without an interior supporting framework.

A space station structure assembled in orbit comprising; a plurality of hollow modules transported into orbit by rocket and peripherally joined in a predetermined pattern to form a complete enclosure about a common interior volume, without an interior supporting framework.