space station
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A large, manned artificial satellite designed to remain in a fixed orbit around Earth or another celestial body for an extended period. Its primary purpose is to serve as a long-term habitat and laboratory for scientific research conducted in space.
Usage
The term "space station" refers specifically to the complete orbiting structure. It is a countable noun. * The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative project involving multiple countries. * Scientists on the space station are studying the effects of microgravity on the human body. * The first space station, Salyut 1, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1971.
Advanced Usage
- Orbital space station: A term used to specify a station in orbit around a planet, distinguishing it from a theoretical future station on a planetary surface or in deep space.
- Space station module: Refers to an individual, specialized section of a larger station that is launched separately and connected in orbit.
Variants and Related Words
- Space laboratory (Spacelab): Often used synonymously, though it can imply a stronger focus on research or a smaller-scale facility. "Spacelab" was also the name of a specific reusable laboratory flown on the Space Shuttle.
- Orbital station: A less common, direct synonym.
- Outpost: Can be used to describe a space station, particularly one envisioned for locations beyond Earth orbit, emphasizing its role as a remote base.
Synonyms
Orbital station, space laboratory, space habitat (when emphasizing livability), orbital outpost.
Related Phrases
- To dock with a space station: The process by which a spacecraft connects to a space station.
- The cargo spacecraft successfully docked with the space station to deliver supplies.
- Space station crew: The astronauts or cosmonauts living and working aboard the station.
- The space station crew conducted a spacewalk to repair the external equipment.
Noun
- a manned artificial satellite in a fixed orbit designed for scientific research