Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
A space station is a large spacecraft that remains in low Earth orbit for extended periods of time and serves as a home and workplace for astronauts.
Related terms
Low Earth Orbit: The region of space around the Earth with an altitude between 160 kilometers (99 miles) and 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) above sea level.
Astronauts: Highly trained individuals who travel into space to conduct research, perform tasks outside the spacecraft, and explore new frontiers.
Scientific Experiments: Controlled tests or investigations performed by scientists to gather data and gain knowledge about various phenomena.