• afraid_of_zombies@lemmy.world
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    2 months ago

    One thing I find interesting is that if you docked two Starships together you would have a larger area to work with than ISS. I could see this used a viable alternative in the future.

    • ours@lemmy.world
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      2 months ago

      Volume doesn’t equates to capability. Can it keep such a crew alive and doing experiments? How long will it last?

      Skylab was pretty much that but terrible to work in and not viable long term.

      • afraid_of_zombies@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        I imagine they could have them docked and every three months send one down and send a new one up. Rotating schedule so there is always at least one in orbit at a time. Less concerns about having a perm structure in space.

          • afraid_of_zombies@lemmy.world
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            2 months ago

            True but you wouldn’t have to worry about debris in its orbit, or having to run special trips just for supplies and getting rid of garbage, plus you don’t have to worry about maintenance in space. When one is acting up, you undock it and go home.

            • randompasta@lemmy.today
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              2 months ago

              This disallows long term experiments. And it would be way higher of a cost since you have to take everything with you every time. Toilet? Take it with you. Solar panels, them too. All life support needs to be able to work for months, not just a few days. Take all of those supplies with you. Air lock too. And yes, you still have the risks of debris.

        • ours@lemmy.world
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          2 months ago

          Some experiments need to stay longer in space and you need to keep some long-term equipment like larger solar panels.

      • afraid_of_zombies@lemmy.world
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        2 months ago

        Ok well for the most part rockets general end up working after a few tries. 6 years is a very long time to assume it still won’t work and the ISS will be decommissioned around that time.