Space station

A space station is an artificial structure designed for humans to live and work in outer space for a period of time. A space station is distinguished from other manned spacecraft by its lack of major propulsion or landing facilities—instead, other vehicles are used as transport to and from the station. Space stations are used to study the effects of long-term space flight on the human body as well as to provide platforms for greater number and length of scientific studies than available on other space vehicles. Some stations also serve as space ports where manned vessels may dock, take-off, discharge and pick-up passengers or affect repairs. Advanced space stations are usually equipped with some form of artificial gravity, allowing visitors and workers the ability to move about freely without having to endure the rigors of a zero-g environment. Stations that are open to a variety of clientele, such as extraterrestrial life forms, will also maintain amenities and accomodations befitting their culture and/or physiological needs.

One notable example of a space station is Deep Space Nine, an orbital space station that was once under the control of a conquering race known as the Cardassians, but had since been acquirred by the United Federation of Planets to monitor the nearby Bajoran wormhole. Deep Space Nine was commanded by Commander Benjamin Sisko during the Federation/Bajoran occupation. His support staff consisted of Lieutenant Commander Jadzia Dax, Major Kira Nerys, Chief Constable Odo and later, Lieutenant Commander Worf. Other personnel stationed aboard Deep Space Nine included Doctor Julian Bashir and Chief Engineer Miles O'Brien.