NASA Space Station Concept Art

Exterior of space colony as seen through an astronauts helmet. (Click image for more)

This view of the central cylinder of a proposed space colony illustrates the vast amount of area that would be devoted to agriculture. (Click image for more)

A view of a completed colony is shown as approached from the Moon. This artist's concept depicts a habitat in which the central cylinder is 32 kilometers (19 miles) long and 6400 (4 miles) in diameter. (click image for more)

Cut-away view of interior of a proposed space-habitat, fully shielded against cosmic rays by spherical shell made of lunar, material, some 10,000 inhabitants would live and work in.(Click image for more)

This artist's concept shows a proposed geosynchronous Space Solar Power satellite beaming microwave energy to Earth for conversion into electrical power.

NASA scientists and engineers have designed a system for colonizing a permanent community in space.(Click image for more)

SOLAR POWER SATELLITE -- An artist's concept depicting the arrival of cargo from low Earth orbit to the Solar Power Satellite fabrication facility in geosynchronous orbit, some 36,000 miles above the Earth.(Click image for more)

SOLAR POWER SATELLITE -- An artist's concept depicting a Solar Power Satellite fabrication facility being assembled in geosynchronous orbit 22,000 miles above the Earth.(Click image for more)

SOLAR POWER SATELLITE -- An artist's concept depicting the arrival of cargo and supplies at a completed Solar Power Satellite fabrication facility.(click image for more)

SOLAR POWER SATELLITE -- An artist's concept depicting the initial fabrication of a Solar Power Satellite structural member.(click image for more)

SOLAR POWER SATELLITE -- An artist's concept depicting the assembly of the fabrication facility as more materials and supplies arrive from low Earth orbit.(click image for more)

SOLAR POWER SATELLITE -- An artist's concept illustrating the Solar Power Satellite structure, solar cell panels and reflector panels being fabricated.(click image for more)

SOLAR POWER SATELLITE -- An artist's concept depicting two completed and operational Solar Power Satellites located in a geosynchronous orbit some 36,000 miles above the Earth.(click image for more)

SOLAR POWER SATELLITE -- An artist's concept depicting one of the Solar Power Satellite microwave transmission antennas being assembled at the outer edge of the structure.(click image for more)

SOLAR POWER SATELLITE -- An artist's concept depicting a view of the central core of the incomplete Solar Power Satellite, looking toward its source of energy -- the Sun.(click image for more)

Solar Power Satellite ----An artist's concept depicting the completed Solar Power Satellite in geosynchronous orbit some 36,000 miles above the earth. The two antennas and transmitting microwave energy to the Earth below for conversion to conventional electrical power.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Station. This illustrations depicts one of the many task which the Space Plane will be called upon to perform. (click image for more)

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Station. This illustrations depicts one of the many task which the Space Plane will be called upon to perform at a Space Station in Earth orbit

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Station. A Manned Spacecraft Center artists concept of a space station, which could be assembled in Earth orbit using a space plane as the chief method of transportation.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Station. This illustration is showing a six man space station which can be transported to orbit by a Space Shuttle and then assembled in space.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Shuttle. This illustration depicts a Space Shuttle at a Space Station in Earth orbit. This version is representative of a station with both zero and artificial gravity.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Shuttle. This rendering version of the Space Shuttle is capable of supporting from 50 to 100 people for long periods of time. (click image for more)

ARTIST CONCEPT: Cosmic Ray Experiment Module. This is a General Electric Company illustration of a Cosmic Ray Experiment Module, with a cut away view of the inside features.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Earth Surveys Module. This is a General Electric Company illustration of an Earth Survey Module that could be attached to a Space Station. (click image for more)

ARTIST CONCEPT: Earth Surveys Module. This is a General Electric Company illustration of an Earth Survey Module. The detached module is in the foreground and the space station is in the background.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Earth Surveys Module. This is a General Electric Company illustration of an Earth Survey Module.

Astronomy Experiment Module. A General Electric Company art concept of an astronomy experiment module, which could be placed in Earth orbit by a shuttle.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Tug. This illustration depicts a multi-use space vehicle. The idea behind the reusable space tug, the highly versatile vehicle can be flown either manned or unmanned. It could be designed to operate around the Earth, the Moon, and in support of interplanetary missions. The vehicle shown in this concept is retrieving an Earth orbiting satellite.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of a Rotating Space Station.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of a United States Rotating Space Station orbiting Earth.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of a 3 Radical Module Configuration.

ARTIST CONCEPT: a cutaway of Manned Space Station orbiting the Earth.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of a future Space Station.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of a future Space Station.

ARTIST CONCEPT: assembly in orbit of a spacecraft.Such a Manned Vehicle might be subjected to three years of meteor hazard on a round trip to Mars.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of a future Space Station.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of a future Space Station.

A 24 foot diameter model of a possible manned inflatable Space Station for research purpose. Developed by scientists in the Langley Space Station Office, Langley Field. A slow rotation of the torus model would stabilize the station in orbit.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of the Orbit and Launch Facility with SNAP-8 power supply on the end of a telescoping boom.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of an Earth orbiting Manned Space Station.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of an Earth orbiting Manned Space Station.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of the Apollo Command & Service Modules combination rendezvous in Earth orbit with a Space Station.

Space Station -- Model of a Manned Orbital Laboratory.

A small model of a Modular Orbital Space Laboratory showing two living quarter levels.

An engineer in the photograph with a small model of a Modular Orbital Space Laboratory showing two living quarter levels, that was planned to be a part of the Manned space station.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of Manned Rotating Space Station in Earth orbit.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of a spacecraft using four Solar Thermionic Generators. The mirror surfaces collect and concentrate solar heat on the Thermonic Generators located at the focal point of the mirrors, the heat energy in the units is converted directly to electricity without the use of moving parts.

ARTIST CONCEPT:of a spacecraft using four Solar Thermionic Generators. The mirror surfaces collect and concentrate solar heat on the Thermonic Generators located at the focal point of the mirrors, the heat energy in the units is converted directly to electricity without the use of moving parts.

Electrically propelled space craft with arc engine and nuclear power source

Ion Propelled Lunar Ferry

ARTIST CONCEPT: Manned space flight might look like this in the Year 200. its one of many aerospace industry concepts of possible future manned voyages into deep space.

Manned Mars Ship

ARTIST CONCEPT: of an Air Advanced Manned Space Station, Nuclear powered of the Future.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Mars vehicle for Mars Probe.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of an Earth orbiting space vehicle. It would have the capability to go from Earth orbit to the edge of the solar system using nuclear powered engines.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Station. This illustrations depicts one of the many task which the Space Plane will be called upon to perform. In this photo, the Orbiter is one part of a two stage vehicle called the Space Shuttle. The other part is the Booster.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Tug. This illustration depicts the different functions of the Space Tug while out in space, in Earth orbit. It would be able to service the independent modules, move things to the Space Station, or just be used to assist in the assembly of large systems in orbit.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Solar Power Technology Program. This illustration depicts major missions and many other applications on smaller unmanned spacecraft will be investigated during the Solar Power Technology Program

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Tug Elements.This illustration depicts various hardware elements that could be combined to serve several purposes with a Space Tug Vehicle. The primary propulsion system could have extendible legs for landing on the Moon. A secondary propulsion could be added for longer mission. A cargo module could be attached, a probe carried along, or a crew module used.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Earth Observation Module. This illustration depicts the use of an Earth Observation Module attached to an orbiting Space Station. The module could be used for study of the Earth in an Earth Resources Program. For example, it could chart the movement of fish, detect blights in the forests, keep track of weather patterns, and provide advance warnings on approaching storm conditions. It could also record major fires and other catastrophes, monitor crops, and help in oil exploration. At the upper right of the illustration is a Space Observation Module for studying the Sun, stars, planets, comets, and galaxies.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Tug Missions. This drawing illustrates the some of the applications possible for a Space Tug Vehicle in the United States Space Program. Two configurations are shown, one manned and the other unmanned. In Earth orbit operations, the tug could move components from one place to another in setting up orbiting experiments. It could also be used to land a temporary station on the Moon and then supply it with provisions and men. It could be used to move supplies between a reusable Space Transportation System and an orbiting Space Station. It could also be used to launch from Earth orbit satellites and probes to other planets.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Observation Module. This drawing illustrates the one of the spacecraft possible in the near [ as of the 1970's] future for the United Stated Space Program. The space Observatory Module could be placed in Earth orbit near a Manned Space Station for use in studying the Sun, the stars, planets, comets, and galaxies.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Current Systems and Missions. This drawing illustrates the current [as of 1970] capabilities of the United States Space Program. The three rockets from left to right are configurations for launching the Skylab cluster components with a two stage Saturn V, the Saturn IB booster, carrying astronauts to Earth orbit to dock with the Skylab and Saturn V configuration for manned lunar landings. At the upper left is the Skylab cluster in orbit with the Apollo Command Service Module moving in for docking. At the upper right, the Lunar Module is depicted with the Lunar Roving Vehicle returning from a traverse.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Next Generation Systems. This drawing illustrates different spacecraft in Earth orbit, that were thought of as the future spacecraft for the NASA program. The objective is to enhance mans knowledge of the resources and make up of space. To do that, man needs advance space equipment. Shown in this concept is a Space Shuttle Orbiter, Space Station, Space Tug, High Data Rate Satellite, and a Space or observation module that could study the Sun.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Tug. This drawing illustrates the crew module for a space tug. The mechanical arms would be operated by the crew remote, in moving objects from one place to another in Earth orbit. A Propulsion Module would be beneath the crew module for tasks requiring considerable power such as changing orbits.

Asteroid Retrieval Mission -- Painting showing the beginning of a mission to an Earth-approaching asteroid. Asteroids contain many of the major elements which provide the basis for industry and life on Earth. Orbital sunrise greets the start of the mission depicted by Denise Watt. Asteroid-1 is the central long structure and the propulsion unit is the long tubular structure enveloped by stiffening yard arms and guy wires. Solar cells running the length of the propulsion system convert the sunlight into electricity which is used to power the propulsion system. During the mission these solar arrays would be oriented toward the Sun to gather maximum power. In the right foreground is a second mass-driver unit being constructed from material shipped form earth via these shuttle craft. An orbital construction platform in permanent orbit provides power, supplies depot, and work volume within which work proceeds.

The power tower reference concept of the space station orbits the Earth in artist's concept. This configuration, presented at an industry briefing at Johnson Space Center, is used as the reference concept for the Phase B preliminary design and definition contracts. About 400 feet in length, the space station has wing-like solar panels and arrays on top to convert sunlight to ~75 kilowatts of electrical power and smaller radiator panels to dissipate heat. At bottom, a space shuttle orbiter is docked to one of five modules that provide living and laboratory space for six to eight people. The spine-like structure that runs the length of the facility is equipped with instruments for solar, stellar, space, and Earth viewing. A station crew member is shown performing an extravehicular activity (spacewalk) at left center and an unmanned co-orbiting platform that will be serviced from the space station.

This picture illustrates the Power Tower reference configuration of a permanently manned space station. In January 1984, President Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

Space station model designed by the Concept Development Group of the Space Station Task Force and built by Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, was used by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs, pictured, in his presentation to President Ronald Reagan in December 1983 and by the President at the London Economic Summit in June 1984. In January 1984, President Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

Space station model designed by the Concept Development Group of the Space Station Task Force and built by Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, was used by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs in his presentation to President Ronald Reagan in December 1983 and by the President at the London Economic Summit in June 1984. In January 1984, President Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

Space station model designed by the Concept Development Group of the Space Station Task Force and built by Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, was used by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs in his presentation to President Ronald Reagan in December 1983 and by the President at the London Economic Summit in June 1984. In January 1984, President Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

Space station model designed by the Concept Development Group of the Space Station Task Force and built by Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, was used by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs in his presentation to President Ronald Reagan in December 1983 and by the President at the London Economic Summit in June 1984. In January 1984, President Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

NASA Administrator James M. Beggs with the space station model he used to brief the President and the Cabinet on the space station initiative. The model was later used by President Reagan at the London Economic Summit in June 1984. The photograph was taken shortly after President Reagan's January 1984 State of the Union Address.

Space station model designed by the Concept Development Group of the NASA Space Station Task Force and built by the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The model was used by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs in his space station presentation to President Ronald Reagan in December 1983 and by the President at the London Economic Summit on June 1984. In January 1984, President Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

Space station model designed by the Concept Development Group of the NASA Space Station Task Force and built by the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The model was used by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs in his space station presentation to President Ronald Reagan in December 1983 and by the President at the London Economic Summit on June 1984. In January 1984, President Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

Space station model designed by the Concept Development Group of the NASA Space Station Task Force and built by the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The model was used by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs in his space station presentation to President Ronald Reagan in December 1983 and by the President at the London Economic Summit on June 1984. In January 1984, President Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

Space station model designed by the Concept Development Group of the NASA Space Station Task Force and built by the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The model was used by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs in his space station presentation to President Ronald Reagan in December 1983 and by the President at the London Economic Summit on June 1984. In January 1984, President Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

Space Station -- Shown is the Illustration by Johnson Space Center of one space station design reference configuration. In 1982, with the success of the space shuttle, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space. The definition activity was directed by the space station task force and focused on mission requirements, technologies, and systems analysis.

Space Station -- Illustration of space station design reference configuration by Lockheed Missiles and Space Company. In 1982, the the success of the space shuttle, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space. The definition activity was directed by the space station task force and focused on mission requirements, technologies, and systems analysis. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan directed NASA to develop a permanently manned space station within a decade.

Space Station -- llustration of Johnson Space Center space station design reference configuration. In 1982, the the success of the space shuttle, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space. The definition activity was directed by the space station task force and focused on mission requirements, technologies, and systems analysis.

Space Station -- Illustration of Johnson Space Center space station design reference configuration. In 1982, the the success of the space shuttle, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space. The definition activity was directed by the space station task force and focused on mission requirements, technologies, and systems analysis.

Space Station -- Illustration of Johnson Space Center space station design reference configuration. In 1982, the the success of the space shuttle, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space. The definition activity was directed by the space station task force and focused on mission requirements, technologies, and systems analysis.

Space Station -- Possible space station reference configuration developed by Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. In 1982, with the success of early space shuttle flight, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space. A space station task force was formed at NASA headquarters with personnel from various NASA centers and headquarters program office. Definition activity focused upon mission requirements, technology options, and systems analysis. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan directed NASA to develop within a decade a permanently manned space station. With this directive NASA space station planning accelerated.

Space Station -- Possible space station reference configuration developed by Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. In 1982, with the success of early space shuttle flight, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space. A space station task force was formed at NASA headquarters with personnel from various NASA centers and headquarters program office. Definition activity focused upon mission requirements, technology options, and systems analysis. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan directed NASA to develop within a decade a permanently manned space station. With this directive NASA space station planning accelerated.

Space Station -- Possible space station reference configuration developed by Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. In 1982, with the success of early space shuttle flight, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space. A space station task force was formed at NASA headquarters with personnel from various NASA centers and headquarters program office. Definition activity focused upon mission requirements, technology options, and systems analysis. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan directed NASA to develop within a decade a permanently manned space station. With this directive NASA space station planning accelerated.

Space Station -- Possible space station configuration developed by Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas. In 1982, with the success of early space shuttle flight, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space. A space station task force was formed at NASA headquarters with personnel from various NASA centers and headquarters program office. Definition activity focused upon mission requirements, technology options, and systems analysis. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan directed NASA to develop within a decade a permanently manned space station. With this directive NASA space station planning accelerated.

Space Art --"The Light Ship" oil painting by Attila Hejja, Space Shuttle Challenger, Space Transportation System-8, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, August 30, 1983.

Illustration of one space station design reference configuration by Johnson Space Center. In 1982, with the success of the space shuttle, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space.The definition activity was directed by the Space Station Task Force and focused on mission requirements, technologies, and systems analysis.

Illustration of one space station design reference configuration by Johnson Space Center. In 1982, with the success of the space shuttle, NASA began to define a space station for consideration by the Administration and Congress as the next major national initiative in space.The definition activity was directed by the Space Station Task Force and focused on mission requirements, technologies, and systems analysis.

The Next Logical Step -- Composite photo of spacecraft from Mercury through proposed space station.

In 1982, with the successful completion of the Space Shuttle Orbiter flight tests, NASA initiated definition of a future Space Station to provide a basis for the Admnistraton and Congress to make an informed decision on whether the nation should commit to a Space Station as the next logical step in space. Shown is an Illustration of a possible early space station by TRW's Space and Technology Group of Redondo Beach, California. Portrayed is a later-phase space station consisting of dual solar array sets, logistics modules, command and habitat modules, attached pallets for scientific inquiry, and orbital transfer vehicles. As the illustration suggests, such a station would be tended by the space shuttle.

In 1982, with the successful completion of the Space Shuttle Orbiter flight tests, NASA initiated definition of a future Space Station to provide a basis for the Admnistraton and Congress to make an informed decision on whether the nation should commit to a Space Station as the next logical step in space. Overlaying this particular Illustration of a possible early space station, consisting of a command habitat module, an energy section, and a surrogate shuttle cargo bay, with a list of station capabilities and of the broad benefits a space station would provide.

Space Staton -- Concept for orbiting space station developed by a team of scientists and engineers at Lockheed Missiles & Space company, Sunnyvale, California, with living quarters and control center; three zero-gravity modules for scientific, commercial, and other applications; and three open beam platforms interconnected by "shirt sleeve" air tubes.

Space Station -- In the summer of 1982 NASA sponsored industry studies to examine mission requirements for a possible U.S. space station. The studies analyzed future missions in space to determine what attributes a space station would have to fulfill these missions. While the studies focused on mission requirements and appropriate space station "architecture", several renderings were produced to enable a possible station configuration to be envisioned. This picture, an artist's concept, portrays one possible space station, as conceived by Rockwell International's North American Space Operations Division.The picture shows a mature space station configuration which includes two solar panels to provide power, several modules for command, habitation, and experimental activity; a shuttle-sized unpressurized rack for storage of payloads; advanced Remote Manipulator Systems for the assembly of large structures and servicing/storaging of satellites and instruments; and a docking/utility hub that might serve in addition as a safe haven in case of emergency. The picture also shows an Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) returning to the station after delivering a payload to higher orbit. Such a vehicle could be space-base at the station, providing a significant gain in economy and capability.

NASA Space Station concept art, inflatable "Free World" space station ca. 1962

ARTIST CONCEPT: of Large zero gravity Manned Orbital Space Station.

ARTIST CONCEPT: MSFC Future Projects Lunar Systems.

NASA Space Station concept art, deployment of inflatable station Ca. 1962

ORBITING LUNAR STATION -- An artist's concept of an Orbiting Lunar Station (OLS), one of the potential options for space activity being studied. The picture appeared in a September 1977 publication from the NASA-JSC Program Planning Office entitled a Compendium of Future Space Activities. (click image for more)

INDEPENDENT LUNAR SURFACE SORTIE -- An artist's concept of an Independent Lunar Surface Sortie (ILSS), one of the potential future options for space activity being studied. (click image for more)

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Shuttle. This illustration depicts the attached module of the Space Shuttle in Earth orbit.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Shuttle. This illustration depicts a Space Shuttle at a Space Station in Earth orbit. This version is representative of a station with both zero and artificial gravity.

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Station. This concept is of a 6 to 9 manned, one year station, orbital configuration. This illustration points out and describe each part of the ideal vehicle.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of Orbital Launch Operations. Featuring:|Mars orbital Launch Vehicle|Orbital Launch Facility|Depart stage|Orbital support assembly vehicle|Logistic spacecraft

ARTIST CONCEPT: Space Station Concept I: 9 manned, zero G 260 dia.

ARTIST CONCEPT: of what an advanced large space station might be like. The station would have a 240 foot radius to the rotational G living quarter at the upper left and as much as 375 foot radius to the spinning balance and power section at the other end of the rotating segment. (click image for more)