| 摘要 |
A modular space structure having a central enclosed area is erected in outer space from expandable modules transported by a reusable space shuttle or an expendable rocket. Each module comprises an outer member and one or more inner members carried telescopically therein forming a complete enclosure to serve as a small self contained space structure capable of being equipped for life support. Each inner member has slightly less volume than the outer member in which it is nested. As each inner member is extended, the interior volume is increased and a larger enclosure is formed. A two member module, when extended, would nearly double the amount of initial enclosed usable space, and an extended three member module would nearly triple the amount of initial enclosed usable space. The expandable modules serve as building blocks which may be joined to other like modules in various configurations to form a complete enclosure about a common interior volume with the modules forming the walls of the enclosure to create increasingly larger space structure units having a plurality of enclosed central areas. Passageways allow occupant communication between the modules and the central enclosure. Adapter modules and various other devices such as docking ports for docking space craft to the structure and thrust generating or communication devices may be secured to the modules.
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