Space platforms are a type of satellite. Space platforms provide support for one or more of the following: microgravity, or space, environment based research; in-space manufacturing; in-space servicing; and/or human habitation. The generic taxonomy is illustrated below.
- Satellite
- Spacecraft
- Space platforms
- Human transport vehicles
- Cargo transport vehicles
- Satellite life extension
- Propellant refill
- Repair
- Space tug
- …
- … for other satellite taxonomy see Smallsats Market Taxonomy
- Spacecraft
Space platforms can be classified using different facets/attributes:
- By architecture
- Orbital Platform is a crewed artificial satellite designed for scientific research. The platform is assembled in space and burns up on reentry at end of life. For example, ISS, Tiangong.
- Orbital Hub is a crewed artificial satellite designed to be a multipurpose platform where spacecraft (e.g. human transport vehicles, service life extension satellites, free flying experiments modules, autonomous cargo transport vehicles) can dock and be serviced, or goods (e.g. propellants, manufactured in space products, experiments, consumable supplies) can be exchanged or distributed. The platform is assembled in space and burns up on reentry at end of life. For example, Axiom Station, Orbital Reef.
- Autonomous Orbital Hub is similar to an orbital hub but operates autonomously with no crew. The platform is launched fully assembled, or is assembled in space, and burns up on reentry at end of life.
- Orbital with Earth Return Platform supporting scientific research, and/or in-space manufacturing, with crew. The platform is launched fully assembled, remains in orbit until mission is completed, then all, or a part of the platform, reenters and lands. For example, SpaceX Starship, Crew Dragon, Shenzhou, Soyuz MS.
- Autonomous Orbital, with Earth Return, Platform supporting scientific research, and/or in-space manufacturing, with no crew capabilities. The platform is launched fully assembled, remains in orbit until mission is completed, then all, or a part of the platform, reenters and lands. For example, ESA Space Rider, Varda Space, X-37.
- By extensibility
- Monolithic
- Modular
- By orbital duration without resupply
- Greater than 1 year
- 6 to 12 months
- Less than 6 months
- By altitude/orbit
- By reusability
- No reusability
- Partial reusability
- Fully reusable
- By operator
- Government civil
- Government military
- Multi-national collaboration
- Private
- By crew size supported
- Very large (greater than 25)
- Large (7 to 25)
- Medium (4 to 7)
- Small (1 to 3)
- Autonomous (no support for crew)
- By specific applications supported
- Research and development
- Remote sensing
- Additive manufacturing
- Satellite deployment
- STEM education
- Sponsored events
- Sporting events
- Exotic fiber optics
- Feature films/documentaries
- Non-terrestrial resources
- Bioprinted materials
- Large structure assembly
- Satellite assembly
- Satellite servicing
- High quality machine parts
- Deep space mission prototype
- Marketing
- Tourism
- Non-US government astronauts
- US government astronauts
- Thin film products
This article will be updated as new information is available.