Ruimteplatforms

Ruimteplatforms, or space platforms, are large structures built in orbit that serve a variety of purposes such as scientific research, telecommunications, Earth observation, and as bases for future deep‑space exploration. They are typically assembled from multiple modules, either launched together or constructed in space using robotic or manual assembly techniques. The most well‑known example of a space platform is the International Space Station, which has been in continuous human occupancy since 2000 and hosts more than a hundred scientific experiments each year. In addition to the ISS, other space platforms include China's Tiangong space station, the European Space Agency’s platform modules for Earth observation, and a growing number of commercial platforms operated by companies such as SpaceX, Telesat, and OneWeb for satellite constellation maintenance and data relay.

Space platforms offer distinct advantages over satellite terminals on Earth. Their high altitude and stable orbit allow for improved signal coverage and reduced latency for communication services. They provide a protected environment for sensitive scientific instruments, shielding them from atmospheric drag and radiation. They can also act as staging points for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, reducing launch costs by allowing spacecraft to hitch a ride to intermediate destinations.

The construction and operation of ruimteplatforms involve a mix of advanced technologies, including autonomous robotic assembly, 3D printing of structural components, and sophisticated docking and berthing systems. Funding for research and development is typically shared among international partners, and many programmes are coordinated through agencies such as NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, CNSA, and private industry. As technology evolves, smaller modular platforms are being designed to support a wider range of missions, from space‑based manufacturing to asteroid sample‑return programs.