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A space dock is a (currently fictional) type of 'dry dock' for spaceships or starships, which would most likely be located in a low planetary orbit. However, concept work has been undertaken on real space dock facilities that could be built with current technology. In both real-world as well as fictional use, they provide dedicated facilities to repair or build spacecraft, bypassing the need to lift materials from a gravity well (or allowing these materials to be lifted in smaller, more manageable loads), respectively avoiding the need for an existing spacecraft to make a planetary landing for maintenance. ==Real world== Space docks, as part of a wider space logistics infrastructure, are considered a relevant part of a true space-faring society. Scientists of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics have proposed that future, near-term LEO space facilities should include "a large space dock making possible the on-orbit assembly and maintenance of large space facilities, space platforms, and spacecraft" (see image for design concept). A space dock / hangar could also allow enclosed (and possibly pressurized) maintenance of smaller spacecraft and space planes, though the construction of non-atmospheric spacecraft and other space facilities is envisaged as its main use.〔(Architecting Rapid Growth in Space Logistics Capabilities )'' - Snead, James Michael; American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2004)〕 The structural strength of such a more advanced hangar would primarily be based on the internal atmospheric pressure that would have to be sustained for shirt-sleeve operations, thus enabling routine servicing and assembly in space.〔''(Near-Term Manned Space Logistics Operations )'' - ''Air & Space Power Journal, 31 August 2005〕 The use for orbital maintenance could be especially critical for damaged atmospheric spacecraft, which are at great risk during reentry into the atmosphere, as was shown during the ''Columbia'' disaster. In the wake of the disaster, NASA improvised repairs to shuttles while in flight,〔''(NASA ponders second repair in space )'' - ''CNN.com'', Thursday 4 August 2005〕 a procedure which would have been much easier with a dedicated orbital facility. The use of a major space dock as a construction facility would also be required for the construction of an interstellar colonization starship built with current or near-term technology.〔''(Prospects for Interstellar Starship Design Based on Current Technologies )'' (.DOC) - Gourley, Jim; United States Air Force Academy, paper for 2001 CSGC Undergraduate Space Research Symposium of the Colorado Space Grant Consortium〕 Future Ares V missions for example could serve to cost-effectively transport construction materials for future spacecraft and space exploration missions,〔Please refer to Vision for Space Exploration#Outline.〕 delivering raw materials to a Moon-based space dock positioned as a counterweight〔Please refer to Space elevator#Counterweight.〕 to a Moon-based space elevator.〔Please refer to Space elevator#Extraterrestrial elevators.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Space dock」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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