space station: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Scientific, Technical
Quick answer
What does “space station” mean?
A large artificial satellite designed for long-term human habitation and scientific research in space, orbiting Earth or another celestial body.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large artificial satellite designed for long-term human habitation and scientific research in space, orbiting Earth or another celestial body.
In science fiction, any large, permanent structure in space serving as a habitat or base, regardless of its orbit or function.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences. Spelling of related terms may differ (e.g., centre/center on the space station).
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both scientific and general contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “space station” in a Sentence
[V] the space station (e.g., build, maintain)[V] on/aboard/at the space station (e.g., live, work)[V] to/from the space station (e.g., travel, send)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of commercial spaceflight, investment, and tourism (e.g., 'The company plans to build a commercial space station.')
Academic
Central in astrophysics, engineering, and space science literature discussing human space exploration.
Everyday
Used in news about astronauts, space missions, and science fiction discussions.
Technical
Precise term in aerospace engineering and mission planning, specifying modules, orbits, and life support systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “space station”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “space station”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “space station”
- Using it as a mass noun (e.g., 'We travelled to space station.' - missing article).
- Confusing with 'space shuttle' (a transport vehicle) or 'spacecraft' (a general term).
- Spelling as one word 'spacestation'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun written as two separate words.
All space stations are satellites, but not all satellites are space stations. A space station is specifically designed for human habitation, while most satellites are unmanned.
Yes, especially in sci-fi contexts, it can refer to any large, habitable structure in space, like 'Death Star' or 'Deep Space Nine'.
The International Space Station (ISS) is the most famous and largest space station in operation.
A large artificial satellite designed for long-term human habitation and scientific research in space, orbiting Earth or another celestial body.
Space station is usually formal, scientific, technical in register.
Space station: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs ˌsteɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspeɪs ˌsteɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Living in a space station (extreme isolation or a confined, high-tech environment)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a train STATION, but in SPACE. It's a place where spacecraft 'stop' and people live and work.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HOUSE/SHIP in the void: It is conceptualised as a protective container (against the vacuum), a vehicle (moving through orbit), and a home (for its crew).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a space station?