Space Stations

Space stations, spaceports or starports are facilities designed to provide services such as refueling, maintenance, equipment and modification to spacecraft; as well as serve as a safe harbor. They can also allow commodity trading, bulletin board or security interactions.

Space stations can be found almost anywhere humanity establishes a permanent residence. Almost all settlements, ranging in size from the largest metropolises to the smallest scientific outposts, rely on space stations for conducting spaceflight and maintaining logistic operations essential for survival, economic growth or other more specific tasks.

Stations usually hold varying amounts of different commodities in storage, determined by (and also as an indication of) the dominant economic activity of the system they are in. Abundant commodities can be bought for a lower price than the galactic average, and commodities the station (or rather, the star system) is in need of can be sold for higher than the galactic average. This is usually seen as a great opportunity to make cash by freelancing pilots across the inhabited space. Apart from that, stations also pay pilots who might be willing to carry away the waste material generated by the population.

Space stations also provide a platform for crew members to find jobs aboard ships visiting the station. Ship commanders may get in contact with crew members looking for employment and ask them to sit for an evaluation test before deciding to hire them or not.

Space stations are expensive assets with great strategic value, and are almost always constructed and administered by star system governments. Most -if not all- stations are protected by some sort of armed and independently spaceflight-capable police force; and even without external protection, they can survive most environmental threats or deliberate attacks.

Although it might not be the traditional usage, in Pioneer universe, ground spaceports are also commonly referred to as stations.

Ground Stations

Ground stations are constructed on the surface of terrestrial bodies, and usually nearby population centers to which they serve as a gateway to the rest of the civilization. As of 12.10.3220, there are two types of known ground stations.

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Orbital Stations

The common types of orbital stations used throughout the inhabited space can be regarded as flying cities. These ring shaped structures spin around a central axis in order to create an artificial gravity environment - some even with multiple levels. The landing pads are located in a central cavity, which makes it easier and safer for pilots approach and dock.

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