Interesting...watch it come together.http://i.usatoday.net/tech/graphics/iss_timeline/flash.htmRoger

Interesting...watch it come together.http://i.usatoday.net/tech/graphics/iss_timeline/flash.htmRoger

Really enjoyed that, thanks for sharing!-John

Although interesting, it is also puzzling that they'd choose such a "Transformer's" approach. Constructing a central hub with spokes added would have allowed for the eventual construction of a wheel... :(

The PIR looks like a big hand grenade. That's reassuring, since it is otherwise bereft of weaponry, particularly the laser gun towers along the trench Luke Skywalker is supposed to fly down to drop a bomb in the exhaust port. When is it due to fire at Alderaan?Al

Although interesting, it is also puzzling that they'd choose such a "Transformer's" approach. Constructing a central hub with spokes added would have allowed for the eventual construction of a wheel... :(

The added stress for that would have required stronger and heavier structures. Since much of the station's purpose is microgravity research, such a simulation of gravity for the crew's comfort would be counter productive. If more comfortable living quarters will be required in the future it would probably be easier and less expensive to build entirely new modules on the ground with more advanced life support equipment (oxygen supply, carbon dioxide removal, temperature control, water recycling etc) already installed.I suspect docking more than two spacecraft to a rotating station would lead to some complications. With a six person crew two Soyuz spacecraft (three seats each) need to be docked at the station for emergency evacuation purposes. Additional docking ports would be needed for supply ships. A rotating station might require a nearby material and personnel staging station and a short range shuttle between the staging station and the larger rotating station.I suspect the structure, propulsion and life support equipment in the Russian modules are similar to those in the earlier Mir station.

The added stress for that would have required stronger and heavier structures. Since much of the station's purpose is microgravity research, such a simulation of gravity for the crew's comfort would be counter productive.

Well, I did state "eventual..." The design could have been much cleaner and modular. Instead, it looks like it was designed by a committee who didn't spend a lot of time talking to each other... :(