Space dock

[1] 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.

In the wake of the disaster, NASA improvised repairs to shuttles while in flight,[3] a procedure which would have been much easier with a dedicated orbital facility.

Such science fiction settings as Star Wars, Babylon 5, the Honorverse[9] and the Foundation series mention or allude substantially to such facilities.

Space docks of varying styles and sizes have made a number of appearances in the Star Trek science fiction universe.

[11] These were huge orbital command installations incorporating internal space docks that could be completely enclosed—starships could enter through bay doors to receive supplies or maintenance.

[12] The Earth Spacedock would go on to make appearances in later movies and in The Next Generation–era trilogy of seven season shows (The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager).

During the events of the movie A Call to Arms, the Excalibur and the Victory were shown in the dry dock facilities in which they were constructed.