How do you build your space station?

[Sully805]

I send up one module at a time. Of course starting with the core and just building out. I don't have a set layout, I just wing it. But I usually overdo it with the scale and way too many solar panels. But better to have too much than too little I guess.

[Pecan]

Chapter 7 of the tutorial in the signature. Get the PDF download for the updated version.

[Alshain]

I send modules one at a time, but sometimes I group them. On my stations I like to make a "docking ring" of sorts by using fuselage pieces to extend the docks away from the station for clearance (especially with planes). Picture below: in this case all 4 of those docking modules were sent up in a single rocket using a Stack Quad-Adapter. Those ridiculously large solar arrays (this was an early station, I know better now) were delivered the same way.

[dryer_lint]

I usually plan out the first few parts but make a flexible design. Once the core is done (command pods, habitation, power, maybe an engine) then I'll start getting creative.

It's mass relay time!

[theend3r]

My stations are usually so large that building them in VAB all at once is impossible (without mods). But with some good planning you don't even need to. And sometimes I just add things until the lag becomes unbearable.

[Rolanvorxariat]

i draw large diagrams for all of m modular creations on paper.

here is my International Kerbin Orbital Space Research Facility (IKORS)

my Braun Duna transfer vehicle

The Tsiolkerbsky Dunilly Orbitalny Kerabyl

^(coming later)

[Janos1986]

I usually throw random stuff with docking ports in orbit and connect them as it goes.

[Coam]

I've not yet found a use for a massive station (maybe that will change as I get further away from Kerbin), so every station I've made so far has been assembled entirely on the ground then orbited in a single launch.

I'd likely always mount an additional docking port to larger stations to allow for future unforeseen expansion.

Edited January 22, 2015 by Coam

[KerbMav]

For the first station contract I just built something like the Saljut, a simple cylinder containig everything the contract asked for.

When I get to build MY station, I usually begin by building the whole thing in the VAB, then go on to modulize it by adding docking ports and afterwards I reduce the part count wherever possible without loosing to much of my intended design.

[merendel]

I usualy build a core module with all the critical components first. Orange tank, science lab, a probe core and reaction wheels and a fair few batteries and solar pannles and docking ports. Frequently a pair of mark 55 radials will be on this module to finish the circularization and/or if the station needs to be somewhat mobile. Beyond that I just send up additional modules as needed for whatever I wanted the station for. Extra fuel tanks if I want a fuel depot. Dependong on the modset for that install there may be habitation, shipyard, refinery, manufacturing, or research modules sent up and attached. First additional module will go up with a docking drone added on that will handle docking manuvers for it an any future modules so I dont need redundant parts.

[StarStreak2109]

I am currently planning a larger project, for which an integral part will be a larger space station. This space station shall fulfill the following roles:

a) Generate Science

Serve as staging for interplanetary / munar missions

c) Refuel vessels

I am right now in the process of designing a rocket being able to lift the individual modules, starting with a core section (basically some fuel and monoprop, batteries and some solar panels, a command facility and habitation). This has usually ample docking space.

Then I follow with what I call a "logistics truss", which is a long octagonal truss section equipped with large solar panels, radiators and docking ports for fuel tanks.

Finally, on the other side, I am adding the science modules, and maybe as the need arises further docking facilities.

For building my stations I usually use the KSO modules.

Regards,

Sebastian

[Axelord FTW]

I've not yet found a use for a massive station (maybe that will change as I get further away from Kerbin), so every station I've made so far has been assembled entirely on the ground then orbited in a single launch.

At one point, I was really trying to get huge ships going.

Although more cost efficient, I've found out that launching long range missions in parts is more fun and interesting (not to mention easier on the FPS).

A three ship mission to Jool is real fun.

A) A main long-range probe relay and maybe two dozen omni-antenna probe relays tacked on.

A main crew vehicle with a science lab.

C) Utility ship, which include a low gravity lander, an atmo probe or two for Laythe and Jool each, a high gravity lander for Tylo and some extra resources like fuel and monoprop.

Sometime I might even split C into two.

[DunaRocketeer]

At one point, I was really trying to get huge ships going.

Although more cost efficient, I've found out that launching long range missions in parts is more fun and interesting (not to mention easier on the FPS).

A three ship mission to Jool is real fun.

A) A main long-range probe relay and maybe two dozen omni-antenna probe relays tacked on.

A main crew vehicle with a science lab.

C) Utility ship, which include a low gravity lander, an atmo probe or two for Laythe and Jool each, a high gravity lander for Tylo and some extra resources like fuel and monoprop.

Sometime I might even split C into two.

Ooh I like the sound of that, I think my next ambitious interplanetary missions will go like this

My stations all have similiar capabilties, but the layouts alter. They all need a Hab, Lab, Cupola, Truss with solar panels, batteries etc, Fuel/resources, escape pods, module assembly tug.

Edited January 22, 2015 by DunaRocketeer

[Aragosnat]

Send the up in pieces. How many depends on what I'm planning for it.

Planning on having a station with a shuttle that transfers Kerbals and fuel to keep my part count below 400. Think I start to lag around 400-500? Better then the 200 part count I was at before.

[bonyetty]

I usually just wing it when building space stations. I have a working shuttle and Soyuz now in 0.90 sandbox and am putting together a replica of the ISS. Next flight the Tranquility modual. It's great for learning all the parts of the station and gives a much better feel for the 3D shape of it too. Really enjoying it.

[Rath]

Step 1: put up a 12 part core with no crew

Step 2: call it KISS (kerbal international space station)

Step 3: make it massive and laggy

step 4: wait for 1.0

[drake000666]

Wing it for small stations but for something like the ISS I made sure everything would fit and I would not miss anything.

Edited April 2, 2015 by drake000666

[TimePeriod]

I try to make it as compact as possible, with the least number of parts, clever designs to reduce costs and extensive use of SRBS to get that sucker into the air.

[nightingale]

With ROCKS.

To actually answer OP, I much prefer winging it.

[Sampa]

I do a little bit of both! Initially, it is all planned out as far as order launch order is concerned. After all of the basic parts are available and docked...Then I just wing it. also, when deciding where each part should go..that is also winging it

- - - Updated - - -

Wing it for small stations but for something like the ISS I made sure everything would fit and I would not miss anything.

http://i.imgur.com/duaFD9W.png

http://i.imgur.com/AKq9sYO.png

How did you manage to get that RM Arm up to that thing? and How did you attach it to the station?

[Asharad]

Just send something up, like a core piece with lots of docking port, then just build things as you go and link modules together later on?

Exactly

[Slam_Jones]

While not recommended or strictly necessary in any capacity, I find my "Hobo Station" to be quite amusing.

Basically, just send pods up and connect em with KAS when they're close enough. Bonus points if it looks like a rat's nest.

I think I did this in 6.4x Kerbin, too...

[SmashingKirby148]

Actually, I do it a completely different way. I send all the pieces up at once, attached in a way so it is balanced. Then in space, I arrange the parts.

- - - Updated - - -

With ROCKS.

http://i.imgur.com/icAB0w5.png

To actually answer OP, I much prefer winging it.

Oh my lord that's awesome. XD

[Jumpyyoza]

I just launch the core and then over the course of the day imagine how I am going to design the other modules and where they should go and then do it. It works!

[Francois424]

Usually, for solidity's sake I try to make my modules as large as humanly (lag-free) possible, and make sure they are properly strutted. Sometime it's not for solidity or for struts, but rater for alignment (you don't want to dock 10times to get that magical alignment with all the pieces).

So I will likely Have the center module (in the case of a Cross section type station) feature the North-South axis, then have 2 other launches for the west wing, and the east wing (with solar panels aligned and all of that. You also save lots of time in launches and docking processes doing it in huge chunks. At least that's how I do the big stations.

Also I will build the whole thing all linked together in the VAB, then cut it using the sub-assemblies. That way I am SURE everything fits well together, and I don't suddenly find myself not having enough space to slide the middle piece in between the other modules (yes it has happened in the past and it was aggravating. Lesson well learnt).