# space laboratory

> crewed spacecraft which focuses on research and experiments

**Wikidata**: [Q1471432](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1471432)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/space-laboratory

## Summary
A space laboratory is a crewed spacecraft specifically designed to focus on research and experiments in outer space. It serves as an orbital platform where humans can conduct scientific investigations and technological development. These facilities are often considered synonymous with or a type of space station.

## Key Facts
*   A space laboratory is a crewed spacecraft that focuses on research and experiments.
*   It is classified as a subclass of both "crewed spacecraft" and "laboratory."
*   Space laboratories are located in outer space.
*   Common aliases include "orbital laboratory," "Weltraumlabor," and "Weltraumlaboratorium."
*   The concept is said to be the same as a "space station."
*   An example image associated with space laboratories is `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Spacehab_S107e05359.jpg`.
*   It has a GND ID of `4124031-5` and a Google Knowledge Graph ID of `/g/120yxbtb`.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a space laboratory?
A: A space laboratory is a crewed spacecraft primarily dedicated to conducting research and experiments. It provides a unique environment in outer space for scientific study and technological advancement.

### Q: Where are space laboratories located?
A: Space laboratories are located in outer space, typically in Earth orbit, though future plans include locations like lunar orbit.

### Q: Are space laboratories the same as space stations?
A: Yes, the term "space laboratory" is often considered to be the same as or synonymous with a "space station," particularly when referring to stations designed for scientific research.

### Q: What are some other names for a space laboratory?
A: Other names or aliases for a space laboratory include "orbital laboratory," "Weltraumlabor," and "Weltraumlaboratorium."

## Why It Matters
Space laboratories are crucial for advancing human understanding of the universe, our planet, and the effects of space on living organisms and materials. By providing a sustained, crewed presence in outer space, these facilities enable long-duration experiments and observations that are impossible to conduct on Earth. They serve as unique platforms for scientific discovery, technological innovation, and the development of capabilities necessary for future space exploration, such as human missions to the Moon and Mars. Historical examples like Skylab, Salyut, Mir, and the International Space Station, along with planned facilities like the Lunar Gateway and the Tiangong space station, underscore their fundamental role in expanding the frontiers of science and human endeavor beyond Earth. The research conducted within these laboratories contributes to breakthroughs in medicine, materials science, physics, and planetary sciences, ultimately benefiting life on Earth.

## Notable For
*   Serving as a dedicated, crewed platform for scientific research and experiments in the unique environment of outer space.
*   Often being considered synonymous with or a specific type of space station, emphasizing its primary function as a laboratory.
*   Enabling long-duration human presence in orbit to conduct complex scientific investigations and technological development.
*   Being implemented in various forms, from modular components like Spacelab to full-fledged orbital complexes such as Skylab, Mir, and the International Space Station.

## Body

### Definition and Purpose
A space laboratory is defined as a crewed spacecraft specifically designed to focus on research and experiments. Its primary purpose is to provide a facility in outer space where astronauts and scientists can conduct scientific investigations, test new technologies, and gather data in a microgravity environment or other conditions unique to space.

### Classification and Characteristics
Space laboratories are classified as a subclass of both "crewed spacecraft" and "laboratory." This classification highlights their dual nature as vehicles capable of carrying humans and as dedicated scientific facilities. They are located in outer space. The term "space laboratory" is often considered to be the same as a "space station," particularly when the station's primary function is research.

### Aliases and Identifiers
The entity is known by several aliases, including "orbital laboratory," "Weltraumlabor," and "Weltraumlaboratorium." It has various identifiers across different knowledge bases:
*   **GND ID**: `4124031-5`
*   **Quora Topic**: `Space-Lab`
*   **BBC Things ID**: `478981da-7123-4bc8-9c31-bb3afce6dabe`
*   **ScienceDirect Topic IDs**: `earth-and-planetary-sciences/space-laboratory`, `physics-and-astronomy/space-laboratories`
*   **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: `/g/120yxbtb`
*   **Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition) ID**: `122264`

### Related Entities and Examples
Many historical and planned entities exemplify the concept of a space laboratory:
*   **Spacelab**: A laboratory module flown on the Space Shuttle.
*   **Skylab**: A space station launched and operated by NASA.
*   **Salyut 1**: The first space station launched by the Soviet Union.
*   **Salyut 4**: A Salyut space station launched on December 26, 1974.
*   **Mir**: A modular space station in low Earth orbit from 1986–2001, operated by the Soviet Union and later Russia.
*   **International Space Station (ISS)**: A modular space station in low Earth orbit, with its inception on November 20, 1998.
*   **Tiangong-1**: A Chinese prototype space station in orbit from 2011 to 2018.
*   **Tiangong-2**: A former Chinese space station.
*   **Tiangong space station**: The current Chinese space station in low Earth orbit, with inception on April 29, 2021.
*   **Lunar Gateway**: A planned lunar international space station, expected to be incepted in 2027.
*   **Space Station Freedom**: A proposed American space station, which was a predecessor to the International Space Station.
*   **Spacehab**: A family of research and storage modules flown on the Space Shuttle.

### Visual Representation
An image associated with space laboratories is available at `https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Spacehab_S107e05359.jpg`.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "space laboratory",
  "description": "crewed spacecraft which focuses on research and experiments",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q486510"
  ],
  "additionalType": [
    "https://schema.org/Laboratory",
    "https://schema.org/Spacecraft"
  ],
  "image": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Spacehab_S107e05359.jpg"
}

## References

1. BBC Things