Europe, Russia discuss 'orbital shipyard' plans

[Rick]

Space bigwigs in Russia and Europe are working on ambitious plans for an international space shipyard in orbit above the Earth, according to reports. The orbital shipyard would be used to assemble manned spacecraft capable of travelling to the Moon or Mars.

More: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/05/20/orbital_shipyard_discussions/

[doug]

     Science fiction starting to come true.  Remember Star Trek the Movie had a large shipyard in space, Rick??

[Rick]

Russia is making plans to detach and fly away its parts of the International Space Station when the time comes to de-orbit the rest of the outpost.

Industry officials told BBC News of plans to keep the Russian ISS modules flying around a decade from now.

ISS partners are optimistic they will be able to extend funding for the project beyond a current 2015 deadline.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8064060.stm