The Courtyard (n.)
Pronunciation: /ðə ˈkɔːtˌjɑːrd/
Etymology: The term "Courtyard" is derived from the Middle English "cour" (court) and "yard," originally referring to an enclosed area adjacent to a building. In this context, it has been adapted to describe a spacious, modular space station, suggesting an open, central area at the center or the structure. The definite article "The" emphasizes its singular, iconic status within space architecture.
Definition: A zero-g/micro-g space station designed using Stationships, a variant of the SpaceX Starship, characterized by its cross-shaped configuration composed of multiple cylindrical modules connected at a central hub. It requires eight launches for assembly and provides 16,000 cubic meters of cabin space, facilitating a microgravity environment for various space operations.
Origin: The concept of The Courtyard was introduced in a 2025 animation and post by KiwiThinker. This design reflects a modern interpretation of space station architecture, leveraging reusable spacecraft technology to enhance feasibility and cost-effectiveness of large-scale space habitation. It emerges amidst SpaceX's successful Starship launches in 2024 and 2025. The planned deorbit of the International Space Station in 2031, as announced by NASA in June 2025, has intensified the search for next-generation space stations, making designs like The Courtyard highly relevant.
Example: "The Courtyard, with its 16,000 cubic meters of cabin space, offers a versatile platform for future space research, constructed efficiently with just eight launches of Stationships."
Related terms: Stationships, SpaceX Starship, modular space station, micro-g, zero-g.
