Re: size of ships...

Date sent:  18-DEC-1996 08:39:58 

>Spheres have "wasted space" near the hulls. Imagine a corridor ending
in a
>picture window.

Not true, unless you have artificial gravity. Note also that in many
rooms,
the corners are wasted space anyway.

In zero G, the curved surface would be floor walls AND ceiling. A
difficult
concept to grasp I know. But once there is no UP, architecture takes on
a
whole different shape.

A sphere is the best shape simply because it is the best to hold in an 
atmosphere. Currently tubes are popular for the same reason, but they
are easier (and cheaper) to manufacture. Of course systems other than
life
support could be bolted on the outside of the sphere to make any shape
you 
like.

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