uberhund":1w1fwc45 said:
For this, and other reasons, long term space flight for intelligent life is not possible.
It could easily be done with simple Modules, you could even have different gravity levels reachable by elevators with sound effects. Identical Modules, used as every component in the system, each Module consists of two Segments locked together over a filament wound Tube, Tubes vary in winding material, but are generally interchangeable, stainless steel windings are used on Modules carrying Hydrogen as an example.
Segments are multiple iteration of the same thing, everything is a mirror image, mating to another Segment. Smaller, but identical, Docking Adapters at the ends on a Segment allow docking to any other Docking Adapter, of the same diameter. By modifying the basic end adapter, either open or closed you could have multiple Segment Modules, though two Segment Modules will be Standard three or four have practical uses in First and Second Stages, and some orbital applications, though I stick to single Modules for added safety in numbers.
So basically you have a single piece, milled and drilled, ring of metal that gets an outer resin and composite covering, identical to every other pieces made, except, the design of the ring stays the same, only the diameter changes. A standard Modules uses two identical Segments mated over a single piece Tube, Each Segment has two end Adapters, one open and one closed, add an Adapter open on both ends and you have a longer Module, four smaller Adapters in the center, allow hatches for human transfer, structural integrity or any other use by switching the vault type hatch for one fitted for other uses.
Modules can be upper stage propellant tanks and go on to be Mars transfer Modules, or added space in a Station.