The biggest space station in science fiction is a massive, sprawling complex that serves as the characters’ home and base of operations.
It’s usually a key location in the plot, and it’s full of high-tech gadgetry and advanced weaponry. This space station is typically manned by a large crew and includes all of the comforts of home, such as restaurants, shops, and recreation facilities.
Mothership (ID4) Independence Day
Mothership (ID4) – Independence Day: The Mothership in the 1996 blockbuster “Independence Day” epitomizes the archetype of an imposing alien command center. Nearly 600 kilometers in length, this vessel houses an extraterrestrial race known as the Harvesters, bent on Earth’s destruction for its resources. The film, directed by Roland Emmerich, centers around humanity’s struggle to fend off this catastrophic invasion, culminating in a daring counterattack on July 4th, a thematic nod to American Independence. The Mothership, with its staggering scale and role as the hub for the alien assault, underscores the film’s exploration of themes of unity and resilience in the face of existential threats.
| Size | 600 kilometers |
Space station Elysium
In the 2013 film Elysium, directed by Neill Blomkamp, the eponymous space station represents the pinnacle of luxury and technological advancement, set against a dystopian Earth plagued by overpopulation, pollution, and disease. With a diameter of 60 kilometers, Elysium is home to about one million inhabitants who enjoy an idyllic existence far removed from the hardships faced by the rest of humanity. The story explores themes of inequality, justice, and redemption, as characters from Earth, including the protagonist Max, embark on perilous journeys to breach the utopian enclave in search of salvation and equality. The narrative weaves a compelling tale of struggle, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go to secure a better life.
| Size | 60 kilometers |
Gundam cylindrical colony
The Gundam series introduces the cylindrical colony, a vast space habitat that embodies the peaceful coexistence and technological sophistication of humanity in space. Measuring 36 kilometers in length and 18 kilometers in diameter, these colonies are designed to house millions, offering a glimpse into a future where humanity thrives in the cosmos. The Gundam universe is rich with political intrigue, warfare, and the quest for independence, with the colonies often serving as battlegrounds for conflicts between Earth and space residents. This backdrop provides a nuanced exploration of human nature, war, and peace.
| Size | 36.0 km in length |
Cooper Station interstellar
Interstellar, a 2014 film directed by Christopher Nolan, presents Cooper Station as a beacon of hope for humanity’s future. This space station, 4.42 kilometers long, is part of humanity’s efforts to find a new home among the stars, escaping a dying Earth. The station’s design is inspired by the theoretical O’Neill cylinder, offering a self-sustaining environment for research and living. The plot of Interstellar navigates through themes of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of exploration, with Cooper Station symbolizing the culmination of human ingenuity and the desire to persevere against all odds.
| Size | 4.42 kilometers |
There are more, but this is what I found. I will continue to list more, and if you have any recommendations for this list, then email us.
