Two possibilities come to mind: (1) the use of multi-body spacecraft systems, e.g. space stations or shuttle skylabs employing subsatellites and/or passive balloons. (2) the use of cluster system of several small satellites of different size, geometry and surface material.1972, Israel Journal of Technology - Volume 10, page 188:
Two aspects of altered immunity must be dealt with before man can exist for extended periods in space capsules, skylabs, or sealabs.1973, Aerospace Medicine - Volume 44, Issues 5-8, page 624:
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What are the scientists up to, apart from perfecting impenetrable food packaging and orbiting skylabs?1973, Institute of Bankers (Great Britain), Journal of the Institute of Bankers - Volumes 94-95, page 252:
With the growing possibility of a global nuclear accident, untold genetic defects, falling skylabs, and the unleasing of powers science cannot control people are once more “off center.”1981, William J. Bausch, The Christian Parish: Whispers of the Risen Christ, page 51:
When asked whether China will launch its own skylabs and space shuttles, Shen Rongjun said: "The ultimate purpose of aerospace technology is to send people into space. […] "1986, Daily Report: China - Issues 108-116:
Related terms
Skylab
skylab
noun
Etymology From Cebuano skylab, from English Skylab, from its crude resemblance in shape to the space station.
1
Philippines A motorcycle taxi with extension seats on the sides, configured by placing a wooden beam across the pillion.
At the very beginning of my time in Lake Sebu the jeepneys coming from the lowland would go until Lëm-Delag. Later on, the barangay officials decided that only skylabs were allowed to carry passengers to Lëm-Delag.2003, Karl Aanonsen, Sunggud is Our Business, page 55:
Parked by its ancestor the ox cart, skylabs are the only public transit in this Sakhon Nakhon village.2005, Philip Cornwel-Smith, John Goss, Very Thai: Everyday Popular Culture, page 46:
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In the town of Mongkayo skylabs are designed to hold as many as a dozen passengers.2006, Robin Hemley, Invented Eden: The Elusive, Disputed History of the Tasaday, page 124: