It's happened before...

[elmayerle]

I'm not totally certain, but I think that the solar arrays on the ISS could be retractable, not folded but just re-stowed, but it would be time consuming given their scale (those boxes that contain their orientation drives? They are 5' x 5' x5' pieces of forged aluminum that are then carefully machined to handle expected loads while minimizing weight).

[Silver Fox]

I suspect you may be right.

I decided that I wanted to reveal (sorta) that the Rising Star wasn't really a station... it's actually the prototype of the Chines long-duration ship. It's actually designed in a more compact form that can fold it's wings and thrust for Mars or the Moon. Probably more cramped than other stations... but it would offer one hell of a lot of capability once it arrived.

Send it unmanned, with a high-energy manned mission to follow. I recall mission discussions that were based on sending infrastructure ahead.

[elmayerle]

I suspect you may be right.

I decided that I wanted to reveal (sorta) that the Rising Star wasn't really a station... it's actually the prototype of the Chines long-duration ship. It's actually designed in a more compact form that can fold it's wings and thrust for Mars or the Moon. Probably more cramped than other stations... but it would offer one hell of a lot of capability once it arrived.

Send it unmanned, with a high-energy manned mission to follow. I recall mission discussions that were based on sending infrastructure ahead.

That would be a good way to test out such a ship, operate it as a station first and get the life-support, communications, et al. systems sorted out while you're close enough to get help quickly; then boost it for its destination, with or without crew on board.  I seem to remember reading those same discussions and it makes sense.

[Alvis 3.1]

Wow, that was amazing! Truly a great crossover connection between the two universes!

Alvis 3.1

[GTX_Admin]

Ok that's freaky!  I thought there might have been a Battlestar twist!

Here's your reward...

[Silver Fox]

Oooh!

Where can I collect my prize? :)

[mrvr6]

yup i would repeatedly!