What describes a space station?

• A. A telescope used for deep-space observation.
• B. A spacecraft that travels between planets quickly.
• C. A natural object that orbits Earth.
• D. An orbiting spacecraft with living quarters and life-support for extended stays.

Answer: (D)

A space station is an artificial habitat that stays in orbit around Earth (or another body) and is equipped with living quarters and life-support systems so people can live and work there for extended periods. That description matches an orbiting spacecraft designed for continuous occupancy, research, and long-term missions. The other options describe different things: a telescope is a device for observing distant objects, not a habitat; a spacecraft built for fast travel between planets is meant for transport, not extended occupancy in orbit; a natural object that orbits Earth is a moon or other natural satellite, not a human-made habitat.