Habitat

Habitats are enormous, entirely self-sustaining space colonies designed to closely simulate planetside conditions.

Construction

Habitats usually, though not exclusively, take the form of a large, hollow cylinder affixed to a wheel three times its diameter. The surface area inside the habitat is two thirds livable space and one third hyperglass window (this is called the habitat's sunroof). The Habitat is also arrayed with large, repositionable solar panels which serve two purposes:

They reflect sunlight through the sunroof of the habitat to simulate a standard day/night cycle
The solar power generated by these panels is the primary source of energy for the habitat

An artificially intelligent system monitors the rotation of the Habitat and position of the solar panels. The centrifugal force of the habitat’s rotation provides for artificial gravity, though this simulated gravity is weaker than what you would find on most terrestrial worlds. There is a distinct lack of gravity in the operations centers on the habitat’s endcaps, and on the wheel and spokes leading to it.

Waste Management

Recycling is an important industry on habitats. Most garbage can be converted into useable materials. Many habitats have taken to employing robots called WasteLifters to collect discarded waste,

Zoning

Zoning in habitats is strictly regulated, usually by a governing body appointed specifically for such duties. Habitat ecosystems are very delicately balanced. For this reason, it is almost impossible to use undeveloped land for commercial or industrial purposes (though extremely affluent organizations do get away with this on occasion).