> Shielding from radiation requires large barriers. So you need to spend most time in a relatively small quarters guarded by large mass barriers
The amount of shielding needed is squared every time you increase the amount of living space by the third power. All that means is that whenever people manage to live on space, they will live on something huge, not a station like the one on the movie. The most stupid way to do it is by creating small quarters on small stations.
Also, that's when near a star. If you are moving very fast away from one, your need for shielding will increase linearly every time you increase the living space by the third power. Making smaller ships even less viable, but large ones with plenty of space.
The amount of shielding needed is squared every time you increase the amount of living space by the third power. All that means is that whenever people manage to live on space, they will live on something huge, not a station like the one on the movie. The most stupid way to do it is by creating small quarters on small stations.
Also, that's when near a star. If you are moving very fast away from one, your need for shielding will increase linearly every time you increase the living space by the third power. Making smaller ships even less viable, but large ones with plenty of space.