Quoting Juan .
This laughs in the face of aerodynamics, which instantly makes it a winner in my book.
Thanks! (to all!) Aerodynamics are of no use in space, where there is no atmosphere. Many ppl seem to forget that, and make beautifully streamlined "space-planes" ;-)
-And the "rings" are very strong and stable!
(The rings are actually the force-field generators, and the communications-antenas must extend beyond the shield, as no communication can penetrate it.)